How do you build a mission-critical communication network for more than 5,000 power-distribution sites – operating in dusty desert heat by day and freezing temperatures by night? JEPCO chose RipEX.
https//www.racom.eu/eng/case/ripex-powers-a-5000-site-smart-grid-in-jordan
Challenge: A Robust, Scalable RF Network for Harsh Middle Eastern Conditions
The Jordanian Electric Power Company (JEPCO), founded in 1938, supplies electricity to around 66% of all consumers in Jordan. As demand grows, JEPCO invests heavily in future-proof infrastructure to support network reliability and operational efficiency.
Before selecting a communication platform, JEPCO required long, rigorous field tests to ensure the solution could meet several key challenges:
- Operation in extreme climate conditions, from sand-laden +50 °C heat to overnight frost
- Support for DNP3, the utility standard for SCADA
- Complex network topology with backup routes and multiple repeaters
- Reliable communication even in locations with difficult or limited infrastructure
- High scalability – the network is planned to exceed 5,000 sites
Solution: RipEX 160 MHz – Designed for Utility-Grade Reliability
After months of side-by-side testing, RipEX outperformed competing technologies in both technical performance and environmental resilience.
Why JEPCO chose RipEX:
- Exceptional RF performance in the 160 MHz band
- Full support for DNP3 out of the box
- Advanced diagnostics – powerful yet user-friendly
- Reliable operation in harsh Middle Eastern climate
- Ability to design redundant routes and multi-repeater paths
- Proven long-term stability in large-scale grid deployments
RipEX’s combination of robustness, intelligent routing options and diagnostic tools gave JEPCO the confidence needed for a nationwide rollout.
Results: A Scalable Smart Grid Foundation for 5,000+ Sites
This project will become one of the region’s largest modern RF utility networks.
JEPCO especially appreciates:
- Reliable performance in extreme heat and desert dust
- Strong resilience during overnight cold conditions
- RACOM’s professional support and engineering expertise
- The high stability of RipEX in challenging infrastructure locations
As the network expands toward 5,000 sites, RipEX will form the backbone of JEPCO’s smart-grid communication system – enabling secure, reliable and future-ready automation across Jordan’s power distribution network.
