How do you build a resilient RF network for more than 10,000 power-distribution sites – in one of the world’s most interference-heavy environments? CFE chose RipEX.
https//www.racom.eu/ru/case/backbone-of-mexicos-nationwide-scada-network
Challenge: A World-Class Communication Backbone for Mexico’s Largest Utility
The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) is Mexico’s state-owned electric utility and one of the largest utilities in the Americas. In 2012, CFE launched a tender to modernize and standardize the radio communication backbone for its SCADA system covering the Mexico City metropolitan area.
Their slogan – “A World Class Company” – set the tone for a demanding specification that only allowed the world’s top manufacturers to participate.
CFE required a system that could:
- Operate reliably in heavy RF interference on pole-mounted equipment
- Also support underground installations
- Use two independent serial COM ports running DNP3 simultaneously
- Concentrate all data through Ethernet at the control centre
- Deliver proven long-term performance across tens of thousands of remote sites
- Ensure future scalability for Smartgrid applications
Solution: RipEX and RipEX-HS – the Only Technology Meeting All Tender Requirements
RACOM’s RipEX platform was shortlisted thanks to its global reputation for reliability – and ultimately became the only product to fully comply with CFE’s strict technical criteria.
Key reasons for selection:
- High resilience in extreme interference environments
- Two concurrent serial COM ports for dual DNP3 applications
- Advanced anti-collision radio protocol ensuring reliable communication
- High throughput with flexible serial and Ethernet architectures
- Robust mechanical design suitable for poles, cabinets and underground installations
- Availability of RipEX-HS for high-availability base stations
The RipEX-based architecture allowed CFE to unify RTU data acquisition and RTU management while maintaining secure Ethernet concentration at the dispatch centre.
Results: A Nationwide Rollout – Over 10,000 Units and Growing
The success of the first deployment led CFE to adopt RipEX far beyond Mexico City.
As of 2019:
- RipEX is used in 11 of CFE’s 16 divisions
- Over 10,000 RipEX units have been ordered
- RipEX is now embedded in CFE’s Smartgrid expansion plans
- Continuous deliveries support ongoing modernisation of legacy networks
CFE engineers value RipEX for:
- Outstanding reliability in hostile RF conditions
- Excellent performance on pole-mounted and underground sites
- High availability through RipEX-HS
- Proven ability to scale for nationwide Smartgrid upgrades
CFE’s long-term commitment is the strongest endorsement: RipEX has established itself as a best-in-class radio modemdelivering “best performance in any environment” – and a cornerstone of Mexico’s modern power-grid communication.
