Home > Solutions > Gen4 Technology > 5 Cool Things

5 Cool Things about Gen4 Technology

Integrated Cellular Support

The Gen4 Communications Module is the first from Silver Spring to support an embedded cellular option. The modular architecture of Gen4 lets you select a number of options in configuring the Communications Module. The cellular option helps you connect to hard-to-reach meters, such as in meter rooms or rural areas, or support opt-in deployments. The option can also help connectivity choices in countries with limited RF spectrum.

So now you can use any transport, to easily reach hard-to-hear locations.

Micromesh™ Technology

Silver Spring’s cellular implementation includes a number of unique innovations, such as supporting both cellular and RF mesh on the same endpoint. That combination allows us to offer our Micromesh™ technology, in which a cellular Communications Module connects to nearby grid devices via RF mesh and acts as their take-out point for the WAN. With this innovative option, utilities can adapt the number of cellular connections they need based on topology, coverage, density, bandwidth requirements, pace of deployment, and many other complex project drivers. This unique combination of transports provides a cost-effective solution for reaching complex territories and makes it possible to integrate next-generation cellular technologies without creating stranded assets.

So now you can reach any territory, cost effectively.

300 kbps data rates

Silver Spring’s Gen4 platform supports data rates up to 300 kbps. The increased data rate results in lower latency, more usable bandwidth, and fewer collisions. These enhancements improve application performance – reducing response times for large-scale load-control programs, enhancing grid protection and control applications, and reducing the time required to propagate firmware changes throughout the AMI network, for example.

So now you can run any application, however demanding.

Gear shifting

Along with higher data rates, Gen4 technology also supports another unique Silver Spring innovation, Gear shifting, in which each endpoint dynamically adjusts its data rate to suit the environment. For example, in a network that combines both Gen4 and earlier Silver Spring equipment, the Gen4 devices will negotiate speeds on each link, ensuring backward compatibility. Gen4 devices can also adjust data rates to optimize between performance and range. Best of all, you get the optimal combination of speed and reach with no manual programming or tuning.

So now you can support any endpoint, with optimum performance.

Increased memory

Devices throughout the Silver Spring line will support increased memory. For example, Access Points, Relays, and Bridges will come standard with 32 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash. The increased memory, combined with faster performance, provides additional capacity for distributed intelligence, more sophisticated endpoints, and future smart grid applications.