To enhance grid resilience, utilities are integrating front-of-the-meter (FTM) microgrids into utility substations to address aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and growing distributed energy resources (DERs), requiring secure and high-availability substation communication networks that ensure seamless interoperability and reliable control.This application note presents a secure, high-availability communication network backbone designed for IEC 61850-based Substation Automation Systems (SAS), enabling seamless integration in remote and climate-vulnerable environments.

The solution features IEC 61850-3 compliant computing platforms and PRP/HSR Ethernet switches, combined with IEC 62443-4-2 certified security, to ensure uninterrupted control, and scalable, resilient microgrid operations. Discover how Moxa enables a secure, high availability substation communication network backbone for FTM microgrids, supporting resilient and future ready utility substation operations.