How do you modernise the grid when the field cabinet is already full?
For European utilities, that practical challenge is part of a much bigger transformation: integrating more renewables, serving growing industrial and data centre demand, and strengthening cybersecurity—all while working with ageing infrastructure. The European Commission estimates that 40% of EU distribution grids are more than 40 years old.
Reliable network communications help operators meet these demands. They enable teams to monitor grid conditions, control equipment remotely and make better use of existing capacity.
At Enlit Europe 2026, Cisco will showcase live architectures based on real-world implementations across three areas of grid modernisation, from field cabinets to control centres.
1. Modernise distribution networks, and substations
Distribution automation helps utilities locate faults, isolate affected sections and restore service faster. That depends on reliable connections to remote terminal units (RTUs), ring main units (RMU) and reclosers.
The challenge? These assets often sit in cramped cabinets with limited power. When communications fail, operators lose visibility, and site visits can delay recovery and increase costs.
The new Cisco IR1000 Rugged Series Secure Routers are designed for these constraints:
- Fit connectivity into smaller spaces. Cisco’s smallest industrial router fits cabinets too small for the IR1101.
- Work within tight power budgets. Paired with the LTE and 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) module, the IR1000 can draw less than five watts at low data rates typical of SCADA traffic. Configurable sleep and power management modes can reduce consumption further.
- Combine routing and protection. Built-in firewall capability helps protect field communications without a separate appliance, reducing the space, power and maintenance requirements.
- Connect existing equipment. Serial interfaces and protocol translation support installed RTUs, while modular cellular options—including private LTE 450 MHz and 5G RedCap—help utilities match connectivity to coverage and operational needs.
- For field networks, you can manage IR1000 with Cisco Field Network Director, which helps teams deploy, configure, monitor and troubleshoot thousands of connections. Standard configurations and remote diagnostics simplify commissioning and reduce avoidable site visits, freeing engineers for work that requires their presence.
In substations, dependable communications must support protection and control while accommodating existing equipment and planned outage windows. Cisco rugged switching and routing, supported by Cisco Validated Designs, provide a foundation for IEC 61850 digital substations and emerging virtualised protection and control approaches.
The Cisco IE9300, IE3500, IR8300 and IR1101 provide secure connectivity for substation OT equipment, simplifying operational workflows help support an efficient and resilient grid.
Enable flexibility for renewables
As utilities integrate more distributed energy resources (DER), they need secure communications to connect and manage wind turbines, solar inverters and battery storage systems. These connections enable remote monitoring and authorised control, helping operators balance variable renewable generation with changing demand—including large loads from industrial sites and AI data centres.
2. Strengthen OT security and regulatory readiness
This increased connectivity, makes visibility and control more important.
Cisco Cyber Vision provides visibility into connected operational technology (OT) assets and their communications. It also enables network segmentation and zero trust remote access that helps protect critical assets as connectivity expands. Cyber Vision is included at no additional cost with the purchase of any IE3500 and IE9300 switch. These capabilities also help support regulatory readiness as utilities address applicable NIS2 obligations, requirements, and assess supplier product security under the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
Utilities are looking for a way to protect their networks and data from threat of quantum computing and the risk of harvest data now, decrypt later. The IR1000 Rugged Series ship quantum ready —providing protection for industrial networks today and beyond.
3. Simplify and automate the grid backbone
Utilities need secure connections from industrial edge routers to the network core. As they connect more substations, control centres and other grid assets, the backbone must grow while keeping day-to-day operations manageable. Teams need a consistent way to connect sites, deliver multiple services and see what is happening across the network.
Cisco 8000 Series routers, combined with Cisco Routed Optical Networking, can provide a high-capacity backbone that brings IP routing and optical transport together. This can simplify network design and operations while supporting more connected assets and new services.
Bring your utility challenges to Vienna
Whether you’re working with a crowded cabinet, planning substation upgrades or securing a growing network, bring your challenges to Cisco at Enlit Europe. Explore the options with our utilities specialists and discuss practical next steps for your grid.
10–12 November 2026 VIECON (Messe Wien), Vienna, Austria Hall A, Booth A.c60
Bring your questions about field connectivity, digital substations, OT security or renewables, and we’ll discuss the next step in your grid modernisation journey.
Learn more about our solutions for utilities.
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