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Testing private networks in energy infrastructures

Test, validate, and secure your utility’s connectivity

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Testing private LTE/5G networks in energy utilities

Energy utilities can run critical operational and informational technology (OT/IT) over a single dedicated private cellular network, supporting remote Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) links, teleprotection, distributed energy resource (DER) coordination or condition-based monitoring.

A private network keeps traffic separate from the public. That separation limits external access, makes it easier to keep data within required jurisdictions and to produce auditable logs. By using private base stations, small cells and edge computing, connectivity at remote substations and field sites is improved so faults can be detected, isolated and resolved more quickly.

Routine testing verifies the network delivers predictable low latency – very short transmission delays, and low jitter for consistent timing, together with strict quality of service (QoS) to prioritize time-sensitive control traffic and ensure reliable grid communications.

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Connectivity keeps the supply running

Connectivity is critical for energy utilities. It links field devices to base stations and carries operational data—from monitoring, control and security to maintenance and billing—into automated systems or to the teams responsible. This keeps energy infrastructure operational and enables automated workflows that maintain grid stability while reducing the need for manual intervention. Thorough validation of the mobile network ensures distributed systems remain synchronized, preserves deterministic behavior, and supports the high availability demanded by 24/7 grid operations.

Discover our complete mobile network testing portfolio

Coordinated workflows: aligning control centers, inspection crews and DER operators

A utility’s private network ties together control systems, personnel, and analytics platforms. These components must exchange timely, secure data to maintain service continuity. Disruptions impact operational safety, protective functions, maintenance, and business processes—with time-staged consequences ranging from "immediately critical" to "operationally and financially noticeable." These stakeholders benefit from an impeccably functioning private network:

Control center

Control center

Control centers operate around the clock to monitor and control the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, gas and district heating. Operators track network conditions in real time, pinpoint faults caused by storms or equipment failures, and trigger repairs digitally. Control centers also balance supply and demand to prevent blackouts. Loss of reliable connectivity reduces visibility that can impact supply stability.

Inspection car

Inspection crews

Inspection crews focus on inspecting the energy supply infrastructure and detecting damage early. Their objective is to find and document faults before they cause an outage. For example, lines are checked from the air with drones or thermal imaging cameras are used to detect overheated components.

Energy supply connectivity

Security teams

Security teams rely on private cellular networks. Many energy supply sites are widely distributed, making continuous wired connections impractical. Cellular connectivity therefore supports multiple applications like real time video monitoring of remote sites, electronic access control, or the operation of plant and emergency sensors.

End-to-end energy network infrastructure testing

Specialized system integrators and telecommunication providers handle the installation of your energy supply company. Rohde & Schwarz is the ideal partner for quality assurance, performance validation, and ongoing monitoring. We offer solutions across the entire network lifecycle:

  • Ongoing: Research and engineering: Regular interoperability checks are necessary to verify smooth interaction between the network and connected devices.
  • Phase 1: Rollout preparation: RF spectrum clearance, including targeted interference hunting and surrounding network surveys, must be executed before physical site deployment.
  • Phase 2: Acceptance testing: For site acceptance, passive RF and active tests are performed to tune network performance and confirm all required KPIs are met.
  • Phase 3: Performance and service-level verification: Agreed-upon KPIs are validated through a tiered monitoring system alongside proactive maintenance to identify potential issues early.
  • Phase 4: Troubleshooting and remediation: On-site testing is executed to rapidly identify, isolate, and resolve network issues.

Rohde & Schwarz: Specialized testing for energy communications

Rohde & Schwarz brings decades of RF and network test expertise to help utilities spot vulnerabilities before they affect your infrastructure operations. Deployable as stationary probes, vehicle-based surveys or portable field units, the solutions assess real-world performance across sites and long-haul links. Why our partners rely on us:

  • Guaranteed measurement accuracy: Critical energy infrastructures require demonstrable precision. We deliver certified, high-accuracy hardware, proven methodologies and traceable measurements that stand up to regulatory review.
  • Engineering for dedicated private network frequencies: We provide testing solutions for specialized frequency bands.
  • Data sovereignty, security, and supply reliability: As a German foundation company with manufacturing in Europe, Rohde & Schwarz ensures data sovereignty, strict confidentiality, and long-term supply availability.
  • Independence from vendors: Rohde & Schwarz provides vendor-neutral measurement and testing. Customers receive unbiased audits and acceptance reports that objectively verify promised performance from network equipment vendors.

Discover our portfolio for private network testing solutions

FAQs - Testing private networks in energy infrastructures

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