Swiss group ABB (www.abb.com) has won a contract to provide seamless wireless network connectivity to an industrial area of Durban, which is South Africa’s third-largest city (with more than 3 million people) as well as its busiest port.

Massimo Danieli, managing director of ABB’s Grid Automation business said that the high-capacity field-area network will “Physical security and cyber security are critical for utility communication networks, and ABB’s wireless routers are designed to cope with these challenges.

“The city has been able to quickly extend the field area network and connect more sub-stations and remote terminal units across an industrial area of around 16km2, while 80 wireless mesh routers have been installed, connecting 30 sub-stations across industrial complexes with more than 35 router nodes mounted on existing streetlights.

“This pioneering smart-city solution is an important reference for the African continent. Durban will benefit from increased connectivity and real-time visibility of its power network.

“Interconnecting things, services and people via the Internet improves data analysis, boosts productivity, enhances reliability, saves energy and costs, and generates new revenue opportunities through innovative business models.”