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GET A HEAD START!

Seize the advantage with Pre-Conference Tutorials on Sunday, May 23. Your learning can begin even before the official start of UTC TELECOM 2010. Each tutorial offers an in-depth look at a hot topic. Please note: tutorial attendance is included in Super Pass Registration.

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
ROOM: Maryland Street Lobby -East

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Critical Infrastructure Security —What Really Works
ROOM: 103

Security assessments that focus only on one aspect of security at a time are ineffective. Yet, utilities typically conduct a cybersecurity assessment just that way, by looking at IT-related assets and physical security independently, instead of reviewing all critical components at once.

A robust critical infrastructure protection program uses an all-hazards approach to analyze readiness for multiple types of threats, both internal and external. Learn from real world evaluations and incident responses to see how a simple failure can completely cripple an organization.

Joe Cummins, Red Tiger Security  Presentation (part1)  Presentation (part2)

Fundamentals of Smart Grid—Getting it Right the First Time
ROOM: 107

As the industry races to build Smart Grids, utilities must first grasp the fundamentals and then lay the foundations of this new technology. Although topologies vary widely, certain fundamentals, such as the incorporation of broadband two-way communications, apply to virtually all planned Smart Grids. Discover the common, central communications and technology configurations that all utilities should take into account when planning and constructing Smart Grids.

Doug McGinnis, Principal Smart Grid Communications Architect, Exelon Corp Presentation
Eva Thomas, Director of Smart Communications Networks, Aclara Presentation

MPLS Tutorial—Switch on Your Knowledge!
ROOM: 104

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a key technology for delivery of IP services. Discover the benefits and applications get answers to basic technical questions on functionality, and learn the depth and breadth of MPLS solutions. You’ll also get an overview of MPLS applications such as virtual private networks (VPNs); traffic engineering; quality of service (QoS); operations administration and maintenance (OAM); and the security aspects of each solution.

Kris Jarrett, Sales, Alcatel-Lucent Presentation

Understanding How Utilities Use Satellite Communications Effectively—a Literal High Priority
ROOM: 106

Reliable and interoperable communication systems are a must for utilities to ensure the reliability and recoverability of their core energy and water systems. To fill this need, many utilities are turning to satellite options. Join us to learn about:

• The emerging requirements and benefits of satellite applications, such as AMI collection, backhaul, and distribution line monitoring solutions
• The Infrastructure Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (I-SMART) created by Seattle Public Utilities to facilitate communications among government and private sector critical infrastructure agencies
• The technologies and economics of satellite vs. alternative technologies—how they compare

Jim Corry, Vice President, Customer Solutions, SkyTerra Communications Presentation
Bernie Nelson, Director of Service Development, Hughes Network Systems Presentation
Jaime Leal, Telecom/SCADA Maintenance Superintendent, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association Presentation

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
ROOM:  Wabash Ballroom 1-2

1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Grounding Practices—Essential for Safety
ROOM: 103

Effective grounding practices are necessary to keep your utility operating at a safe, high-performance level. Get detailed knowledge about grounding electrode systems, single point grounding, isolated ring and halo grounds, as well as tower grounding. Hear from experts on best practices, plus common pitfalls and how to solve them.

 Jay Adams, Sales Engineer, Transtector Systems Presentation

Communications Modernization for Utility Networks—Change for the Better
ROOM: 107

Today’s utility communications infrastructure connects substations to control centers with a variety of legacy facilities: leased lines, wireless, and dial-up to name a few. Many devices in substations are connected to communications servers with proprietary interfaces that cannot be easily changed or adapted. The result: high cost and complexity with low flexibility and reliability. But new drivers are forcing modernization: 

• NERC/CIP requires better operational management and security
• The market applies pressure to reduce operating expenses
• Management demands efficiency and scalability to optimize grid operations and deploy a Smart Grid

Discover how these drivers will affect you, and learns the pros and cons of deploying optical and data solutions.

Dean Campbell, Chief Technology Officer, LightRiver Technologies, Inc. Presentation
Jim Ray, Senior Director of System Sales Engineering, LightRiver Technologies Presentation1, Presentation2, Presentation3
Aaron Havrilla, Director, Data Products and Solutions, LightRiver Technologies, Inc. Presentation

Wireless Hacking Demonstration—is YOUR System Safe?
ROOM: 104

With the proliferation of wireless technologies in the utility sector, many people are quick to deploy systems without thinking about potential security threats. See the danger for yourself at this eye opening session, where presenters use a mobile wireless lab consisting of industrial WiFi, ZigBee, and 900 MHz spread spectrum technologies. The attack team shows the weaknesses of using the default security setting in wireless systems, then increases the level of security and shows how an attacker can still crack lower forms of encryption. Finally, see how properly configuring systems can keep the bad guys out. Don’t miss this exciting live demo!

Joe Cummins, Red Tiger Security Presentation

International Workshop – A Look Around the World
Click to find out all the details!
ROOM: 106