JANUARY 15, 2014|NEPOOL MARKETS COMMITTEE

Rudy PawulRPAWUL@ISO-NE.COM|413.540.4249

Changes in the Electronic Dispatch (ED) Network

MPLS Transition

• MPLS stands for “Multiprotocol Label Switching”– Alternative technology to Frame Relay that is used for

Electronic Dispatch network

• Verizon and other communication vendors have discontinued support for Frame Relay technology– Customers have not been given choice to remain– Verizon will soon refuse the orders of new circuits

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Project Status

• Four vendor RFP conducted– Windstream and Sprint selected– Currently negotiating contracts

• Option 1 has traditional wired connections• Option 2 wireless implementation– Diversity– Communication vendor investment– Significant cost savings

• Router to router network encryption to be implemented

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Next Steps

• ISO Hub circuits to be brought on line first• Transition of other sites to follow– Schedule could begin as early as March– Site survey for antenna installation– New router will be provided

• Expect month overlap of communication fees for transition for each site

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