As grid modernization efforts ramp up, the value of automated network device deployment will quickly become apparent. When deployment efforts were limited to small numbers of endpoints, the inefficiency of manual modem/network element deployment methods may have been tolerable. But as grid modernization efforts drive up the count of grid sensors and control points, the manual effort associated with configuring communication devices will force a change in where and how this work gets done.

Modem (and other network element) vendors provide automated methods of device configuration provisioning. But are all the vendor methods the same? Do they have the same security risk? Do they extend your utility security perimeter to unknown locations? Do they require the same amount of effort to create a configuration?

This presentation will provide a case study on Ameren's experience in their journey towards zero-touch provisioning of modems on their private LTE network. Ameren’s successes and difficulties will be detailed, as well as how these experiences led to their revised zero-touch strategy.

To provide a foundation for the Ameren experience, this presentation will walk through the generic components of a zero-touch provisioning transaction and highlight important differences in how the various modem vendors handle the implementation of each of the transaction components. Attendees will gain awareness of the need for automated device deployment, differences in the various vendor approaches, and a realistic perspective with lessons learned from a large utility that has implemented zero-touch provisioning.