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COLWAY Chooses RuggedCom Communications Network for the First On-Grid Photovoltaic Plant in Egypt

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^{Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, August 9th 2011 at 6:06 GMT by Market Wire}  

CONCORD, ON, Aug. 9, 2011 /CNW/ - RuggedCom Inc., ("RuggedCom") (TSX:RCM), a leading designer and manufacturer of rugged communications networking solutions for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, today announced it has been selected by COLWAY to provide a communications network for the implementation of the first clean energy, 600kW, on-grid photovoltaic plant in Egypt.

RuggedCom provided RS900 Ethernet Switches and RMC30 Media Converters to implement the communications infrastructure that connects multiple remote telecontrol units in the plant and ensures reliable operation in the extreme environmental conditions of the Egyptian desert. COLWAY was appointed to construct the power plant and to use it as a reference design for the future development of renewable energies in Egypt.

"A robust and reliable communications network from RuggedCom was a key factor in enabling COLWAY to deliver a safe monitoring and control system for solar panels and make this first PV project in Egypt a full success," said Mr. Miguel Colomer, CEO of COLWAY Group.

The communications infrastructure was composed of core RS900 switches linked together with fibre optic cables. End devices such as telecontrol units, sensors, controllers and RMC30 media converters were connected via copper Ethernet cables to RS900 switches. The RS900 and RMC30 were selected for their ability to withstand a climate that is characterized by dramatic temperature changes and intense dust and sand storms native to the Cairo desert area.

"This harsh environment application is ideal for RuggedCom products. I am confident of its success and look forward to this project template being rolled out in the area," said Marzio Pozzuoli, President and CEO of RuggedCom. "I am also very happy to see our progress in the area of renewable energy, with our market leading networking technology being increasingly used in both wind and solar markets." 

About COLWAY:

The MISSION of COLWAY Renovables is to promote, develop and implement renewable energy projects. The VISION is to become one of the leading companies in the photovoltaic industry in the markets where we operate, through independent advice to our customers resulting from our deep understanding of technology and relying on extensive industry experience and a solid financial status.

About RuggedCom Inc.:

RuggedCom is a leading provider of rugged communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. RuggedCom's technology solutions include [ Ethernet switches ], [ network routers ], [ wireless devices ], [ serial servers ], [ media converters ], [ software ] and [ professional services ]. RuggedCom's products are designed for use in harsh environments such as those found in electrical power substations and "[ Smart Grids ]", intelligent transportation systems, industrial process control and military applications.