Communication Issue with ION9000 Series Power Quality Analyzers

[DEMIR]

Hello; 

We currently have approximately 70 ION power quality analyzers deployed across our facility. ION7650 models have been in operation since 2014, while the ION9000 models were introduced into the system at the beginning of this year. The monitoring software in use is Power Monitoring Expert (PME) version 2024.

The site network topology is based on three independent fiber optic rings. All analyzers communicate with the central PME server via Ethernet connections through managed switches installed on these rings.

The issue we are experiencing concerns the ION9000 units. After operating for a certain period, these devices intermittently lose Ethernet connectivity. The only way to restore communication is by power-cycling the affected analyzer. This disconnection and reconnection cycle repeats at irregular intervals.

It is important to note that we have not encountered this behavior with the ION7650 analyzers, which are operating on the same network infrastructure. Furthermore, other Ethernet-based field devices—such as RTUs, protective relays, and gateways—are functioning without any communication issues.

There are no IP conflicts, and a detailed review of the ring structure and switch configurations has not revealed any abnormalities. At this point, we are unable to identify the root cause of the problem.

Could you please advise if there is a known issue related to Ethernet communication stability on ION9000 devices, or if there are any recommended firmware updates, configurations, or diagnostic steps we should follow?

Your technical assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

[Mehran_Mehrnia]

Hi @DEMIR 

If the local network topology is a ring or loop Ethernet configuration, the ION9000 supports Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), provided that RSTP is enabled in the meter's Ethernet communication settings

(ION Setup -> Setup Assistant -> Communications -> Advanced Ethernet -> Protocols -> RSTP).

If meters are running older firmware versions (e.g., earlier than V3.0), it is recommended upgrading to the latest versions (The current release is V4.6) which include improvements to the meter’s functionality, as well as RSTP enhancements in longer Ethernet loop configurations.

ION9000 user guide: Ethernet loop topology

Best Regards

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering

[Charles_Murison]

Hello @DEMIR 
Are the switches connected to the ION9000 meters able to filter network traffic not intended for the ION9000 (broadcast messages for example)? The ION9000 meters have methods the protect the metering functionality if too much network traffic is seen.

Also are the switches using any kind of 802.1x authentication or MAC address bypass. Some limitations on what the ION9000 can support?

If meters not communicating over network, if you connect to the second Ethernet port locally on the meter is the meter able to communicate? 

Regards,

Charles