Nokia Boosts 7705 SAR and 7250 IXR with Quantum-Safe Security and 400 GE Scalability for Smart Grids

Nokia Boosts 7705 SAR and 7250 IXR with Quantum-Safe Security and 400 GE Scalability for Smart Grids

(IN BRIEF) Nokia has upgraded its 7705 SAR and 7250 IXR routers for utilities adopting smart grid architectures, adding advanced quantum-safe MACsec encryption, precise IEC 61850-based synchronization, and scalable 100 GE/400 GE capacity. These enhancements ensure compatibility with legacy SCADA equipment and support burgeoning IoT and CCTV bandwidth, while protecting networks against climate risks, regulatory mandates, and future quantum-era cybersecurity threats.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 13-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Nokia today announced a major enhancement of its IP routing lineup tailored for mission-critical networks, particularly utilities embracing smart grid technologies. The company is rolling out new features and capacity boosts for its 7705 Service Aggregation Router (SAR) and 7250 Interconnect Router (IXR) families to meet surging requirements for robust, secure, and ultra-high-performance communications.

As utilities worldwide deploy advanced grid automation and integrate distributed energy resources—such as rooftop solar arrays and battery storage—they face the dual pressures of climate-driven disruptions and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Moreover, real-time monitoring via IEC 61850 protocols, tight regulatory deadlines, and net-zero targets demand networks that deliver precise time synchronization, deterministic performance, and future-proof security.

“Our energy industry partners need more than raw throughput,” said Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of IP Networks at Nokia. “They require systems that withstand harsh environments, guarantee microsecond-level timing, and safeguard against quantum-era threats. By enhancing our 7705 SAR and 7250 IXR platforms, we’re delivering unmatched flexibility, scalability up to 100 GE and 400 GE, and quantum-safe MACsec encryption to protect mission-critical operations.”

The upgraded Nokia routers span from substations to data centers, supporting both legacy TDM and modern IP/Ethernet services. They maintain compatibility with protective relays, SCADA RTUs, and IEC 61850 intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), distributing frequency- and time-sync signals with pinpoint accuracy. To counter the anticipated rise in bandwidth demand driven by substation CCTV, IoT sensors, and automation workloads, the platforms now scale seamlessly to 100 GE and 400 GE interfaces. Crucially, they incorporate NVIDIA-style quantum-safe MACsec encryption to guard against future advances in quantum computing that could undermine today’s cryptography.

Utilities looking to modernize their grid infrastructures can download the detailed brochure to explore how these router upgrades deliver real-time visibility, automated controls, resilience, and compliance in the face of escalating regulatory and operational challenges.

Resources and additional information

Brochure: Nokia IP routing solutions for mission-critical utility networks

Video: Expanding the substation portfolio for the evolving grid

Product page: Nokia 7705 Service Aggregation Router

Product page: Nokia 7250 Interconnect Router

Web Page: Power utilities

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SOURCE: Nokia