450 MHz for critical infrastructure (KRITIS) enables reliable and fail-safe communication – an essential factor for energy and water suppliers to remain operational even in emergency and crisis situations. The 450 MHz radio network has been available nationwide for operators of critical infrastructure since 2025.
Wirelessly connect, control and monitor remote assets
In order for operators of critical infrastructures to benefit from the allocation of the 450 MHz radio network, the appropriate hardware for communication is essential. MC Technologies has already carried out development work and offers corresponding DIN rail routers and data terminals with proven functionality and reliability for the new 450 MHz frequency band.
Wireless data transmission at 450 MHz is an asset for electricity, gas and district heating providers, water suppliers as well as transport companies and emergency services. It provides a good basis for future-proof digitization in the area of public provision and services of general interest.
450 MHz for energy suppliers
Remote plants can be wirelessly connected, monitored and controlled, for example to avoid overloading the power grid or to restore normal operating conditions as quickly as possible after a fault. Typical applications are the power reduction of decentralized power generators such as photovoltaic systems in case of imminent grid overload or the black start of (small) power plants after a grid failure.
Use cases:
- Digital local network stations: remotely readable short-circuit indicators for rapid fault localization and resupply as well as remote switching of load-break switches or circuit-breakers
- Smart metering systems: 450 MHz frequency enables good building penetration and thus stable accessibility for iMSys
- Crisis communication: secure and stable communication via 450 MHz frequency in crisis situations
450 MHz for water management
A safe and efficient water supply is essential – both during periods of drought and in the event of flooding. Water management companies must be able to react quickly and precisely to changes in order to guarantee security of supply and environmental protection. The 450 MHz band enables reliable, comprehensive and fail-safe communication, which is important for the operation and control of critical infrastructure in the water industry.
Use cases:
- Water supplies
- Wastewater monitoring
- Flood protection
Our solutions for the 450 MHz radio network
Many operators of critical infrastructures (KRITIS) have already launched initial pilot projects or are already planning the regular use of the 450 MHz frequencies. The prerequisite for this is reliable hardware for reliable communication, which MC Technologies has been offering its customers for a long time. When designing devices such as routers and data terminals, we were quick to allow for diversity in communication. This means that the core functions of the new 450 MHz devices are provided by the same electronics that have already proven themselves in tough applications.
Monitoring critical infrastructures
Our new MC MNR product family also includes a 450 MHz variant. The MC MNR 450 MHz router has been specially designed for use in industrial and infrastructural areas, such as for monitoring and controlling decentralised generation and consumption systems. Mobile radio redundancy ensures uninterrupted connections and stable data communication. The devices are equipped as standard with the necessary safety functions that are essential for operation in critical infrastructures.
Monitoring and control functions in one device
The compact MC-MR-L2 DIN rail routers are also available in a 450 MHz variant. They are used as LTE routers in many industrial and infrastructure sectors, for example for monitoring transfer stations in electricity and gas networks. The data transfer of the meter readings is then carried out via a VPN connection, which also provides access for remote maintenance. The devices have the security features that are required in critical infrastructures as standard.
NEW: MC MNR 450 MHz Router
- Powerful and future-proof: Equipped with a quad-core processor (up to 2 GHz) and AI hardware support.
- Maximum security: Benefit from a 5-year update guarantee for maximum cyber security.
- Made in Germany: Developed and produced in Germany, stands for quality and reliability.
- Industrial quality: High-quality components guarantee durability and robustness.
- Critical applications: Mobile radio redundancy ensures uninterrupted connections.
- Flexibility: Open operating system for free programming and customisation.
4G LTE industrial router MC-MR-L24 450 MHz
- High security of data transmission via IPsec or OpenVPN tunnel and integrated firewall
- Configuration via the integrated web server or XML file
- Compatible with global cellular standards
- Sending and receiving IO status, e-mail, SMS and router status using XML files
- Alerts via SMS and e-mail, Telekom Cloud of Things, Microsoft Azure IoT
- Logbook for recording device-specific events
- Integrated WIFI functionality
Multi-frequency modules for critical and non-critical data
MC Technologies also has devices in its range that can use various frequency bands, such as LTE and 450 MHz. This makes sense if, for example, time-uncritical data such as consumption values are communicated via LTE and time-critical control commands are to be received via 450 MHz using the same hardware. Operators of a critical infrastructure can thus derive maximum benefit from the hardware and drive digitalization forward cost-effectively at various levels.
450 MHz antennas - Reliable communication for critical infrastructures
Powerful antennas are essential for stable and nationwide communication in the 450 MHz frequency range. They ensure reliable signal transmission, even in remote or infrastructurally challenging areas.
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- Clear web-based user interface
- Distribution of system and operating configurations
- Mass updates via ‘Job’ control
- Simple VPN setup and network configuration
- Monitoring of e.g. data consumption and signal quality
- Alerts
- Multi-client capable
Frequently asked questions about the 450 MHz radio network
The 450 MHz radio network offers a powerful and secure communication solution for critical infrastructures. Thanks to its special properties, it enables a reliable, comprehensive and fail-safe connection – both in everyday life and in crisis situations.
- Comprehensive radio coverage: Thanks to the low frequency, large areas are covered with just a few antenna sites, which keeps expansion costs low.
- Good building penetration: The signal even reaches into building basements, enabling the reliable connection of millions of decentralized systems such as electricity meters.
- LTE capability: The network is based on proven LTE technology, which ensures high and reliable performance.
- High system availability: A fail-safe emergency power supply keeps the network active for up to 72 hours in the event of a power failure, while the decentralized architecture offers protection against cyber attacks and sabotage.
- Dual capacity utilization: The network enables continuous monitoring and control of critical infrastructures as well as secure voice communication – essential for regular and crisis operations.
450connect GmbH has been responsible for the 450 MHz radio network since it was awarded the contract by the Federal Network Agency in 2021. The Cologne-based company plans, operates and expands the network on behalf of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) in order to ensure secure and resilient communication for critical infrastructures.
450connect is backed by over 70 energy supply companies, including major players such as E.ON, Alliander and the utility alliance 450, which comprises numerous municipal utilities as well as energy and water suppliers. Netze BW, a subsidiary of EnBW, is also involved.
The 450 MHz radio network is currently being expanded step by step and should enable nationwide coverage throughout Germany. The 450 MHz network is currently under construction, but should be fully usable throughout Germany by 2025 at the latest.
