With every new charging park, infrastructure complexity increases. Billing, control systems, video surveillance and sensor networks must interact reliably while available grid capacity is distributed intelligently.
Load management is a core element – whether software-based or implemented via external control boxes. In both cases, a stable and secure communication backbone is essential.
Simple connectivity approaches quickly reach their limits: the router must connect charging stations and multiple subsystems simultaneously while managing priorities between control data, monitoring and high-bandwidth traffic.
At the same time, infrastructure must be future-ready. Tomorrow’s charging parks rely on DC and high-power chargers and integrate additional systems such as battery storage, solar generation or vending services. With bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid), new requirements arise for control, data security and bandwidth management – placing even higher demands on the communication layer.
This communication backbone must not only scale, but also withstand outdoor conditions – including heat, frost and extreme temperature fluctuations inside field cabinets.
Reliable communication is the backbone of modern charging networks
Centralised control of complex systems and charging capacities
Ready for DC/hyper-charging, V2G and new services
Challenges
- Scalability: From a few sites to dozens or hundreds – the infrastructure must scale without bottlenecks.
- Load management: Reliable and secure connectivity is required to distribute available grid capacity efficiently – for both software-based systems and external control boxes.
- Availability: If communication fails, load management and monitoring stop.
- Security: Weak encryption, unsecured interfaces or poor update mechanisms create vulnerabilities and open the door to manipulation.
- Integration of external systems: Load management box solutions must be reliably connected to unlock optimisation potential and maintain system stability.
- Outdoor conditions: Routers inside charging cabinets are exposed to strong temperature fluctuations, which can affect communication stability.
Solution
- Scalable design: Communication infrastructure grows from zero-touch deployment to large-scale operation across multiple sites. Routers can be efficiently deployed and operated at scale.
- Load management integration: Secure and reliable connectivity for load management systems – whether software-based or via external control boxes.
- Redundancy: Multiple WAN connections (e.g. 5G/4G, LTE 450, fibre) ensure availability even in case of network failure.
- Security architecture: Encrypted communication (IPsec/TLS), certificate-based authentication and automated certificate management ensure secure operation over time.
- Central data connectivity: The router connects all subsystems – from chargers and cameras to sensors and load management units.
- Ruggedised design: Extended temperature range (–40 °C to +75 °C) ensures reliable operation in outdoor cabinets under extreme conditions.
Benefits for Operators
Scalability and flexibility
- Communication infrastructure grows without bottlenecks from small deployments to large-scale charging networks.
- KPI benefits: reduced downtime; improved user experience; fewer specialist resources required
Reliable connectivity for load management
- Stable communication enables precise and efficient distribution of available energy.
- KPI benefits: optimised asset utilisation; reduced peak load costs; improved uptime
Higher uptime and reduced failure rates
- Remote management and central monitoring enable fast issue resolution without on-site intervention.
- KPI benefits: increased availability of charging points; reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) through lower OpEx.
Secure sensor integration
- Enables early detection (e.g. overheating) and rapid response before critical failures occur.
- KPI benefits: extended lifetime of power components; fewer unplanned outages
Security and compliance
- Secure communication protects against manipulation and data loss through encryption, certificates and system hardening.
- KPI benefits: reduced risk of service disruption due to cyber incidents; support for compliance (e.g. NIS2, CRA); lower operational overhead through automated updates
Technical Insight
- Multiple configurable Ethernet ports for chargers, cameras and sensors
- QoS and bandwidth management for parallel data streams
- Network segmentation (VLANs) for traffic separation
- Secure communication via VPN, TLS and firewall functions
- Edge logic for local decision-making
- Multi-WAN connectivity (cellular, Ethernet, satellite, LTE 450) for redundancy
- Signed remote updates and central policy management at scale
Why Garderos
Scalable management
The Garderos Configuration Server enables central deployment, monitoring and updates of thousands of routers – without on-site service.
Long-term investment security
A product lifecycle of at least 15 years avoids costly replacement cycles.
Security architecture
VPN, firewall and certificate-based authentication – aligned with BSI and NIS2 requirements.
Proven in the field:
Ruggedised hardware designed for harsh environments and continuous operation in outdoor cabinets.
Customisation
Support for customer-specific requirements – from interface combinations and software containers to integration into complete systems and load management solutions.
Unsere Referenzen
Weiterführende Infos
Which Garderos router series are best suited for this use case?
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