Communication network requirements for major smart grid applications in HAN, NAN and WAN

• Published in: Computer networks (Amsterdam, Netherlands : 1999) Vol. 67; pp. 74 - 88
• Main Authors: Kuzlu, Murat, Pipattanasomporn, Manisa, Rahman, Saifur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 04-07-2014; Elsevier; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Access methods and protocols, osi model; Applied sciences; Communication; Communication network requirements; Communications networks; Communications systems; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Energy efficiency; Exact sciences and technology; Home Area Network (HAN); Information systems. Data bases; Memory organisation. Data processing; Neighborhood Area Network (NAN); Operation. Load control. Reliability; Power networks and lines; Reliability; Smart grid applications; Smart grid technology; Software; Studies; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Teleprocessing networks. Isdn; Wide-Area Network (WAN); Home Area Network (HAN); Neighborhood Area Network (NAN); Wide-Area Network (WAN); Smart grid applications; Communication network requirements; Home automation; Grid; Information rate; Data transmission; Communication technology; Distributed computing; Delay; Wide area network; Information communication; Information network; High performance; Interconnected power system; Unfolding; Communication network; Smart grid; Requirement; Added mass; Electrical network; Sampling rate; Reliability; Transmission speed; Mobile computing
• ISSN: 1389-1286; 1872-7069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.comnet.2014.03.029

Since the introduction of the smart grid, accelerated deployment of various smart grid technologies and applications have been experienced. This allows the traditional power grid to become more reliable, resilient, and efficient. Despite such a widespread deployment, it is still not clear which communication technology solutions are the best fit to support grid applications. This is because different smart grid applications have different network requirements – in terms of data payloads, sampling rates, latency and reliability. Based on a variety of smart grid use cases and selected standards, this paper compiles information about different communication network requirements for different smart grid applications, ranging from those used in a Home Area Network (HAN), Neighborhood Area Network (NAN) and Wide-Area Network (WAN). Communication technologies used to support implementation of selected smart grid projects are also discussed. This paper is expected to serve as a comprehensive database of technology requirements and best practices for use by communication engineers when designing a smart grid network.