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

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. The existing U.S. electric power grid was built over 100 years ago with the aim to deliver electricity from large power stations to customers [1]. In the past decade, blackouts and grid failures have become a noticeable problem, which can cause great damages and inconvenience to peo-ple's daily life [2]. There is thus a need to make the current electricity network more reliable, efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly. This can be achieved by the next-generation power grid, i.e., the smart grid, which is characterized by a two-way flow of electricity and information , creating an automated, widely distributed energy delivery network. With an emerging smart grid, various intelligent and automated applications can be enabled. These applications are such as home/building automation, automated meter reading, distribution automation, outage and restoration management and integration of electric vehicles [3]. Today's electric power grid has become a complex network of networks, comprising both power and communication infrastructures, and several thousands of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) [4]. Communication networks provide necessary infrastructure allowing a utility to manage these devices from a central location. In the smart grid environment, heterogeneous communication technologies and architectures are involved. Communication networks should meet specific requirements, i.e., reliability, latency, bandwidth and security, depending on smart grid applications. The complexity of the smart grid may lead to difficulties in choosing appropriate communications networks as many parameters and different requirements must be taken into account depending on applications and utility …