A survey on networks for smart‐metering systems
International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications
ISSN: 1742-7371
Article publication date: 30 March 2012
Abstract
Purpose
At present the energy generation and distribution landscape is changing rapidly. The energy grid is becoming increasingly smart, relying on an information network for the purposes of monitoring and optimization. However, because of the particularly stringent regulatory and technical constraints posed by smart grids, it is not possible to use ordinary communication protocols. The purpose of this paper is to revisit such constraints, reviewing the various options available today to realize smart‐metering networks.
Design/methodology/approach
After describing the regulatory, technological and stakeholders' constraints, the authors provide a taxonomy of network technologies, discussing their suitability and weaknesses in the context of smart‐metering systems. The authors also give a snapshot of the current standardization panorama, identifying key differences among various geographical regions.
Findings
It is found that the field of smart‐metering networks still consists of a fragmented set of standards and solutions, leaving open a number of issues relating to the design and deployment of suitable systems.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the need to better understand state‐of‐the‐art and open issues in the fast‐evolving area of smart energy grids, with particular attention to the challenges faced by communication engineers.
Keywords
Citation
Liotta, A., Geelen, D., van Kempen, G. and van Hoogstraten, F. (2012), "A survey on networks for smart‐metering systems", International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 23-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/17427371211221072
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited