Guaranteeing QoS Using Unlicensed TV White Spaces for Smart Grid Applications

In this article, we consider the utilization of TVWS by small CR network operators to support the communication needs of various smart grid applications. We first propose a multi-tier communication network architecture for smart metering applications in dense urban environments. Our measurement campaign, without any competition from other CR operators, reveals that the communication architecture can achieve more than 1 Mb/s data rates using the free unlicensed TVWS spectrum. However, anticipating stiff competition for the unlicensed TVWS spectrum among CR operators and to support smart grid applications with stringent QoS requirements, we further exploit the novel idea of high priority channels (HPCs) that a CR operator can temporarily lease by paying a small fee. This poses several new challenges for CR operators, such as their economic viability while providing QoS guarantees. We develop a real-time decision support framework with several adjustable parameters for CR operators that enables them to trade off HPC leasing cost and QoS. The developed algorithms are simple rules that provide significant opportunities to CR operators to maintain a balance between spectrum cost and QoS depending on dynamic spectrum availability and smart grid application requirements.