Smart grid communication technologies- overview, research challenges and opportunities

The smart grid a new generation of standard power distribution grid. The communication infrastructure is critical for the successful operation of the modern smart grids. The use of communication technologies ensures the reduction of energy consumption, optimal operation of the smart grid and coordination between all smart grids' components from generation to the end users. This paper presents an overview of existing communication technologies such as ZigBee, WLAN, cellular communication, WiMAX, Power Line Communication (PLC), their implementation in smart grids, advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the paper shows comparison of communication infrastructure between the legacy grid and the smart grid and smart grid communication standards. The paper also presents research challenges and future trends in communication systems for smart grid application.