Comparative Study of Communication Technologies for Power Optimized Automation Systems: A Review and Implementation

Communication technologies have superseded X10systems in automation industry. Various high performance wireless technologies are implemented for remote monitoring and controlling of loads. This has resulted in revolutionizing automation systems in industrial, commercial and residential sectors. Depending upon the application spectrum, network range, power consumption constraints etc. A competent communication technology should be implemented. This paper provides comparative factual collation of communication protocols considered for automation and optimization of systems, which facilitate users to control various loads locally and remotely. Zig Bee (over IEEE802.15.4), WiFi (over IEEE 802.11b/g), Bluetooth (over IEEE802.15.1), UWB (over IEEE 802.15.3), GSM, Z-Wave, Insteon standards are discussed and a detailed comparison is provided. Taking various parameters viz. Application area, network range, power utilization, number of nodes etc into consideration, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) application is developed. It assists the user in selecting an appropriate technology for implementing an automated system. Also for optimizing the power of automation system, the Power Measuring Unit (PMU) is implemented.