Communication Technologies in Smart Grid at Different Network Layers: An Overview

Smart Grid is imagined to meet the today's energy necessities in a modern way with continuous methodology by incorporating the most recent computerized interchanges, communication technologies and advanced control technologies to the legacy grid. The framework used for the communication of the smart grid plays major role for effective working of this modern smart grid. HAN, NAN and WAN are the different network layers of the smart grid. This paper presents an overview of communication technologies used at the different network layers of smart grid. Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Z Wave, 6LoWPAN, Wi-MAX, LoRa, NB- IoT, PLC and DSL technologies are discussed and compared in terms of various metrics such as range, latency, spectrum, standard and speed. Further the applications and limitations of these technologies for deployment in the smart grid context are discussed in detail. In the end various research challenges and issues for smart grid are elaborated for the consideration of researcher.