Narrowband IoT (NBIoT) Assisted Smart Grids

Smart grids are the new generation power grids which replace the traditional power grids across the world. Traditional power grids have several limitations and they are not compatible with the modern load demands. Smart grids are normally hybrid networks comprising of power grids and a supporting information and communication technology (ICT) network. However, in terms of the functions and capability the smart grids are versatile networks and can provide a lot of services. For smart grids several ICT based services are used to assist in their functions. One of the popular among them is the Internet of thing (IoT). It is found to be exemplary in these service provision operations of smart grids. For large scale deployment of IoT for smart grids a lot of resources are needed. Thus an energy efficient and low resource consuming version of IoT is suitable for smart grids. Narrowband IoT (NBIoT) is one such resource efficient versions of IoT. It is found to be suitable for large scale deployment in projects like smart grids and smart cities. In this article, some of the supporting functions of NBIoT, which can assist in the smart grids are illustrated.