Role of PLC Technology in Smart Grid Communication Networks

This chapter suggests that the role of the power line communication (PLC) transmission medium in the hybrid communications platform employed by smart grid communication networks (SGNs) and provides relevant techniques. It outlines smart grid (SG) networks considering the relevant energy, communications, and information technology aspects. The substation networks are usually the first SGNs to implement, since they support the most critical applications realized in the SG. SG applications of variable quality of service responding to different data security officers' requirements may lead to different SG implementations. The customer premises networks (CPNs) constitute a multiprotocol, multivendor environment in which many technologies are involved, with PLC and Wi-Fi being the most mature. Neighborhood area networks incorporate the advanced metering infrastructure components to collect the traffic generated in CPNs. The low-rate applications supported by field area networks (FANs) render narrowband-PLC appropriate for FAN transmission, as claimed by the upcoming Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers P1901.2 standard.