Abstract

The power grid is aging and congested and faces new challenges and stresses that put at risk its ability to reliably deliver power to an economy that is increasingly dependent on electricity.  A growing recognition of the need to modernize the grid to meet tomorrow’s challenges has founded articulation in the vision of a Smart Grid.  The essence of this vision is “a fully –automated power delivery network that can ensure a two-way flow of electricity and information between the power plants and appliances and all points in between”.   The three key technological components of the Smart Grid are distributed intelligence, broadband communications, and automated control systems.  Focusing in on the role of broadband communications in enabling the Smart Grid, this paper lays out the key communications system requirements and explains how the GridCom™ network architecture, leveraging Tropos’ wireless broadband products and technology, enables the Smart Grid of the future.