A multi-level communication architecture of smart grid based on congestion aware wireless mesh network

The advent of the smart grid promises to usher in an era that will bring intelligence, efficiency, and optimality to the power grid. Most of these changes will occur as an Internet-like communications network is superimposed on top of the current power grid. The communication environment of the smart grid should be more robust, reliable, and efficient. In order to address this issue, this work proposes a Smart Grid Communication Network (SGCN) by deploying wireless mesh network technologies consisting of 802.15.4 Zigbee, 802.11, and the WiMAX standards. These are applied in different levels of the home area network (HAN), neighborhood area network (NAN), and the Wide Area Network (WAN). Simulation results demonstrate that this is a promising methodology for a more efficient communication environment.