First experimental characterization of LTE for automation of Smart Grid

Smart Grids require a pervasive communication network to interconnect their intelligent devices (e.g. generators, protections, and meters) that are usually distributed over a wide area. Recently, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless cellular network communication technology has been introduced and its diffusion is rapidly increasing. As a consequence, LTE may be considered as a viable opportunity for the communication in Smart Grid, too. The aim of the paper is to experimentally verify the LTE performance of a current public LTE network when it is used as backbone for a Smart Grid system. The results of the experimental characterization highlight that the LTE may be taken into consideration for the design of a communication infrastructure limited to secondary/assisting tasks related to Smart Grid automation; the Round Trip Time (RTT) is typically below 100 ms, fully compatible with the least demanding smart grid automation.