A perspective of RoF implementation for an advanced Smart Metering Infrastructure

With the implementation of IoT intelligent sensors, broadband communication networks are important requirement for the emerging advanced Smart Metering Infrastructure (SMI) and future enhancement of Smart Grids. Passive Optical Networks (PONs) are the main technology implemented in current Wide Access Area Networks of SMI. Data transmission delays and security issues in PON have certain difficulties for implementation as a telecommunication network for Smart Grids with advanced SMI. In this paper, RoF technology is considered as an alternative to PON for broadband access. The RoF architecture considered in this study has the main advantages of PONs and minimizes its limitations using its clustered structure. The enhancement of this architecture with cognitive radio technology is indicated in this work as well.