A Discussion About Hybrid PLC-Wireless Communication For Smart Grids

Abstract

This work outlines important characteristics of hybrid PLC-wireless systems for smart grid applications. Moreover, it discusses the hybrid wireless-PLC systems advantages in comparison to not hybrid systems. These advantages are demonstrated not only in the technical point of view, but also in the infrastructural perspective. Moreover, It addresses the environment influence on wireless and power line communications as well as relevant security aspects for a Smart Grid implementation. Computational simulations based on physical layer of IEEE P1901.2 standard and PLC and wireless channel models show that the hybrid PLC-wireless system offers a gain of signal to noise ratio when compared to only a wireless or PLC system.