- Smart Grid - Home
- Smart Grid Introduction
- What is an Electric Grid?
- Electric Grid Evolution
- What is a Smart Grid?
- Smart Grid - Functions
- Smart Grid - Characteristics
- Smart Grid - Advantages
- Smart Grid - Components
- Smart Grid - Challenges
- Smart Grid Technologies
- Smart Energy Resources
- Power System Automation
- Smart Substations
- Substation Automation
- Smart Grid - Feeder Automation
- Energy Management System
- Smart Grid - FACTS
- HVDC Transmission
- Wide Area Monitoring
- SCADA in Smart Grid
- Smart Grid - DMS
- Smart Grid - OMS
- Volt/VAR Control
- Smart Grid - FMSR
- Smart Grid - HEDT
- Phase Shifting Transformers
- Smart Grid - PHEV
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure
- Smart Meters - Introduction
- Smart Meters - AMI
- Smart Meters - AMIS
- Communication Architecture
- Drivers & Benefits
- Phasor Measurement Unit
- Intelligent Electronic Devices
- Power Quality Management
- Power Quality in Smart Grid
- Power Quality Issues
- Power Quality Monitoring Techniques
- Power Quality Conditioners
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Power Quality Audit
- Smart Grid Communication
- Smart Grid Communication
- Communication Network
- Communication Technologies
- Broadband Over Power Line
- Internet Protocols
- Web Services in Smart Grid
- Cloud Computing
- Multi Agent System Technology
- IP Based Protocols
- Cyber Security
Smart Grid - Internet Protocols
In smart grids, digital communication technologies are used. In this chapter, we will be discussing about one of the very important concepts in digital communication, which is Internet Protocols and IP layers.
Internet protocols and IP layers are very important components of a digital communication system that provide end-to-end connectivity and specify how data should grouped, addressed, and transmitted to the destination.
Lets understand these two concepts, i.e., internet protocols and internet protocol layers in detail.
What is Internet Protocol (IP)?
Internet Protocol, abbreviated as IP, is a set of communication protocols used in the internet for providing postal services for digital data. The internet protocols are used to provide end-to-end connectivity and delivery of data packets to the correct destination. Every device connected in a digital communication network has a unique IP address that enables the device to send and receive data.
In the case of smart grid communication, the internet protocols play an important role because it allows different smart grid devices like smart meters, sensors, automation systems, control systems, etc. to send and receive data over a communication network. This communication is very crucial for monitoring and managing the energy generation and utilization in a smart grid system.
Overall, internet protocols are very important for reliable and secure transmission of data among different smart grid components and systems.
What is an IP Layer?
In a digital communication model, an IP layer can be defined as a specific stage where a particular internet protocol operates.
The entire digital communication model is broken down into multiple IP layers, where each IP layer is responsible for performing a specific communication process.
Types of Internet Protocol Layers
In smart grid communication, the following four types of internet protocol layers are defined to facilitate data transfer −
1. Applications Layer
In digital communication, the application layer is the topmost IP layer, where communication starts. This layer includes the internet protocols that provide user services and data exchange services over the network connections.
The application layer includes basic network support services, routing protocols, and host configuration protocols. Examples of application layer internet protocols include hypertext transfer protocol, file transfer protocol, simple mail transfer protocol, etc.
Examples of application layer in smart grid communication are smart meters, energy management systems, control systems software, etc.
Lets understand the application layer with the help of an example. Consider we use a smartphone app for checking our electricity usage. In this case, we interact with the application layer.
2. Transport Layer
This IP layer is responsible for creating a data channel that an application can use for data exchange. The main functions of the transport layer are breaking down the large data into small data packets and reassembling them upon arrival.
The transport layer maintains end-to-end connectivity and services which are independent of the data type, error control, flow control, and congestion control.
The most common internet protocols used in transport layer are TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). Here, TPC is a connection-oriented transmission protocol, while UDP is used for simple message transmission.
More specifically, TCP is used for web browsing and email transfer like services, while UDP is used for real-time multimedia communication like IP TV, IP telephony, etc.
3. Internet Layer
This IP layer is responsible for sending the data packets across multiple networks i.e., from source network to destination network. This process is called routing. The internet layer selects a best path for data flow between source and destination.
The most common protocol used in this layer is the IP or Internet Protocol.
In smart grids, a GPS (Global Positioning System) is an example of internet layer, as it guides our data through most suitable path on the internet to the control center.
4. Network Interface Layer
This IP layer is also known as Link Layer. It provides networking i.e., the physical network connection for data transmission. This layer is responsible for moving data packets between internet layers of two different hosts on the same link.
This layer primarily deals with hardware aspect of data communication like network cards, cables, routers, modems, etc.
Importance of Internet Protocols and IP Layers
In smart grid systems, the internet protocols and internet protocol layers are important for transmission of efficient, secure, and reliable data communication. The following points highlight the importance of these communication components in smart grids −
- Internet protocols and IP layers enable real-time monitoring of electricity flow in smart grids. It helps in faster detecting faults and prevent severe outages.
- Internet protocols and IP layers provide seamless two-way communication between utility and consumers, and hence it provides effective demand management.
- IP layers enable seamless integration and effective management of distributed energy resources into the grid.
- Internet protocols and IP layers reduce the security risks in smart grids, as they have built-in security features to protect the grid against cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Internet protocols and IP layers are two important components of smart grid communication. The main purpose of internet protocols and IP layers is to provide a safe, secure, and reliable communication among smart grid devices and systems which is very important for real-time monitoring, improved security, and better energy management.