The role of pervasive and cooperative Sensor Networks in Smart Grids communication

The cornerstone of a Smart Grid is the ability for multiple entities to interact via communication networks. A scalable and pervasive communication infrastructure represents a crucial issue in both structuring and operating smart networks. In addressing this problem this paper figures out the potential role of cooperative Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In detail, it analyses the performance of IEEE 802.15.4 based WSNs in order to establish their suitability for a typical set of monitoring and supervision functionalities required by urban-scale Smart Grids applications. The results obtained show that the application of this technology may be very promising in several Smart Grids applications as far as automation, remote monitoring and supervision are concerned.