Smart grid communications: Layers and players

Much has been written about the Smart Grid including a myriad of definitions and points of view. This paper is intended to provide yet another point of view though focused solely on the application layers, how they impact the Distribution Layer and support the communications technologies at each layer. The entire smart grid success will depend on communications as a “backbone.” Reliable communications plays a major role insuring that the power generated is distributed properly. Communications has and will always allocate proper distribution of power needed. Research has shown the loss of Power Generated, in the US during generation, could be as high as 20%. A question to ask yourself is; “How would your business survive if it had a 20% inventory shrinkage rate?” This paper will answer this and many other questions about the Smart Grid.