Two tier communication architecture for smart meter

Construction of the smart grid network infrastructure is in the process of being laid out worldwide with the goal of energy efficiency from power generation to distribution. Making a smart grid work requires an array of enabling technologies, one of them being an integrated communications system. Smart meter plays a vital role in this communication system. Apart from sending and receiving regular billing/consumption related messages, the smart meter must be able to send so-called last gasp message in case of power outage in a very short time. In this paper, we propose novel two-tier communication architecture for smart meters that can choose which radio to use depending upon the message to be communicated. In the proposed architecture, the smart meter will be able to send a message directly to the control center in case of power-down, reducing the latency of the system.