LTE multicast communication for demand response in smart grids

Smart grids envision large scale, distributed electrical power systems, equipped with communication and information technologies for automated, efficient, reliable and sustainable electricity production and distribution. Advanced communication technologies have the potential to significantly enhance the overall efficiency of smart power grids. In this paper we propose and analyze the use of LTE multicast between the aggregator and residential (or official) premises for efficient demand-response management in smart grids. Performance analysis and simulation results show that LTE multicast and emerging MBSFN is capable of providing low latency and packet drop with negligible impact on multimedia throughput.