G3-PLC based IoT sensor networks for SmartGrid

摘要

G3-PLC is a narrowband powerline communication (PLC) standard that has gained prominence over the last few years. On the one side, use of OFDM as underlying technology makes it suitable for use on powerline media, at the same time, use of 6LoWPAN as adaptation layer enables easy integration into any contemporary IP network. While automatic metering continues to be the most common use of G3-PLC, this paper presents a practical and novel approach to an orthogonal use of this technology, in the field of Internet of Things (IoT). A complete system design for one such use in field of SmartGrids is presented in this paper. The solution runs commonly used IoT protocol Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) over a G3-PLC network to monitor sensor data. Field results are provided from one such installation that implements the system design presented in this paper, thus proving the practicality of the approach and also underlining the significant advantages that such systems can bring to end-users.