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Synchronisation Challenges within Future Smart Grid Infrastructure

Authors:
Jonathan Shannon
Hugh Melvin
Ronan O hOgartaigh
Antonio Ruzzelli

Keywords: 802.11, NTP, PTP, Synchronisation, WSN

Abstract:
Synchronisation of computer systems is a challenging task when the systems communicate across a dynamic and variable latency network but becomes especially challenging when the network contains wireless communication links. The success of the evolving smart grid project will depend hugely on Information and Communication Technologies to revolutionise the traditional power grid and will place various demands on current synchronisation techniques. Utilisation of wireless communication systems within the smart grid infrastructure seems inevitable, thus, if the project is to reach its full potential then some of the shortfalls of current synchronisation techniques over wireless must be remedied. This paper reviews the vital role of synchronisation within current and future smart grid infrastructures and outlines some proposals to remedy the shortfalls of current time synchronisation techniques. In particular, we focus on improving the implementation of the Network Time Protocol over 802.11 networks along with an optimisation technique to reduce the energy usage of a common Wireless Sensor Network synchronisation protocol.

Pages: 102 to 107

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2011

Publication date: May 22, 2011

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-412X

ISBN: 978-1-61208-136-6

Location: Venice/Mestre, Italy

Dates: from May 22, 2011 to May 27, 2011