SIP for Smart Grid Communications

SIP for Smart Grid Communications

The are certain requirements for a communications systems for the Smart Grid like being flexible for both current and future Smart Grid equipment , to be based on open standards and designed with interoperability.
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a leading solution which fall within these requirements. It is an application -level communication protocol using internet concepts and it leverages much of the functionality provided by an IP network eg. TCP, UDP, QoS, routing

The advantages of the SIP as a application layer protocol for the Smart Grid are as follows :

1. Maturity
    SIP is a mature protocol and has proven to be reliable , secure and scalable.

2.Consistent with current standards
    It consistent with all the current standards and architecture requirements of the
    Smart Grid.

3. Broad device application support
    It can provide the communication semantics to support device to device , device to
    back office , back office to device .

4. Support for Mobile Metering
    Plug in Electric Vechicles (PEV) being a  key element of the Smart Grid and when
    the is charging the PEV away from home would want the cost to be debited to the
    user account and not the home owner. The SIP ‘s location register provides support
     for device and mobility.
    

5. Flexible Security Design
    SIP supports all modern security mechanism and its flexible security design allows
    it be implemented in a substation as well as data storage for a smart metering
    device.

6. Multimedia and advanced communication option
    SIP brings voice , text communication to the Smart Grid.
     As well as mobile telecommunications.


The development and evolution of the Smart Grid require the use of open standards-based technologies. It also require the use of protocols and solutions proven to be functional , scalable , secure and of high performance . The SIP brings all these to the Smart Grid infrastructure .The SIP for Smart Grid provides an opportunity for its deployment. It also allows the Smart Grid to enable a mobile workforce and automate many other businesses.


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