Adressing the spectrum needs of smart grids and other M2M: Can cognitive radio help? (1)

There is currently some interesting debate going on in Europe  on spectrum requirements for wireless communications of future smart grids, intelligent transportation, health monitoring and other Machine-to-Machine communication use cases. See for example

• Results of the Digital Assembly workshop on: Spectrum for Wireless Innovation in Europe,   Chaired by Catherine Trautmann, MEP, Brussels, 17 June 2011
•  Public Consultation Document On Use Of Spectrum For More Efficient Energy Production and Distribution , The EC, 24 January 2012.

Cellular networks are simply too expensive an option for smart grids, use too much power on the transceiver or do not offer ubiquitous coverage. Today’s deployments also pose important technical challenges in  managing large amounts of disparate M2M devices, QoS guarantee  and interoperability. An alternative to the cellular are the so-called capillary networks created by  short-range wireless (SRW) technologies  that connect machines directly to the fixed Internet. This greatly reduces both the cost and complexity in managing and operating M2M services, and for this reason is becoming defacto choice in applications such smart metering and health monitoring.  Important shortcomings of this alternative are limited coverage and little support for mobile M2M applications.  Furthermore, the massive adaptation   of WiFi-based communication devices is rapidly depleting the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) spectrum bands where most SRW technologies currently operate, and this is creating real concerns about the long-term sustainability of this alternative.

For smart grid  services to achieve their full potential there is  need for radio spectrum both below 1 GHz (to achieve universal connectivity at low cost) and above 1 GHz (to relieve congestion and achieve scalability).  This dual need  is especially acute  when it comes to M2M communications  for smart grids and  ITS which require  universal coverage  in order to  connect millions of  meters, vehicles etc to service-side monitoring  and control systems. This need could be met rapidly and in a cost and spectrum-efficient manner through innovative use of cognitive radio, which enables dynamic and flexible access to potentially large portions of already licensed but unused spectrum in TV and other bands for smart grid communications. Furthermore, the use of cognitive radio’s interoperability features will enable operators to provide “horizontal” M2M solutions for a range of applications, as opposed to the currently available vertical solutions.