The G3-PLC Alliance is a leading industry alliance for power line communications (PLC) in smart grid applications, and it has launched a next-generation PLC standard that includes radio frequency (RF) functions.
Utilities naturally want the best of both worlds, so creating a single industry standard for hybrid networks is an important step forward.
G3-PLC is a proven power line communication technology suitable for smart grids used worldwide. It facilitates high-speed, high-reliability, and long-distance communications through existing power lines, thereby providing the lowest total cost of ownership and independence from telecom operators. The G3-PLC Alliance has now introduced an extended profile with radio functions: G3-PLC Hybrid.
G3-PLC Hybrid is the first industry hybrid standard that provides extended functions in networks that are seamlessly managed through two media for smart grid and IoT applications. Each device in the hybrid mesh network can communicate using PLC and RF. According to the actual situation on site, messages between the two devices are sent through the “best” available channel. The channel selection of each link in the network is automatically completed and dynamically adjusted. In this way, hybrid profiles can provide more efficient and cost-effective solutions for smart grids, smart cities, and industrial applications. In addition to the existing ITU-T G.9903 G3-PLC protocol, the hybrid protocol stack is also built using the open standard IEEE 802.15.4-2015. The G3-PLC hybrid configuration file is fully compatible and interoperable with existing G3-PLC implementations, so hybrid and non-hybrid nodes can be mixed.
G3-PLC Hybrid opens up new use cases because it extends the connectivity of G3-PLC to only radio frequency devices and enables communication with water and gas meters. Generally, distribution system operators (DSOs) use multiple technologies in their power grids, and DSOs are required to manage multiple technologies. Combine PLC and RF in a seamlessly integrated hybrid technology, which truly simplifies network management!
In a multi-vendor environment, a key question that arises is: How does DSO ensure the deployment of interoperable products? The G3-PLC Alliance provides a high-quality certification program to provide suppliers and customers with assurance that their meters, data concentrators, and other equipment correctly implement the G3-PLC standard, and they can interoperate with other certified equipment and meet specified performance levels. In the summer of 2020,the interoperability of the G3-PLC hybrid standard has been verified in chipsets from leading international manufacturers. The specification of the hybrid configuration file has been finalized, the certification has been opened in the fourth quarter of 2020, and the certified hybrid devices had been available.
Post time: Nov-24-2021