IEEE, a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing
technology for humanity, has formed the IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid Technical
Advisory Group (TAG).
The newly launched entity is a collaborative umbrella
organization that works with multiple IEEE 802working groups (WGs) and will
liaise with key smart grid ecosystem stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies,
other standards development bodies and industry organizations.
The IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid TAG’s goal is to help resolve
questions and challenges regarding the use of IEEE 802 standards in smart grid
applications.
“IEEE 802 networking standards have achieved
near-ubiquitous adoption — they’re essential underlying technologies found in
almost every computing device made today, whether it’s a desktop computer,
laptop, tablet or smartphone. These standards are an integral part of the
connected world,” said Bill Ash, strategic program
manager, IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA).
“Now with the smart grid’s continued evolution, IEEE 802
standards will also play a fundamental role in critical applications like home
automation, advanced metering infrastructures, renewable integration and demand
response. The IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid TAG will serve as the ultimate
resource for practical information and insight about the use of IEEE 802
standards in the smart grid.”
Among the IEEE 802 WGs taking part in the IEEE 802.24
Smart Grid TAG are the IEEE 802.1 Higher Layer LAN Protocols WG, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet
WG,IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN WG,IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network
(WPAN) WG,IEEE 802.16 Broadband Wireless Access WG, IEEE 802.18 Radio
Regulatory TAG,IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Handoff WG and IEEE
802.22 Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRAN) WG.
As part of its charter, the group will become an
essential link and first point of contact for an array of smart grid
constituencies, including policymakers and regulatory bodies, Standards
Development Organizations (SDOs) and trade associations, as well as an internal
resource for other IEEE societies, groups and committees.
Primary responsibilities and activities falling under the
IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid TAG’s purview include facilitating coordination and
collaboration among IEEE 802 groups and providing conference and event speakers
able to address the use of IEEE 802 standards in smart grid applications. Additionally,
participants will cooperatively develop a range of materials such as white
papers, guidelines and presentations.
“As foundational elements working at the lower layers to
connect devices together, IEEE 802 standards are applicable in a wide variety
of environments. As a result, they are a natural fit within today’s nascent
smart grid ecosystem,” said James Gilb, chair, IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid TAG.
“IEEE 802 holds nearly unlimited potential for relevance within smart grid
applications. By providing needed guidance, expertise and other resources
relating to these standards, the IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid TAG will help ensure
continued innovation and advancement of the smart grid.”