IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid technical advisory group formed

USA: IEEE, the world's largest professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, today announced the formation of the IEEE 802.24 Smart Grid Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

The newly launched entity is a collaborative umbrella organization that works with multiple IEEE 802 working 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.”