Wireless Communication: A Basic Tutorial on Radio Technology

Radio-frequency (RF) communication is an important smart grid enabler for functions such as voltage variability (VAR) levels and reactive power control, recloser control, and feeder restorations and isolation. This article will provide a basic tutorial on the types of RF communications and the benefits and liabilities of each. The specific topics to be explored are licensed versus unlicensed frequencies, the distance between remote radios and base stations, and communication architectures.