Wireless Network Technologies for Smart Homes: A Technical and Economic Analysis

The Smart Grid concept is being implemented and it is a close reality, its application has been accelerated by the reduction of the electronic components costs, the Internet of Things evolution and the necessity to develop more efficient solutions for electric vehicles and distributed generation. The main projects around the world are starting with the implementation of Smart Homes, due to the greater easy technical solution and high compensation. These implementations are accompanied by technical and economic barriers, due to the increase in data generation and the increase products price. This paper focuses on the study of the Sub-GHz, WiFi, and ZigBee wireless networks, making a technical and economic analysis of these networks. Experimental and simulation analysis were used to evaluate these technologies, allowing to simulate a complete Smart Home environment for energy and demand management, applying a communication node for each energy point. The economic analysis relates the direct cost of technology module and their energy consumption, based on rates from the local distributor of the residence. In conclusion, the document establishes the best wireless technology to apply in energy and demand management in smart homes environments, with higher transmission success rates and better cost benefit.