Interoperability Strategy for an AMI deployment in the US

Abstract

This paper explains the novel interoperability and interchangeability strategy adopted by Avangrid Networks (US subsidiary of Iberdrola) in the smart metering deployment in New York State (US). In the case of Avangrid AMI (Automated Metering Infrastructure) interoperability means various elements from several providers will be deployed on different segments of the network architecture, and are expected to operate seamlessly. From the perspective of protocols, they will have to be open standards to guarantee interoperability at all layers of the OSI model. Interchangeability means that, further to interoperability, any element (meters and network devices) could be in fact replaced by the equivalent from a different manufacturer, at any time, and be expected to keep the functionality that standards prescribe. The paper describes the strategy and the reason behind the adoption of it, detailing the steps that will be taken in order to successfully achieve the goal, which will make the project the first fully interoperable AMI network deployed in the US.