Cloud-Based Control and Monitoring of Water Distribution Network Using Free Spectrum Communication Protocols

Utility management demands two basic functions for an optimal automation scenario, which are monitoring and control. Here, we report a novel approach utilizing free spectrum communication technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) framework for Water Distribution Network (WDN) management. We make use of an architecture combining the free spectrum protocols included in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio band, along with cloud-based data management. The main aspects of the developed system are user-friendly operation and control, along with reliable and fault-free operation. In this paper, we discuss, in detail, the architecture, hardware design, and software applications associated with the IoT-based wireless monitoring and control of WDNs.