Presentation Abstract: "Wireless Broadband Mesh Network for City-Wide Smart Grid" A smart grid is a fully automated power delivery network that ensures bidirectional flow of power and information end-to-end, from power generation to the end-customer. The communications network is a key element of enabling the smart grid and in particular, the Distribution Area Network (DAN), as it provides communications aggregation for multiple applications. Utilities evaluating a communications infrastructure for the distribution area network (DAN) need to consider all the applications for which it will be utilized: automated meter reading (AMR), demand response, distribution automation, substation security, mobile workforce, public safety and others. The needs of each application need to be considered together to ensure the network can deliver the performance, resiliency, multi-layer security, adaptability, and visibility required. Speaker: Rob Pilgrim, Vice President-Business and Corporate Development, Tropos Networks Mr. Pilgrim is responsible for investigating and driving strategic relationships with various technology, application, and infrastructure companies to grow the wireless mesh market ecosystem. Working with over 100 industry leading companies since joining Tropos in 2005, he has helped architect business and technology solutions to create new ways of delivering wireless data and applications to customers. Prior to joining Tropos, Mr. Pilgrim was Director of Product Marketing and Business Development at Covad Communications, and spent over 10 years in various business and technical roles for companies in the wireless and optical communications space. Rob started his career as a marketing engineer for Georgia Power Company, an operating unit of the Southern Company. [back to Program Agenda]