Communication in Smart Water Networks SWAN Forum Interoperability Workgroup June 2016 Authors: Dr Andreas Hauser, TUV SUD, Chair Nicolas Foret, Schneider Electric Stuart Combellack, Technolog Jonathan Coome, Syrinix Quintilia Lopez, Indra Elkin Hernandez, DC Water Salil M Kharkar, DC Water Amin Rasekh, Sensus Michal Koenig, Qualcomm Remy Marcotorchino, Sierrawireless Nicolas Damour, Sierrawireless SWAN Forum Workgroup Interoperability Abstract In smart water network applications, communication protocols are used to communicate with different system components. Smart water network applications may, for example, be systems for Leakage Detection, Pressure Management, Water Quality Monitoring or Asset Management. Smart water network system components could be field devices, automation systems or various software tools. Many different communication protocols are currently used which do not allow interoperable communication. However, a seamless and interoperable communication and operation is needed, in order to foster the deployment and acceptance of smart water applications. This in turn requires generally accepted communication protocols. This SWAN Interoperability Workgroup is dedicated to fostering the interoperability of smart water applications. In this particular project, we have set the goal to list generally applied communication protocols in smart water networks applications, and to define the communication-related requirements of the involved components. It represents a first step towards the broad field of interoperability. Introduction Interoperability refers to the capability of units of a smart water system to exchange and use information and services with one another and interfaced external units to enable an effective, secure system operation with little or no need for manual intervention. The three types of interoperability, i.e., technical, semantic, and process interoperability, ensure effective exchange of data, common understanding of the d