5.3. Scheduling Protocol and Methods

Assumption: If smart grid scenarios require scheduling, iTIP will be taken as the starting point for CalWS scheduling methods.

Question: Do smart grid use cases between consumers and suppliers really require scheduling methods, or just flexible descriptions of time?

Several iTIP methods are involved in interpersonal scheduling — REQUEST, REPLY, COUNTER, CANCEL. These methods don’t seem suited to the smart grid use cases that would require

• A set of events to be scheduled on an all-or-nothing basis.

• One of several alternative recurring patterns to be chosen

• A constrained event of definite or variable duration take place at some unspecified time

• One party to propose an event to another party and require that they respond within a particular time window if they agree.

• Require another party to “confirm” their previous acceptance by some time, otherwise the original acceptance is not valid.