In this paper, the robust features of wireless sensor networks are utilized in tele-protection systems. Cognitive radio algorithms are applied to transfer tripping signals from one substation to another in a permissive underreach transfer tripping scheme. The dependability, security, and cost of the proposed scheme is discussed within this paper and is compared with other common communication links in tele-protection schemes. The proposed scheme offers a broad communication network that allows the relays at the remote substations to communicate with each other which permits a more dependable backup protection without the need for third zone settings of the distance relay. Hence, the impacts of load encroachment and infeed are mitigated. A cyber-physical co-simulation is run in MATLAB/SIMULINK® to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.​