Traffic engineering analysis of Smart Grid services in cellular networks

This paper presents analytical and simulative traffic engineering models for Smart Grid communication processes in cellular networks. In order to dimension ICT networks for a decentralized and automated Smart Grid infrastructure, a detailed analysis of the expected data volume and required data rate for Smart Metering Services, Demand and Supply Side Management as well as Monitoring Services is needed. Based upon different wireless infrastructure scenarios applying different technology approaches, a comparison between traffic models using stochastic and deterministic inter-arrival times is presented. In order to validate the usability and capability of the proposed stochastic and deterministic models, analytical and simulative methods are compared. The stochastic method is based on a multidimensional Markovian model, whereas the deterministic system is described by a novel analytical approach based on the Network Calculus. The results show different key performance indicators of wireless technology approaches using GPRS, UMTS and LTE within different traffic scenarios and reflect the expected Smart Grid traffic volume, which needs to be taken into account for future network deployments. The performed analysis determines the impact of the Smart Grid services on common speech and data traffic in cellular networks as well as the expected influence of additional network load caused by Smart Grid applications.