WiMAX for advanced metering infrastructure

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) enables two-way communications with the smart meter and offers the potential to convert the meter from a simple measuring and counting device to a core element of an integrated system of hardware and software used to better manage the utility networks. WiMAX represents an attractive technology choice for the AMI as a fundamental component of Smart Grid technology. In this paper, we analyze the performance characteristics and propose enhancements to the WiMAX wireless air interface and network protocols to support smart metering devices operating over this shared network with other deployed wireless multimedia services.