On communication and interference range of IEEE 802.15.4g smart utility networks

This paper presents the analysis on communication range and interference range of the IEEE 802.15.4g Smart Utility Networks (SUN). Firstly, error performance analysis corresponding to different propagation environments based on realistic measurement is conducted. Secondly, the effective communication range of SUN devices in these propagation channels are presented and discussed. Thirdly, in the presence of an interfering SUN device, the interference range between the victim and interfering devices are also studied. As a result, we have found that the achievable communication range of SUN devices in the GHz-order bands, the higher-UHF bands and the lower-UHF bands are 33m, 65m and 104m respectively. The critical interferer-to-victim distance below which, causing intolerable degradation to the victim receiver, is found to be 20m for typical urban and 35m for hilly rural environment. Finally, the analysis results are compared with the requirements based on the survey on utility metering device deployment conditions.