Wireless M2M capacity analysis for smart distribution grids

In the recent years, advanced control techniques for power grid distribution have been provided in order to define a new concept of power grid management: the Smart Grid. Among of them, the use of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) will permit to define advanced monitoring system for the distribution grid. However, the unique characteristics of M2M communications pose a number of interesting challenges to the conventional telecommunications networks. In this paper, we analyzed the 4G cellular technology, the Long Term Evolution (LTE), to investigate if it could be a suitable technology for the local loop solution. The analysis in terms of coverage and capacity is provided taking into account two exemplary case studies: AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) and Distribution Substation Monitoring. The aim of this work is to check whether wireless access method of cellular technology is able to satisfy the proposed applications requirements.