Performance analysis of a city smart grid communication network based on the IEEE 802.16e standard

A smart grid communication network will enable the electricity operators to connect various intelligent devices, smart meters and other sensors to different servers located within the electricity grid. Automated meter reading is a key feature of a smart grid which requires installation of a communication network that can access 100% of smart meters within its coverage area. Smart meter connectivity in inner cities is a challenging problem due to the location of meters inside high rise buildings as well as due to difficult propagation conditions. In this paper we analyze the connectivity pattern of smart meters in an inner city environment using an IEEE 802.16e based WiMAX network. The paper initially models the inner city propagation environment to study the connectivity pattern. Based on the propagation model the work developed a transmission power ramping algorithm to provide 100% meter connectivity. Simulation models were developed based on OPNET and MATLAB packages.