PRMA-Based Cognitive Machine-to-Machine Communications in Smart Grid Networks

It is expected that cognitive machine-to-machine (M2M) communications in smart grid networks will be indispensable in the near future. In this paper, after discussing the motivation of cognitive M2M communications in a smart grid network, we design a cognitive medium access control (MAC) protocol, keeping in view the unique features of M2M devices and smart grid communication requirements. We propose the use of packet reservation multiple access (PRMA), carry out its feasibility study, and adapt and significantly enhance it with modifications particularly tailored for M2M environments. The proposed protocol is centralized in nature and utilizes a specialized frame structure for supporting the coexistence of the cognitive M2M network with the primary network. This frame structure is further optimized, considering different tradeoffs pertaining to primary network protection and the utility of a secondary M2M network. Performance evaluation is carried out by analytical modeling and simulation studies. We also present a case study for application of the proposed protocol in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks under the dynamics of power systems.