Exploiting the RSSI Long-Term Data of a WSN for the RF Channel Modeling in EPS Environments

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a methodology to use the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) available by the protocol stack of an installed Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) at an electric-power-system environment (EPS) as a tool for obtaining the characteristic of its communication channel. Thereby, it is possible to optimize the settings and configuration of the network after its deployment, which is usually run empirically without any previous knowledge of the channel. A study case of a hydroelectric power plant is presented, where measurements recorded over a two-month period were analyzed and treated to obtain the large-scale characteristics of the radiofrequency channel at 2.4 GHz. In addition, we showed that instantaneous RSSI data can also be used to detect specific issues in the network, such as repetitive patterns in the transmitted power level of the nodes, and information about its environment, such as the presence of external sources of electromagnetic interference. As a result, we demonstrate the practical use of the RSSI long-term data generated by the WSN for its own performance optimization and the detection of particular events in an EPS or any similar industrial environment.

Evaluation of Deep Learning Methods in a Dual Prediction Scheme to Reduce Transmission Data in a WSN

“…Only three nodes are used as sensor nodes, and the rest are used as pure routers. The radios were deployed on a 92 m × 78 m area covering the barrage, the central building, and where the step-up transformers and high-voltage cables are present [50,51].…”

Investigation of Error Probability for Grid and Random Uniform Topologies in a Variable Noise Environment

“…Positioning and localization based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is found to be an effective way to determine the location. A path loss model, which can be implemented by path loss exponent (PLE) in association with data location, can provide more accurate position estimations using RSSI [31][32][33].…”

“…Other studies proposed the use of RSSI both in its instantaneous capacity as an indicator of repetitive patterns and as a long term accumulative measurement to enable optimization of power networks by modifying the communication channel settings, which showed that RSSI can be effectively used to optimize network characterisitics in a WSN [33].…”