WiMAX Multiple Hops Architecturein Smart Grid Communications

Abstract

-This paper proposes a multiple hops WiMAX topology to serve as a wireless communication for the smart grid. A simulation model is developed to evaluate the network performance based on the quality of service requirements of the smart grid applications in order to explore the possible solutions for the grid. The simulation results demonstrated that different service flow types affect the latency of the network. For class 1) applications, no more than 450 smart grid devices should be used to satisfy the latencyrequirement. For class 2) applications, a maximum of 250 smart grid devices can be placed in one cell in order to satisfy the latency requirement. For both classes and under the recommended number of smart grid devices, it was found that the CB-SPQ scheduling algorithm is the best for the satisfactory performance. For class 3) and class 4) applications, a cell can accommodate a maximum of 150 smart grid devices and the CB-WFQ scheduling algorithm is the best. For class 5) applications, no more than 450 smart grid devices should be used to satisfy the latency requirement and the CB-WFQ scheduling algorithm is the best. Index Terms-Smart grids, multihop, diffServ, scheduling, WiMax [4]. An example of such applications is the substation automation which requires 15 to 200 milliseconds latency. Some other applications, such as advanced metering infrastructure latency is not critical [5], [6].The IEEE model divides the smart gird applications into two synchronization groups. Some applications require to be synchronized with others within the entire network and some do not require any synchronization. The generated data is characterized based on the data burst size, the occurrence interval, the broadcast mode and the priority.The next characteristic of the smart grid applications comprises qualitative measures that are defined by the quality of information, availability and impact on the grid operations. Last but not least, data security is measured by its confidentiality, integrity and availability, all of which classifies itself into none, low, medium and high.Multiple hops networking extends the reach of a utilities energy network [7]- [10]. It also provides easy installation on existing assets and a high flexibility in the deployment options. This may improve the transmission rate and helps in avoiding the congestion at the utility center [11].The IEEE P2030 also introduced a mapping between the smart grid communication layer and the different network protocols standards. A mixture of wired and wireless standards has been defined to connect the smart grid devices in different domains.The capabilities of the IEEE 802.16 WiMAX standard will potentially allow the implementation of different communication scenarios for the smart grid. WiMAX standard can serve as a backhaul or a point-to-multipoint access network. In addition, WiMAX can provide full end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) that makes it a good alternative for smart grid communication networks. So far, few researches have been carried out to inv...

An Efficient and Secure Initial Network Entry Protocol (ESINEP) for IEEE 802.16

“…Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 e) was available in 2005, it is a broadband wireless access that supports the connectivity of mobile station (MS) under the coverage of base station BS [5]. IEEE 802.16e operates in 2-11 GHz band under non line of sight conditions [6]. Recently, IEEE 802.16j, has also been approved as the official standard for Mesh WiMAX.…”