QoS provisioning for OFDMA-based wireless network infrastructure in smart grids

This paper proposes an analytical framework for engineering a star wireless infrastructure for smart power grids based on OFDMA access technology (e.g., WiMax or LTE technology). The considered network model can represent the last-mile (i.e., local area networks) or high speed backhaul part of the power grid communications infrastructure. This proposed analytical framework would be useful in designing a two-way communications infrastructure between utility control centers and electric customers or grid elements. Specifically, it provides a systematic approach to decide how wireless bandwidth is allocated to different users so that packet delay and loss rate requirements are satisfied considering stochastic nature of grid data traffic and error-prone wireless channels. Numerical results are presented to illustrate how different design objectives can be achieved (e.g., determine amount of radio bandwidth and transmission power to meet QoS requirements of all users).