Spectrum aware interference modelling in large-scale smart metering networks

An approach for a more realistic simulation of wireless smart metering networks in smart grid applications is presented in this work. Conventional network simulations usually ignore spectral properties of transmission signals. Thus, adjacent channel interference is ignored, which may lead to unreliable packet loss rate estimations. To overcome this drawback, we introduce a general method to model modulation schemes in a network simulation. The proposed solution is examined in an OMNeT++ simulation with two exemplary spectrum models, which differ in their levels of detail. The simulations were conducted for varying channel spacings and load situations for a smart metering network with up to 12,000 radio units. The results show that the use of a detailed spectrum model should be favoured. Since our approach improves adjacent channel interference modelling, it is an important component for more reliable results when evaluating communication protocols in network simulations.