Interference aware scheduling for peak channel reuse and max-capacity in smart meter networks

This paper introduces highly significant improvements in the multiuser capacity in unplanned networks with high levels of co-channel interference. We view this as the likely system scenario for future cognitive radio (CR) networks. For this reason, this paper presents a novel opportunistic interference aware scheduling protocol ideally suited for maximum channel reuse in unplanned networks. We present results for maximum capacity CR networks, many of which may be based upon the future IEEE 802.22 standard. The IEEE 802.22 standard lists smart grid as a future application protocol. We analyze the application of SISO (single-input and single-output) and MIMO (multiple-input and multiple output) interference aware scheduling to maximize the capacity and number of scheduled smart meters. We present simulation results that show tremendous improvement in the total capacity and number of scheduled smart meters in comparison to traditional scheduling schemes.