ZigBee performance evaluation for smart grid dual physical media communications in Riga city

Abstract

in our present publication we are considering the possibility of using ZigBee to ensure alternative wireless channel for reliable smart grid dual media communications in Riga city. AS “Sadales tikls”, the largest electricity distribution system operator in Latvia, already has actively started installation of smart electricity meters that mainly use mobile communications networks for data transmission, as plain PLC communication channels are noisy and unreliable. Dual media communication system can ensure that less Internet access points are in use, providing lower costs and more manageable smart metering systems for smart grid solutions. This paper contains measurement results which examines the possibility of usage of ZigBee wireless communication channel in most prevalent multistory apartment buildings, which were massively built in Riga starting from 1950's.