Study the Topology Effect on a G3-PLC based AMI Network

Smart grid is the concept for next-generation power grid that integrates information and communication technology into power grid. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an important aspect of smart grid, which requires establishment of a two-way communication system between consumers and utility. In this paper, the effect of network topology on the performance of a PLC-based AMI system is investigated. For this purpose, a narrow-band power line communication simulator in accordance with the G3-PLC standard is proposed that implemented using the OMNeT++ network simulator. It is shown that the topology of the AMI network has significant impact on the collision rate of the data concentrator switch.