This paper proposes an ad hoc routing algorithm to increase
link reliability in power line communications over low-tension power grid.
The algorithm assumes data concentrator (DC) located at the distribution transformer, which is polling meters connected to the power line and send information about energy consumption, loading profile and any other crucial data to the utility. The proposed algorithm is designed to keep the required processing complexity at the meter side to the minimum, while shifting the intelligence towards the DC. The protocol accounts for asymmetric characteristics of the power line channel, where some nodes could suffer very bad downlink quality due to noise at the meter side. These nodes couldn't receive data sent from
DC and/or other nodes and are therefore classified as deaf nodes, although their transmission could be received properly by adjacent nodes. Furthermore, special packet structure is proposed to minimize algorithm overhead and packet routing mechanism. The protocol performance is compared against LOADng, LOADng-CTP and AODV in terms of protocol overhead, end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio and memory requirements. |
