Received Signal Strength Distribution Approximation for IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee Smart Grid Networks

In this paper, a received signal strength distribution for IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee smart grid networks has been approximated in two different environments by the Rician distribution curve fitting applied to received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement data. The environments are selected for representing the location of data concentrator unit (DCU) and smart meter installation in Bangkok, Thailand. The first environment represents a small street between two high buildings in which the urban area for the smart grid networks could be modelled. The second environment represents the open field at the university sport stadium, in which the rural area for the smart grid networks could be modelled. From the experimental results, the K factor from the approximated Rician distribution in the first environment is higher than the second environment because there exists the strong line of sight (LOS) path with a narrow street; therefore, the received signal strength is less fluctuated compared with the open field. This research finding fairly implies that the effect of urbanization in the major big cities does not severely deteriorate the received signal strength of IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee smart grid network compared with the open area in the rural zone. This experimental result could be applied to IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee smart meter installation and planning in the smart grid networks.