Dual-SIM NB-IoT Modem Design for AMI Smart Meter

The reliability of communication systems is one of the main factors to ensure the proper operation of smart grid systems. Smart grids massively depend on an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for bidirectional communications between consumers and distribution system operators. Smart meters as an important means of communication in smart grids are widely interconnected with different communication networks which help grids to be diagnosed and controlled easily in less time. The existing smart meter modems mostly have only one SIM to support the communication which creates some problems regarding efficient operations, continuous communication, and demand-side management (DSM) of smart grids in different locations. In order to overcome such problems, a new design of dual SIM Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) modem for smart meter is developed to increase the reliability by the redundancy of the mobile operator networks. In addition, the hardware design and operation of the dual-SIM Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) modem for the smart meter is investigated. From the experimental results, it has been showing that the dual-SIM NB-IoT modem is able to improve the network reliability effectively.