QoS Based Routing Algorithm for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grid

The two-way and real-time communication network is the key component for the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grid. The smart meter is the key component of communication networks of smart grid, which provides efficient route for the information exchange between users and distribution stations. As the "last mile" communication network for AMI, the neighborhood area network (NAN) can realize the real-time transmission of Household electricity information, power quality data and so on, video surveillance and so on. However, with the rapid development of smart grid, the quality of service (QoS) requirements for NAN are becoming more and more stringent. For example, it requires wider coverage and higher communication bandwidth, smaller data transmission delays and lower data packet loss rate. Therefore, a routing algorithm based on improved ant colony optimization is proposed to enhance the QoS performance of latency and reliability. A pheromone emission rule is set to make the ant get efficient guiding information and approach the destination node quickly thus reduce the time delay and packet-loss rate efficiently. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can efficiently improve the QoS performance of communication network for AMI in smart grid.