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Characterization and simulation of non-line-of-sight fixed wireless links for smart grid applications

University of British Columbia

Electric power utilities are deploying wireless networks operating in mesh and point-to-multipoint configurations over near- and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) fixed links in tremendous numbers to support advanced metering and distribution automation applications. However, effective techniques for characterizing and simulating NLOS channels are required to support efficient implementation, deployment and operation of such networks. In Part I, we contribute to techniques for small-scale channel characterization by: 1) proving the equivalence of the Ricean fading distributions observed in the delay, spatial and frequency domains and their relationship to fading observed in the temporal domain, 2) demonstrating the advantages of estimating the Ricean K-factor from channel frequency response data, and 3) revealing the conditions under which the channel impulse response can be estimated from scalar frequency response data using the Hilbert transform. In addition, we propose a method for estimating the noise floor in measurement-based estimates of the channel impulse response that allows more accurate estimation of delay spread. In Part II, we contribute to the practical use of Loosely Synchronous (LS) pseudorandom codes to characterize dynamic MIMO channels by: 1) revealing the manner in which the autocorrelation and cross correlation properties of LS codes degrade when channel SNR is low and under reduced bit resolution using both simulation and measurement approach and 2) showing how fibre delay lines can be used to permit a single-port channel receiver to effectively measure the response of multiple receiving antennas simultaneously. This allows configuration of channel measurement equipment that captures the channel response in real time faster than the similar single-port channel sounders developed with switches. In Part III, we contribute to simulation of fixed wireless networks in suburban macrocell environments by demonstrating how shadow fading varies as a function of terminal height and building height distribution and the manner in which it affects the system coverage. The results contribute to the simulation and modeling framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by more effective characterization and simulation of fixed wireless channels and better coverage and deployment cost estimation for Smart Grid applications.

Text

2016-08-03

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/58645

Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/