Model the Path: Impact of Propagation Models on the Scalability Analysis of a Wireless M-Bus Sensoring System for Smart Grids
Néstor Rodríguez-Pérez, Javier Matanza Domingo, G. López · 2023
This paper analyses the impact of the propagation model on the outcomes of a scalability analysis of a wireless M-Bus system simulated in OMNeT++. Four path loss models are compared: Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) model with obstacle-related losses, the ITU-R P.1238 model, and two configurations of the log-normal model used by previous studies in similar contexts. Performance is assessed using three main indicators: delivery ratio, message error ratio, and gross delivery ratio.Results show that, although all the propagation models considered validate the baseline implementation of the system, performance differences emerge when scaling it up. The two configurations of the log-normal models may provide a too-optimistic scalability potential, while the ITU-R model may provide a pessimistic one. The high influence of the propagation model in the scalability results of the system is demonstrated, as other factors, such as message collision, prove to have no impact on scalability for the scenarios analysed.Future research may compare other standardised propagation models or consider the inclusion of more than one data collector.