Experimental and field trial results of enhanced routing based on LOAD for G3-PLC

G3-PLC is a power line communication standard using OFDM technology for data communication defining both physical and data link layers. The data link layer is derived from IEEE 802.15.4 and Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Network (6LoWPAN) standards. 6LowPAN Ad hoc Distance-vector protocol (LOAD) is used as an efficient routing protocol over varying network topologies and link conditions. Since LOAD was originally developed for wireless networks, several unique enhancements were added to tailor it to power line communications. The enhanced LOAD protocol handles typical issues such as asymmetrical links and ghost nodes. In addition, link repair functionalities are provided and control traffic is reduced. On the other hand, this paper describes how fair channel access is granted to all nodes, providing a sound medium access mechanism which is crucial for a power line communication network. In a second experimental part of the paper, some pressing issues are replicated within a test platform to explore the routing enhancements in a controlled environment. Finally, this paper focuses on the results obtained for a cluster of 132 nodes operating on an actual low voltage grid in Ste Maure de Touraine in the Loire Valley, France. This cluster is part of a 2000 node Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) field trial led by the French Distribution Network Operator (DNO) ERDF. For the first time, results showing enhanced LOAD routing protocol performance within a power line communication AMI deployment are presented. LOAD performs as expected, providing connectivity to all meters installed in a typical residential area.