RF Mesh Communication Between Smart Meters and a Data Concentrator Unit for Smart Metering Applications
Keywords:
RF Mesh, smart meter, Data Concentrator Unit (DCU), AMI, ZigBee, LoRa, packet delivery ratio, self-healing network, smart grid.Abstract
This paper investigates the adoption of RF Mesh communication in smart metering systems, evaluating its efficiency,
scalability and reliability for data transmission between smart meters and a Data Concentrator Unit (DCU). Unlike
point-to-point schemes, RF Mesh networks use a decentralized, self-healing topology in which each meter acts as a
node that relays data through neighbouring meters until it reaches the DCU, extending coverage for large-scale
smart-grid deployments. The network operates in the 865-867 MHz band using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
(FHSS) to reduce interference while enabling multi-hop, low-power communication. A hardware setup comprising a
smart meter, RF NIC modules and a Rugged Board DCU (A5D2x, i.MX6UL) was implemented and tested; the system
achieved a measured latency of 50-150 ms and a packet delivery ratio (PDR) of 98.7%, confirming RF Mesh as an
efficient, self-healing and cost-effective communication technology for modern smart-grid infrastructure.
