Smart Energy Metering Using LPWAN IoT Technology

The last-mile networking for Internet of Things (IoT) applications using short-range networks in ISM band such as IEEE 802.15.4 LoWPAN mesh, WiFi, Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy has been studied widely in the last few years with demonstration in many industrial scenarios. However, the reliable connectivity in last-mile scenarios like individual energy meter in the home area network (HAN) connecting to the data concentrator in turn to the meter data management systems (MDMS) through WAN connectivity is considered to be a challenge in certain areas. There are emerging low-power WAN (LPWAN) technologies such as LoRa, Wi-SUN, Sigfox—all operating in unlicensed band, and NB-IoT—in licensed band that can provide alternative long-range connectivity option for realizing IoT networks. In this paper, we discuss the Indian smart metering deployment in both rural and urban scenarios where the short-range IoT solution built-in may not always work best to the needs of long-range expectations. Further, we highlight how emerging LPWAN technologies will help in building a reliable, low-cost, low-power, long-range, last-mile technology for smart energy metering solutions. We also present our prototype implementation of end-to-end LoRa connectivity for smart metering solution and discuss final visualization platform.