Author(s)

Shensheng Tang

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Power line communication (PLC) is a promising smart grid application for information transmission using existing power lines. We analytically model a finite-source PLC network subject to channel failure through a queueing theoretic framework. The proposed PLC network model consists of a base station (BS), which is located at a transformer station and connected to the backbone communication networks, and a number of subscriber stations that are interconnected with each other and with the BS via the power line transmission medium. An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based technique is assumed for forming the transmission channels in a frequency spectrum. The channels are subject to failure during service due to noise. We determine the steady-state solution of the proposed model and derive a set of performance metrics of interest. Numerical and simulation results are presented to provide further insights into the analytical results. The proposed modeling method is expected to be used for evaluation and design of future PLC networks.

Power Line Communication (PLC), Performance Modeling, Markov Process, Channel Failure

S. Tang, "Traffic Modeling of a Finite-Source Power Line Communication Network," Smart Grid and Renewable Energy, Vol. 2 No. 3, 2011, pp. 261-270. doi: 10.4236/sgre.2011.23029.