A Link Quality Estimation model of Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart Distribution Grid

Recent advances in Micro-electro-mechanical Systems made Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) a viable solution for Smart Distribution Grid communication. However, the transitional and environmentrelated features seriously affect communication link quality in Wireless-Sensor-Network-based smart distribution grid application. In this paper, a novel Link Quality Estimation model is presented to estimate link quality in harsh Distribution Grid environments. By theoretical analysis, background noise fluctuation and signal strength attenuation are considered as main factors affecting link quality. Consequently, Alpha-stable distribution fitting is used for modeling background noise, and Log-distance path loss model is adopted for received signal strength model. In addition, the method of estimating parameters in presented Link Quality Estimation model is introduced along. The experiment result demonstrates that, Link Quality Estimation model is a better and more realistic and accuracy choice.