Analytical model validation using OPNET Modeler

This paper presents and validates through simulation an analytical model for multihop connections in AMR systems (Automatic Meter Reading). The model is based on a Markov Chain and has been validated with a Monte Carlo Simulation based on OPNET Modeler in order to obtain a verification of the explicit formulas calculated from analytical model. The model is applied to the AMR case where the normal operating scenario of the system may be in a high probability of errors. Other systems that make extensive use of multihop polling are bluetooth scatternets and ad-hoc wireless networks. Introduction AMR can be accomplished by using different communication techniques such as Power Line Communication (PLC) or Wireless. Communication systems which use the power cables themselves as communication medium are potentially more convenient for the utilities and, in fact, many utilities around the world use their own power cables to reach the meters as well as to communicate with their customers for low rate applications. Narrowband PLC has stable standards in Europe [1][2] since the nineties and it is a mature and low cost technology which may achieve nominal transmission speeds up to 9600 bit/s in the transmission band from 9 to 95KHz for utility uses and up to 140,5KHz for customer applications.