State of Art, Cognitive Radio Networks for

Advanced Metering Infrastructure using TV

White Space
Juan Chalco
Politecnica Salesiana
Electrical Engineering Department
Quito-Ecuador
jchalcoc@est.ups.edu.ec
Esteban Inga
Universidad Polit
ecnica Salesiana
Electrical Engineering Department
Quito-Ecuador
einga@ups.edu.ec

Universidad

AbstractNowadays the use of new technological tools

and smart metering systems (SMART GRID). Strengthen
its entry into the market by developing new services
implementations for Advanced Metering Infrastructure
(AMI), which improve measurement and control in a
power system in response giving a profit with minimal
operational response times, low cost monitoring also
reliability system to which it is connected. The next article
attempts to indicate the measurement infrastructure and
the behavior the use of such systems using cognitive radio
as well as see the difference in the use of CognitiveMobile Virtual Network Operators (C- MVNO) vs.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) since for
its flexibility to adapt to the current demand and the
utilization of spectrum white holes. What is more, to
improve the measurement system and optimize resources
in building foundations for system link stations, because
the measuring points will be fixed in one place. Consider
also we focus on the use of IEEE 802.22 standard
for networks that leverage White spaces not used by
the primary users of digital television frequencies. We
detail a design for the use of white space in the IMA
and demonstrate its benefits in terms of bandwidth, the
deployment cost.
Index TermsSmart Grids (Sg); Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI); tv white spaces (TVWS);
smart meter; mobile virtual network operator (MVNO);
cognitive-mobile virtual network operator (C-MVNO);
Sistemas Generales de Paquetes de Radios (GPRS);

Acceso Multiple
por Division de Codigo (CDMA)

I. I NTRODUCTION

N this article we give to know the importance

now represents the use of smart metering systems
(SMART GRID ) applied to the electricity sector
and the need for communications systems for such
development , operating and information of system ,
in order to optimize and minimize the cost of service
and supervision of the system further to obtain drive
ability in this system it is connected , which by having

a bidirectional flow of information transmitted can

deliver actual data that can be interpreted in a better
way for both the customer and the distributor , allowing
a proper exchange of information and conducting an
efficient control of electric energy consumption[1] [2]
[3]. Because by using this technology a measurement
be taken in real time and real measurement data are
obtained , and a direct and timely service control for
such development arises reuse the existing infrastructure of wireless networks that are in each places to
be implemented whether these bases cellular transmissions or TV, a possible solution is to use the blanks of
radio spectrum that are not used in a given time by a
particular user, the same once they are re not affect the
normal development of such services and continue to
offer its functioning normally. For such actions using
an advanced metering infrastructure ( AMI ) which by
its infrastructure is able to optimize arises , process it
between the distributor and the end customer , improving and optimizing resources, while eliminating nontechnical losses [2] to intervene in less time possible
for jobs that require time coordination such as cuts and
reconnection of the system [4] [5]. The radio spectrum
wireless network becomes increasingly limited in their
use in communications due to congestion that demand
the use of wireless devices which use networks for
obtaining information [6] [7] [8]. The consumption
of such radio spectrum can be better optimized if
applied correctly and regulated according to rules and
policies in the country they wait implemented using
such technologies such as CDMA ; GPRS ; LTE
thereof that are currently able to communicate with
smart meters (SMART METER) which will serve as
a fixed point of communication for smart metering
of electricity, to exchange information and provide
real data consumption in real-time system , making

Figure 1.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure with Cognitive Mobile Virtual Network Operate for spectrum detection

cuts and reconnection remote system and equipment if

warranted [9] [10] [11]. A cognitive radio network is an
intelligent radio which is very thorough as it changes
the parameters of use and transmission according to
the site to which it is installed and connected , which
aims to detect radio frequencies in order to delimit
the use of a particular spectrum and also efficiently
allocate information obtained may lead to routing in
such networks the trend of dynamic spectrum by any
user either primary or secondary [12]. Currently with
the development and updating of communication and
technology we can make use of digital television and
thus the implementation of cognitive radio spectra
of the TV, which becomes increasingly desirable for
implementation and optimization of the spectrum [13]
[14]. This is because the TV channels although they
are intertwined leave spaces between your toppings to
thereby prevent direct interference between transmissions is why the idea emerges and wants to introduce
is to use such spaces TVWS ( TV white spaces ) to
obtain a bidirectional communication according to the
above in this case using the Wireless Regional Area
Network technology - WRAN ( IEEE 802.22 )[15]
which is which is a standard proposed by IEEE for
regional wireless networks cognitive areas , the same
that discloses the TVWS use frequencies not used one
a geographically specific location , this change or use
of spectrum it is done in the shortest time possible so
that it can be used by another user without affecting
the service of the primary user . Due to the saturation
that exists today on the use of equipment that handle

and manage computer data, the use of cognitive radio

becomes very attractive for use as our development will
build on the advantages of using C - MVNO s same as
being a system that performs spectrum detection may
allow dynamic spectra were leased at a certain period
in order to get the best performance of our system
and especially profiting give good service which is the
priority [16]. By the secondary user if the channel is
being used and the same is required to be occupied by
the primary user , data encryption no longer work for
the secondary user , so you have to choose between
three options:
1) Wait for the primary user end soon for authorization of the use of the channel again , which incurs
delay of data packets . 2) Switching channel if multiple
channels and try to summarize the transmission from
an available channel . 3) If only one channel and the
primary user does not leave soon , the secondary must
find a new way to summarize the data . Henceforth
this article is organized as follows. In section II the
use of AMI in rural areas is introduced and how it can
be raised for their contribution to make smart metering
in order to provide assistance to clients living in these
areas optimizing resources and overall decreasing pay
the costs of supply. Section III obtaining spectra in
TVWS to use it according to international standards
for use of AMI and find the best system performance
is described . In Section IV the input of a C - MVNO to
a conventional MVNO the same as for their usefulness
help to lease spectrum usage at certain times removed
unnecessary payment of a large period for the use and

viability described use , with the priority measurement

optimize resources and especially service.
II. ADVANCED MEASUREMENT
INFRASTRUCTURE IN RURAL AREAS
Use of AMI in rural areas is viable in its construction
and implementation , because for being such remote
areas of the city, help the customer when there is an
energy problem in a given sector , because now the
user must inform prior to the distribution company
seeking review of the problem and reinstatement in
the presence of a power outage in the area where
warranted as well , so the proposed idea becomes an
attractive service to compare current service , increased
satisfaction customer for the use of this service and
the distributor to provide the best service and have a
good recognition of his work given company. Having
a communication that allows us a reading of energy
consumption could perform automatic detection of
reading demand the same aspirational be daily . Twolayered architecture for communications is proposed
AMI using a combination of standardized protocols
based on IEEE 802.22 standard[17].
This standard provides a shortcut to the use of
wireless broadband in a given area , it achieves approximately 20 to 30 KM radius of a base station
is installed in the field , which allows about 255
customers can connect to the system being SMART
METER fixed point communication between AMI .
In networks of blanks, clients report spectrum sensing
data to the base station uses this information to decide
the television channels used for communication and
transmission. It is disclosed that infrastructure may be
possible if opening or WIF UHF TV band to share the
spectrum which are closely linked to the deployment of
digital TV [18], optimizing propagation in these bands
, in order to deploy rural access networks broadband
internet in TVWS , using the long-range UHF signals
and free access to unlicensed spectrum to provide
benefits for AMI [19]. For such infrastructure AMI
should evaluate the implementation of several meters
in these sectors in order to minimize your cost for
the growth of such infrastructure considering that AMI
supports certain types of infrastructure and it would
become very expensive in its implementation if a suitable supplement to help lower costs in its construction
for such development using TVWS proposed by C MVNO is used.

the transmission applied to AMI without impairing

the original signal transmitting TV delivery [20]. A
spectral hole is classified as a frequency band in which
a secondary user may transmit without interfering with
any primary receiver. Since most spectrum occupancy
on TV concentrates in areas of high population density
and the use of TV is mu everyday , the TVWS tend to
occupy more parts of the areas of greatest use of such
service [21].
The use of standards and implemented by IEEE
802 protocol is based on the use of blanks, unused
frequencies in a certain area of digital television . Since
there was a change in several countries on the use of
analogue televisions digital many frequencies at the
time they became available for new uses , the same
that are designed to support mobility and portability
under a point-multipoint and access topology internet
services . It therefore seemed very reasonable from the
very beginning that could deploy rural access networks
broadband internet in TVWS , using the long-range
UHF signals and free access to unlicensed spectrum
. We believe that the bandwidth and transmission
rates of long data provided by whitespace can provide
substantial benefits to the infrastructure of the AMI.
In order for the use of said spectrum by secondary
users can identify and holes must have information
about the location of the primary recipients , secondary
users can not decode a signal transmitter directly from
the primary zone , in this case for such user will
interpret as noise or interference and in that instant
the secondary user can decide not to transmit within
that spectrum. If errors hole detector are busy, it is
presented as a lost because of a false alarm when
detecting errors randomly occupy a channel spectrum
as a hole , may cause a collision in transmission.
According to Figure 2 there is disclosed a configuration
of two layers in a AMI , it mentions the use of wireless
networks as main , secondary tier using TVWS is used
, as a link use would be found of WhiteFi networks
using the same spread spectrum using TV frequencies
below 1GHz .

III. DETECTION OF SPECTRUM TVWS

The idea of using TV white spaces as part of
AMI is what is proposed in this article. White space
communications using licensed spectrum Spaces is a
way of contributing to reuse signals that are roaming
and can be used in a better way , so when not being
used by the transmitters who own it ( Primary ) , in
our case as TV transmitters can be used for secondary
users that utilize the same benefit of such spectra for

Figure 2. White Space Using an Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Such networks can be easily amplified in areas

within 3km , the WhiteFi networks are envisaged to
be established and maintained by the utilities . On the
main level there is a 802.22 network , the network
changes in a timely manner its operating frequency so
as to operate only in unused by licensed transmissions
channels , which is why we provide connectivity
between access points and WhiteFi utility. This type
of network provides benefits in terms of cost and
broadband penetration in rural areas, while improving interoperability standardization of communication.
802.22 networks need not be operated by utilities[22].
A secondary user can use it to dynamically detect and
use unused radio spectrum , the same as for use must
take into account several aspects which are listed below
and can be seen in the interpretation of Figure 3 :
1) Detection range : the secondary user conducts
an inspection of the radio environment in a given
location by checking the power of the primary signal
, the frequency spectrum and time horizon . In this
process, the main users are outside the presence of the
secondary part , and the secondary part has to estimate
the radio environment to avoid violation of the rights
of use of primary users in order to prevent interference
with other users . 2) Analysis of the spectrum : the hole
characteristics detected in the spectrum is calculated.
3) Decision and spectrum management : adequate
spectrum band is chosen to begin transmitting data
by specifying the mode of transmission, transmission
power and data rate spectrum holes thus capturing the
best possible spectrum.

Figure 3. Analysis , decision and spectrum management in primary

and secondary users

These will be operated by independent service

providers offering broadband service for admitting a
utility access points in your network utility . The service provider 802.22 protocol can serve other clients,
such as residential homes and mobile devices. Depending on when the dynamic spectrum access is performed
can be classified into three types: Common model: is
a model of open participation , since no difference
primary and secondary users , it allows all users to
participate spectrum . This should be regulated as a
single user can cover the entire spectrum and cause

interference problems. Exclusive use dynamic model :

It is sometimes also called dynamic spectrum leasing
is a flexible model that allows an improvement in
the distribution and use of the frequency. Approach
allows the owner of the spectrum and the spectrum
band trading with other secondary users. An operator
primary network allows secondary users participate
in a portion of unused spectrum , with payment to
be agreed between both parties to benefit, or as part
payment can the secondary user help retransmit, in case
there poor transmission by the primary user. Model
hierarchical access : Allows the user to access the
secondary spectrum opportunistically , this without
affecting the operation of the primary user of the
spectrum. The hierarchical structure of the model is divided into two parts overlapping spectrum overlapping
spectrum . Spectrum overlaying an approach allows
transmission of primary and secondary users on a
single shared but the secondary user restrictions in
regard to channel transmission power . Instead spectrum overlapping approach allows but does not require
a strict requirements for secondary users transmission
power , but if required to avoid collisions cause any
interference with the primary user.
IV. COGNITIVE RADIO TVWS
A cognitive radio locates a free spectrum in the
network and take it, sensing the environment variable
radius and identifying unused spectrum by the primary
user at a specific time part . That radio is smart
and very susceptible , since it can change its transmission parameters according to the communication
environment to which it is operating at the time ,
detection and transmission can not be performed simultaneously. A cognitive radio network includes two
parameters , which are the detection of spectrum and
radio resources are allocated wisely using information
available spectrum detected . The amount of spectrum
that is obtained is a bit dicey be calculated , because the
spectra are random data and has a lot of uncertainty ,
because you have to avoid conflict with traffic licensee
which is almost always uncertain , for it should be clear
two aspects : cognitive and reconfiguration capability.
The use of frequencies is based on rights and licenses
are for use , they allow you to access spectra safely
and legally , the same may be random , a cognitive
radio can receive and transmit various frequencies
coupled to different access technologies , for which
the parameters can be modified according to the place
to be implemented and thus use the best frequency
band, in this case if a band is not used by the primary
user and it is amplified by a secondary user can always
access it and use it and when there is an agreement of
both parties by determining an appropriate price for the
sale of spectrum for unlicensed secondary users also
considering harming primary user transmissions. The
lease MVNO network coverage of a MNO , it does
not intervene in the general infrastructure , but simply

leverages that is already installed becoming a very

efficient solution for the control of measurement[23].
A long-term lease spectrum implies a high yearly or
depending on the agreement of both parties payment.
To avoid such unnecessary payment implementing a
C- MVNO be used that allows providing the same
hybrid solutions using dynamic lease during short
intervals of the frequency spectrum of an OMR[24].
The bandwidth that emits a spectrum of OMR owner
many times is divided into two parts which are:
The band or detection service is intended only to
serve the primary users are the same as owner of the
spectrum. This band has random traffic and the C MVNO can exploit and use the parts that are obsolete.
The band transfer or lease is a band it is not used
by the owner and is leased to a secondary operator
to use , because it is not allowed that this band is
detected by a C - MVNO[16]. It will be used to better
the spectrum hole which are free , and use them during
that time interval for our study , intervals at which the
measurement is made in our AMI this would improve
how the development of our measurement which is
better than an MVNO[23], measurements since the
user data are not continuously. The model generalizes the C - MVNO MVNO model with technology
DSA (Dynamic Spectrum Access ), which allows the
operator to obtain virtual spectrum resources through
spectrum sensing and leasing quick and timely manner.
What is striking is the cost resulting from the use
of such infrastructure and energy consumption by the
communication system in the AMI , using the C MVNO based on who provides a service viable and reliable communication spectrum , especially accessible
costs , compared to other systems currently exist[25].
MVNOs are an efficient and attractive solution to
provide measurement control of the service provided
to the distributors and customers , which is why within
the alternatives offered by smart metering is detecting
voltage stability problems in networks distribution. To
make smart metering , the MNO provides services
using communication as General Packet Radio System
(GPRS) or Code division multiple access (CDMA) ;
according to the capabilities of existing energy counters at any location you are already in the rural and
urban areas. Cognitive radios are moving steadily forward as a way to help minimize traffic congestion that
currently exists in the communication data , enabling
multiplexing of part of existing spectrum , the main
users with users opportunistic side of the same spectrum also solve the problem of non-technical losses
and inappropriate use of the frequency spectrum which
ultimately represent unnecessary costs and payments to
the end customer , so that all resources would make
the most.
V. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK
The implementation of an AMI s rural areas is
viable as it will help remote areas by installing smart

meters (SMART METER) and the use of TVWS ,

which at the time that such infrastructure is built help
the end customer to get better service cuts and reconnections when there is a fault in the electrical system
and interact directly with the distribution company to
have accurate data on consumption , cost savings and
eliminate the current system operation , the same as
there is a reset the system is first informed by the user
requesting the distributor that a review of the judgment
and reconnection takes place , so that with the implementation of AMI this work would be automatic saving
time and providing a better service, such action is
sucked performed by the proper use of radio spectrum.
A C-MVNO is a spectrum detection system very
flexible , allowing dynamic spectrum leasing short term
, reducing costs by paying a long-term lease , it allows
the detection of white holes , optimizing spectrum use
and occupying unused resources thereof. You can keep
up with a conventional MVNO for integration into a
network of smart metering and dedicated to AMI it
can be implemented anywhere, acting as an interface
between the licensed user and the secondary user that
requires a lease spectrum of an OMR , but no need
to implement all the infrastructure that this requires
that such measurement and smart meters which are
responsible for collecting consumer information and
in the same way to service disconnection and reconnection directly be used. As for the white spaces , this
have seen that has an architecture for AMI using the
resources unused television spectrum.
The network architecture by IEEE 802.22 protocol ,
provides improvements in terms of bandwidth , display
, and the cost compared to the current state of the
art mobile networks using White holes . Similarly
such communications is feasible for development in
rural, suburban and urban areas, in order to solve the
problem of technical losses , getting the best system
performance while minimizing costs . As future work
developing a mathematical modeling applying one of
the existing algorithms which allow us to identify
which spectra are not being used at a given time by a
user and the same is redirected for use of a secondary
user is raised will conduct a data collection made
??randomly , the same as for our study was based
on previous studies using the algorithms in clients
connected to a system and spectra TVSW in those
areas. As a representation of such work in the end get
your result will be presented graphic with your pseudo
respectively, which interpret the location of a TVWS
spectrum in order to be able to use the same for use
of AMI which is the main objective of this article.
R EFERENCES
[1] T. T. Erbato and T. Hartkopf, Smarter Micro Grid for Energy
Solution to Rural Ethiopia, pp. 17.
[2] E. Inga and R. Hincapie, Optimal Deployment of Cellular
Networks for Advanced Measurement Infrastructure in Smart
Grid, Communications and Computing (COLCOM), 2014
IEEE Colombian Conference on, 2014.
[3] S. De, E n p m i a e r, pp. 19.

[4] C. V. B. V.-p. Enersul, P. Smart, G. Latin, and A. Forum, How

to bring the costumers to cooperate with Utilities on Smart Grid
implementations, pp. 16, 2011.
[5] H. Sui, H. Wang, M.-s. Lu, and W.-j. Lee, An AMI System
for the Deregulated Electricity Markets, IEEE Transactions
on Industry Applications, vol. 45, no. 6, pp. 21042108, 2009.
[6] M. Barrie, A. Raju, and S. Delaere, Femtocell deployment
strategies for MVNOs enabled by cognitive sharing, 2012
IEEE 23rd International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and
Mobile Radio Communications - (PIMRC), pp. 25062511,
Sep. 2012.
[7] S. Zhao, Q. Zhu, and H. Zhu, Demand Responsive Pricing
Competition of Two MYNOs in Dynamic Spectrum Access,
pp. 958961.
[8] E. Ancillotti, R. Bruno, and M. Conti, The role of communication systems in smart grids: Architectures, technical solutions
and research challenges, Computer Communications, vol. 36,
no. 17?18, pp. 16651697, Nov. 2013.
[9] E. Inga-Ortega, D. Arias-Cazco, V. Orejuela, and J. Inga, Comunicaciones celulares para medicion inteligente de energa
electrica en sistemas de distribucion, Ingenius, vol. 10, no.
Revista de Ciencia y Tecnologa, pp. 2133, 2013.
[10] S. S. S. R. Depuru, L. Wang, and V. Devabhaktuni, Smart
meters for power grid: Challenges, issues, advantages and
status, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 15,
no. 6, pp. 27362742, Aug. 2011.
[11] E. Inga Ortega, Redes de Comunicacion en Smart Grid,
Ingenius, vol. 7, no. Revista de Ciencia y Tecnologa, pp. 36
55, 2012.
[12] R. C. Qiu, Z. Hu, H. Li, and M. C. Wicks, Cognitive Radio Communication and Networking: Principles and Practice.
John Wiley & Sons, Aug. 2012.
[13] S. Stotas and A. Nallanathan, Cognitive Radio Networks,
vol. 60, no. 8, pp. 37683779, 2011.
[14] M. Kim, Y. Jeon, H. Kim, T. Kim, and J. Park, Real-Time
White Spectrum Recognition for Cognitive Radio Networks
over TV White Spaces, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 238244, 2014.
[15] Y. W. Jeong and W. S. Jeon, Identification of IEEE 802 CR
systems for heterogeneous coexistence on TV white space,
21st Annual IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, pp. 16431647, Sep.
2010.
[16] S. Li, J. Huang, and S. Member, Dynamic Profit Maximization
of Cognitive Mobile Virtual Network Operator, vol. 13, no. 3,
pp. 526540, 2014.
[17] L. Bedogni, A. Trotta, M. Di Felice, and L. Bononi, Machineto-Machine Communication over TV White Spaces for Smart
Metering Applications, 2013 22nd International Conference
on Computer Communication and Networks (ICCCN), pp. 1
7, Jul. 2013.
[18] X. Feng, Q. Zhang, and B. Li, Enabling Co-channel Coexistence of 802 . 22 and 802 . 11af Systems in TV White Spaces,
pp. 60406044, 2013.
[19] C. R. Stevenson, W. K. C. Wireless, G. Chouinard, W. Hu,
S. J. Shellhammer, W. Caldwell, and F. T. Group, AND N
ETWORKING IEEE 802 . 22 : The First Cognitive Radio
Wireless Regional Area Network Standard, no. January, pp.
130138, 2009.
[20] O. Fatemieh, R. Chandra, and C. a. Gunter, Low cost and secure smart meter communications using the TV white spaces,
2010 3rd International Symposium on Resilient Control Systems, pp. 3742, Aug. 2010.
[21] C.-s. Sum, G. P. Villardi, M. A. Rahman, T. Baykas, and H. N.
Tran, Cognitive Communication in TV White Spaces : An
Overview of Regulations , Standards , and Technology, no.
July, pp. 138145, 2013.
[22] C. Cordeiro, K. Challapali, D. Birru, S. S. N, B. Manor, and
S. Shankar, IEEE 802 . 22 : The First Worldwide Wireless
Standard based on Cognitive Radios, pp. 328337, 2005.
[23] N. Corrocher and L. Lasio, Diversification strategies in
network-based services: The case of mobile virtual network
operators, Telecommunications Policy, vol. 37, no. 11, pp.
11101123, Dec. 2013.
[24] L. Duan and J. Huang, Cognitive Mobile Virtual Network
Operator Games, 2013.

[25] T. Harrold, L. Wang, M. Beach, G. Salami, A. Yarmohammad,

and O. Holland, Spectrum sharing and cognitive radio, Oct.
2009, pp. 18.

Juan Chalco (Y1987-M07) Student of

Electrical Engineering, student member of
the GIREI Research Group. His work is
based on mathematical modeling and simulation techniques of wireless networks for
advanced metering infrastructure. His research interests include resource allocation
in wireless mesh networks for AMI. In
addition to exploring options to implement
energy efficiency projects in rural areas,
optimizing resource utilization

Esteban Inga (M1976-SM08). He graduated from the Universidad Politcnica

Salesiana; receive the M.Ed. degree in education and social development Universidad
Tecnolgica Equinoccial in 2008. He is
currently working toward his Ph.D degree
in Engineering with the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana - Colombia-Medelln,
and is the Coordinator of the GIREI Research Group. His research interest is cellular communications in advanced metering
infrastructure- smart grid. He is a professor of Universidad Politcnica Salesiana- Ecuador and director of Electrical Engineering.