Research on IP-based network architecture for advanced metering infrastructure of power grid network

The implementation of smart grids is progressing rapidly, with the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) serving as the initial phase. The current AMI in China utilizes a master–slave communication architecture that lacks user interactivity. This limited approach hinders the comprehensive advancement of domestic AMI. Utilizing shared, open IP protocols to revolutionize the domestic AMI will eliminate communication limitations, and permit multi-service concurrency within the AMI. In comparison to foreign AMIs, this paper examines the factors that necessitate the adoption of IP-based transformation in domestic AMI. It proposes designs for IP-based AMI, focusing on both network protocol and network topology aspects. The Mininet software is utilized to construct AMIs before and after IP-based transformation, enabling a comparison of their network performance. The results show that, without impairing the original performance of AMI, the modification of AMI based on IP not only enhances its connectivity in the local area network but also improves the communication speed and efficiency of the network.