Channel Modelling and Performance Analysis of NB-IoT Communications Applied to PEA Smart Grid Applications

This research analyzes channel characterization and performance modeling for NB-IoT in Smart Grid applications, evaluating Bit Error Rate (BER), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and path loss under various deployment conditions. A mathematical framework integrates COST-231 Hata and Free-Space Path Loss models, along with Nakagami-m and Rayleigh fading distributions, to assess real-world propagation effects. Simulation results show that Nakagami-m fading provides a more accurate representation of wireless impairments in rural and low-density urban areas compared to Rayleigh-based models. Additionally, a comparative study between NB-IoT and LoRaWAN under identical channel conditions reveals that NB-IoT achieves lower BER and higher link reliability in urban environments, whereas LoRaWAN remains a viable cost-efficient alternative in suburban deployments. These findings offer a quantitative foundation for optimizing Smart Grid wireless communication strategies, enhancing deployment frameworks for large-scale IoT-driven energy networks.