DLMS over Wi-SUN FAN Networks: Performance Evaluation

The DLMS (Device Language Message Specification) standard is widely adopted in smart metering systems for utility services, as it defines the mechanisms that enable the standardized and interoperable exchange of data between metering devices. Wi-SUN FAN (Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network Field Area Network) is a wireless communication standard that has gained increasing attention in the field of smart metering networks, due to its capability to operate in mesh topologies and support multi-hop communications in an efficient and scalable manner. To date, no studies have been reported that evaluate the combined performance of the DLMS and Wi-SUN FAN standards. In this context, this work evaluates the performance of the DLMS standard over a Wi-SUN FAN network through detailed simulations conducted using the Contiki-NG/Cooja platform. The study implements the DLMS data transmission process and evaluates key performance metrics such as Packet Delivery Rate (PDR) and latency, considering both linear and mesh network topologies. The results demonstrate that a Wi-SUN FAN network can provide efficient and reliable communication services, achieving PDR values above 86.02% in both topologies, thereby confirming its feasibility for DLMS-based smart metering applications.