A Routing Algorithm for WiFi-Based Wireless Sensor Network and the Application in Automatic Meter Reading

The Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) network for the next generation Smart Grid is required to possess many essential functions, such as data reading and writing, intelligent power transmission, and line damage detection. However, the traditional AMR network cannot meet the previous requirement. With the development of the WiFi sensor node in the low power cost, a new kind of wireless sensor network based on the WiFi technology can be used in application. In this paper, we have designed a new architecture of WiFi-based wireless sensor network, which is suitable for the next generation AMR system. We have also proposed a new routing algorithm called Energy Saving-Based Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol (E-HWMP) on the premise of current algorithm, which can improve the energy saving of the HWMP and be suitable for the WiFi-based wireless sensor network. The simulation results show that the life cycle of network is extended.