## 5 Conclusions  
This paper analyzes the impacts of different environment types, including rural, urban, and industrial environments, on NB-PLC and RF communication technologies applied between the SM and DC in an AMI system. The authors propose optimal communication solutions and highlight the advantages of using specific technologies in each environment. The obtained results show that in rural environments, the RF link is more suitable for transmitting data than PLC. The lower population density and reduced electromagnetic interference in rural areas make wireless communication a feasible and reliable option. However, in dense urban areas with obstructions, this study recommends NB-PLC when the noise level is low. NB-PLC utilizes existing power lines, providing a reliable communication link in urban environments with fewer obstacles. Finally, for industrial areas, the authors identify NB-PLC as the preferred choice for communication between the DC and SM. The inherent advantages of NB-PLC, such as signal penetration through obstacles, noise immunity, and the availability of power lines, make it more performant than the RF links in industrial settings.  
The aim of this paper is to propose a model that can be adapted to the real world based on the actual structure of a network. This model aims to understand the extent of attenuation and make informed decisions regarding the implementation of infrastructure.  
In order to enhance system reliability and overcome limitations, the authors suggest implementing a hybrid system that combines both NB-PLC and RF technologies. By utilizing the best aspects of each technology, a hybrid approach can optimize the communication link and ensure the lowest attenuated transmitted signal, resulting in improved overall performance.  
**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, O.B.; methodology, O.B. and C.R.; software, O.B.; validation, O.B., M.B.-R., G.A. and C.R.; formal analysis, O.B., N.P. and D.D.C.; investigation, O.B. and C.R.; resources, O.B.; data curation, O.B. and M.B.-R.; writing--original draft preparation, O.B.; writing--review and editing, O.B., C.R., M.B.-R., G.A., N.P. and D.D.C.; visualization, O.B. and N.P.; supervision, C.R.; project administration, C.R. and M.B.-R.; funding acquisition, C.R. and D.D.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
**Funding:** This work was financially supported by the European Union (EU) within the context of ENI Cross-Border Cooperation Italy-Tunisia Programme 2014-2020 as part of the project n. IS_21_131, project title: \"Solutions innovantes pour l'integration des energies renouvelables sur le reseau electrique tunisien\", project acronym: SiEnERT, CUP: B74I19001040006 and B74I8014130002. The content within this paper is the responsibility of the authors, and it does not necessarily reflect the point of view of the European Union or that of the Program Managing Authority.  
**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.  
**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.  
**Data Availability Statement:** Data are contained within the article.  
**Acknowledgments:** The authors wish to thank STEG (Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et du Gaz), SOPES (Utica desalination plant management company), and D'Anna e Bonaccorsi (Utica electrical DSO), who were the associated partners of the SInERT project.  
**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.