# Efficient Cluster Tree Topology Operation and Routing for IEEE 802.15.4-Based Smart Grid Networks
## 1 Introduction  
Globally, climate change has increased the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly electrical energy. This places a higher strain on the overloaded and outdated power infrastructure predominantly used in most countries [1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6]. Meanwhile, the complexity and non-linearity of power distribution networks, coupled with the growing power demand, have led to significant problems known as network bottlenecks. These bottlenecks pose safety risks and challenge the reliability of the power infrastructure [7; 8; 9; 10]. Conventional power grids are vulnerable to communication, monitoring, error detection, and automation issues. As a result, these defects can set off a chain reaction and cause local system failure [11; 12; 13]. A smart grid is an intelligent power-grid system that improves efficiency by incorporating information and communication technology into the production, transportation, and consumption of electricity. Ensuring the stability of data transmission is crucial because smart grids aim to facilitate real-time information exchange between consumers and suppliers, enabling efficient energy utilization. A smart grid encompasses the entire power grid, from power generation to residential homes, along with associated substructures. By employing two-way digital communication networks, smart grids aim to conserve energy, reduce costs, and enhance the reliability and transparency of power supply to consumers. The network segments that form a smart grid communication structure include the wide area network (WAN), utility local area network (LAN), backhaul, last mile, neighborhood area network (NAN), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), home area network (HAN), business/building area network (BAN), and industrial area network (IAN). Smart grids should monitor and control power grids in real time for their efficient operation. Therefore, smart grid communication networks have stringent time requirements such as maximummessage transmission delay. Smart grid AMI refers to a collection of systems used to evaluate data related to the use of various utility resources such as electricity, gas, and water. It uses load control and demand response to reduce the peak demand on the system and enables dynamic charging to induce energy consumption and cost reduction [14]. An AMI is a system that integrates smart meters to regularly measure energy usage and collect data for analysis. It plays a crucial role in smart grids. To establish this system, a two-way communication network called an AMI network is necessary. The existing AMI network technologies consist of cable-based power-line communication (PLC) technologies. However, owing to their high installation costs and other complexities, electronic methods have become obsolete. The AMI wireless communication structure is a wireless communication method used in the BAN and HAN (called a wireless personal area network (WPAN)). The IEEE 802.15.4 standard is the most likely communication method for processing data through smart grid AMIs. This is because its evaluation is considerably better than that by other AMI communication methods, except in terms of cost [15; 16; 17; 18]. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard features low-speed, low-power, and low-cost chipsets, specifically designed for standardizing short-range wireless communication [15]. Many wireless sensor devices utilize the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless technology because it aligns with the requirements of wireless networks. Smart grids are also well-suited for adopting the IEEE 802.15.4 standard as a wireless technology due to the intercommunication among numerous wireless sensor devices [19; 20; 21]. The reliability of wireless networks in smart grids directly affects the efficiency of power-grid operation. Therefore, to design an effective MAC protocol for smart grids, the first important consideration is energy efficiency. Because it is difficult for sensor nodes to replace or recharge batteries, extending the life of networks composed of sensor nodes has become a critical concern in smart grids.