Smart Metering with Modbus RTU, Wireless Access, and Blockchain – Q&A Guide

Smart Metering with Modbus RTU, Wireless Access, and Blockchain

This post explains a practical smart metering architecture using Modbus RTU, Arduino-based controllers, wireless access points, and a blockchain backend. It is written in a Q&A format to support both learning and interview preparation.

Q1. What problem does this system aim to solve?
The system enables reliable, scalable, and tamper-resistant smart metering. It collects energy consumption data from smart meters and securely stores verified records using a blockchain-based backend.
Q2. What role does Modbus RTU play in the system?
Modbus RTU is used for local communication between the smart meter and the embedded controller. It allows efficient and deterministic reading of meter values over an RS485 link.
Q3. Which device implements Modbus RTU?
An Arduino Uno R3 acts as the Modbus RTU master, while the smart meter operates as a Modbus slave that responds to register read requests.
Q4. Why was Arduino Uno chosen?
Arduino Uno is widely supported, easy to prototype, and sufficient for Modbus RTU communication. It is ideal for proof-of-concept and academic validation.
Q5. How does the Arduino communicate with the smart meter?
UART signals from the Arduino are converted to RS485 using a MAX485 transceiver, enabling robust and noise-resistant industrial communication.
Q6. Where are the wireless access points located?
Wireless access points are placed between the Arduino nodes and the backend infrastructure. They forward metering data to edge or cloud servers.
Q7. What wireless technologies can be used?
Wi-Fi access points, cellular base stations (LTE/5G), or low-power gateways such as LoRa can be used depending on coverage and energy requirements.
Q8. Does the Arduino connect directly to the blockchain?
No. The Arduino only collects and forwards data. Blockchain operations are handled by an edge gateway or cloud server with sufficient processing power.
Q9. Where is the blockchain implemented?
The blockchain is implemented at the edge or cloud layer, where it records metering data as immutable transactions.
Q10. What is the role of the edge gateway?
The gateway aggregates data from multiple Arduino nodes, validates readings, and submits verified records to the blockchain network.
Q11. How is data integrity ensured?
Integrity is ensured through CRC checks in Modbus RTU, validation at the gateway, and immutability provided by blockchain storage.
Q12. Can this system be simulated?
Yes. Modbus simulation tools such as Modbus Poll and Modbus Slave can emulate devices, while backend blockchain interactions can be mocked.
Q13. How does the system scale?
Multiple meters share an RS485 bus using unique slave IDs, while backend services scale horizontally using cloud or edge infrastructure.
Q14. Is Modbus RTU secure?
Modbus RTU does not provide native security. Protection is added at higher layers using network isolation, authentication, and encrypted uplinks.
Q15. What are the limitations of this architecture?
Limitations include limited processing power on Arduino and lack of built-in security in Modbus RTU, which are acceptable for prototyping.
Q16. How would this be explained in an interview?
Smart meters communicate locally with Arduino controllers using Modbus RTU. Data is forwarded wirelessly to an edge or cloud backend, where blockchain ensures tamper-resistant storage.

This Q&A architecture demonstrates a clear separation of data acquisition, communication, and trust layers, making it suitable for both academic discussion and technical interviews.

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