LAN

Designed to Automatically By-Pass and Overcome Obstacles
The EnergyAxis LAN is made up of end point meters and AMI modules that are regulated by a collector to create a redundant, self-configuring and self-healing local area network. Each meter, module and collector in the network has a 900 MHz frequency hopping, spread spectrum (FHSS) communications board integrated under the meter cover.

The A3 ALPHA collector automatically sets up its local RF network and polls all subnet LAN meters six times daily for current meter reads and two to six times daily for load profile data. Incoming data from the LAN meters and modules is stored on the collector’s internal LAN controller board for automated access by the system software or on-request access by utility users.

The EnergyAxis 900 MHz radio is based upon a reference design that allows third party manufacturers to provide meters and demand response devices for into the home applications. Operating with the proven reliable FHSS 900 MHz unlicensed radio, the EnergyAxis LAN uses multiple levels of meters as repeaters. In this way, each collector can reach up to 8 tiers of meters, creating a robust two-way local area network.

The meters are the network, making LAN installation quick and easy without the need for infrastructure such as towers, pole top collectors and substation equipment. Upon energization, each meter or module will automatically register itself to any nearby collector, which then updates the MAS data collection system. The collector’s LAN management algorithm optimizes communications to each meter. 

The networking ability of multiple AMI meters that act as repeaters circumvent most local RF problems resulting from terrain, location, building construction, trees and other signal impediments. This robust flexibility makes the EnergyAxis LAN operation far more effective at communications than many other fixed network designs.

Network data is secured with the encryption protection of 128-bit AES.