Design, manage and process: the technologies and software that make a multi-service smart metering network efficient and reliable

The proper functioning of a meter network lies in the coverage of the territory and in the quality (continuity and reliability) of the radio signal. For this reason, Urmet TLC research has mathematical models for the study and feasibility of the position of meters and antennas. In the design phase, the team supports and supports companies in defining and installing a correct smart metering network.

The remote management of the devices and the real-time reporting of critical points is also very important. Through dedicated software it is possible to manage both the data of the users and the operation of the meters and gateway: a tested and punctual system of global management of the network 169 MHz / LoRa.

CAS – Central Access System: the software to process data from smart meters

The Central Access System (CAS) is a data management platform that collects, decodes and processes the data sent by the meters / sensors.

The CAS was designed to communicate with different configurations of the measurement points. Whatever the type of network, the CAS platform is able to manage the different GDMs (Measurement Groups or counters) that make up the network. Mainly the two types of subnet scenarios consisting of GDMs are:

1

Point-to-point GDM with use of the GPRS / GSM network

2

Punto Point-to-multipoint GDM with use of the 169MHz network

The remarkable configuration flexibility of the SAC is able to dialogue with the CRM owners of the service managers. Through dedicated interfaces there is complete and unified management of the entire smart metering architecture.

The characteristics of the SAC are:

  • time synchronization
  • periodic acquisition of data from smart meters
  • analysis of consumption data based on date and time, including recording of flow maxima
  • environmental parameters (industrial meters)
  • execution of functions required by CRM such as the remote reconfiguration of GDMs
  • setting of safety parameters.

In particular, as regards the configuration of the GDMs it is possible to set:

  • management of commercial parameters
  • consumption profiles
  • billing interval
  • network discovery
  • valve control (opening / closing)
  • own alarms and events of the meter (for example low battery)
  • firmware updates
  • Data data network.

The CAS system basically consists of three independent software subsystems. Each of them is assigned a specific functionality:

 

1

Front-end subsystem

that collects data from GDMs
2

Database subsystem

that manages the registry and customer profiles
3

application server subsystem:

user friendly web interface that makes the collected data available to the operator and allows the management and configuration of the GDM peripheral network.

NMS – Network Management System: the software dedicated to managing the meter network

The NMS is a network management platform independent of the CAS. This platform has the task of carrying out all maintenance and diagnostics of the 169 MHz / LoRa network. In fact, it would not be possible to guarantee the congruity and the correctness of the data to be processed without a correct functioning of the network.

Within the IoT multi-service network, the Network Management System performs control and routing functions for messages sent by the meters / sensors to the corresponding data management service.

It also guarantees an efficient functioning of a telecommunications network and its resources because all the elements that make up the network, such as data concentrators and meters, are subject to continuous monitoring. The operator can manage and supervise the entire wireless network with a single system.

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The main functions of a NMS are:

  • monitoring the correct application protocol and wireless connections of all radio devices such as WMBus – LoRa Radio Gateway, Smart Meters, Sensors, etc.
  • planning and optimization of radio coverage
  • communication and management of diagnostic faults with notifications and alerts in real time.

Network Planning: optimal planning of the IoT network and study of the positioning of the meters in the territory

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The long activity of Urmet TLC in the field of telecommunications ensures the customer great experience in the field of metering with the production of tested devices and software and a team of qualified technicians able to deal with the study, planning and realization of a 169 network MHz / LoRa.

The architecture of the meter network can start based on the assets defined by the customer or those identified by Urmet technicians in relation to the project to be implemented. The final aim will be to set up a network with the best possible coverage, the identification of areas of obstacle to the diffusion of the signal and the resolution of critical issues to allow perfect connections between the various devices without loss of data.

In practice, the definition of the project to cover a 169 MHz / LoRa network takes place through fundamental steps:

1

Analysis to identify the sites

of installation of the gateways that can be conducted either starting from a list of assets identified by our team or through the data provided by the client company.
2

Definition of meter distribution

with respect to gateway installation sites, following which the correct number of gateways required for optimal coverage is identified.
3

Verification phase using a simulation tool with models.

The verification is carried out considering the prerogatives of the territory or the urban environment with respect to the propagation of the signal in relation to the characteristics of the gateway and meter antennas.
4

Choice of significant locations to place gateways

so that you can reach as many sites as possible.
5

Realization of a diagram

of the signal level calculated starting from the set data.