Meshed networking of access points in a utility network
US9743337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/30
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A meshed networking of access points in a utility network provides a more efficient and cost effective arrangement for communicating data between meters and the utility by linking the access points of multiple subnetworks for purposes of communicating with the utility. As a result, each individual subnetwork is not required to directly communicate with the utility. For those access points that are relieved of the need to directly communicate with the utility, the communication mechanism, e.g., cellular modem, can be eliminated, or deactivated, to thereby reduce capital expenditures and/or operational costs. Additionally, links to a WAN can be selectively activated or disabled to provision bandwidth, for example, on demand, to react to changing conditions in the subnetworks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.