Smart Meter Adapter for Network Intrusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing widely distributed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Distribution Automation (DA) Field Area Networks (FANs) is challenging due to the lack of effective network monitoring and intrusion detection systems, and conventional probe installation methods are cumbersome and difficult to implement, especially in smart grid environments.
Innovation Solution
A meter adapter that fits between the meter socket and smart meter, housing probe electronics and providing broadband communications, enabling intrusion detection and network monitoring without modifying standard or smart meters, and allowing for secondary metering functionality and premises security monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional probe installation methods are used for network monitoring in smart grid environments, then network monitoring capability is achieved, but installation complexity and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is integrated within the meter adapter housing, which itself interfaces with the smart meter. This nested structure allows the probe to be installed through the existing meter socket without separate probe installation, reducing complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The meter adapter serves as an intermediary device between the smart meter and the probe. It provides the mechanical interface and electrical connections needed for probe operation without requiring direct modification of the smart meter or complex external probe installation
2Ease of operation
If independent probe installation is enabled in existing meter locations, then ease of deployment improves, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The meter adapter is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical interface for the smart meter, houses the probe electronics, provides electrical connections, and enables network monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate components into a single deployable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The probe housing and meter adapter are merged into a single integrated structure. The probe is positioned within the adapter housing, sharing the same mechanical interface and electrical connections, which simplifies deployment while managing complexity through integration
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter, and a method of using the adapter, for an electric meter, which includes a set of connections for interfacing to a panel box, a set of connectors for interfacing to the electric meter; and circuitry for intercepting FAN or HAN traffic, injecting FAN or HAN traffic and communicating intercepted traffic and local information from the electric meter and sensors over a network to a management entity that collects and process the data. Data from environmental, electric quality, and usage sensors are supplied to the network. External commands, originating in a management entity or with a customer are provided from the network. A computer readable non-transitory storage medium stores instructions of a computer program, which when executed by a computer system results in performance of steps of a method for intercepting FAN or HAN traffic, injecting FAN or HAN traffic, transmitting intercepted FAN or HAN traffic or utility usage data to a network, by using a utility usage sensor to acquire data representing utility usage; and using electrical circuitry in the adapter for communicating information from the sensor over a network to a management entity that collects and process the data.