Meter Network Protocol Converter Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meter networks face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively updating communication technologies and protocols without requiring mechanical access to meters, especially when transitioning to emerging technologies like NBIoT, due to the integration of communication modules with meters.
Innovation Solution
A structurally separated meter and communication module configuration that uses a protocol converter to decouple network technology from the meter, allowing for quick pairing with different communication modules and protocols, enabling seamless updates and secure, wireless communication without the need for mechanical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication modules are integrated with meters, then data communication capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of updating communication technology increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a meter device and a separate communication module. The communication module can be independently exchanged without affecting the meter device, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication capability. The meter device contains a measurement unit and a separate interface unit that can communicate with different communication modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is extracted from the integrated meter-communication system and made into a separate, standalone component. This allows the communication functionality to be independently updated or replaced without modifying the core meter device, thereby reducing device complexity and facilitating technology updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication modules are integrated with meters, then wireless communication functionality is improved, but ease of updating communication technology worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamic in terms of communication module selection. Different communication modules supporting various wireless technologies (MBus, wMBus, NBIoT, LoRaWAN) can be dynamically paired with the meter device depending on network availability and requirements, making updates straightforward without remanufacturing the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol converters are integrated into meters, then compatibility with multiple network technologies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module serves as a universal interface that can handle multiple network technologies and protocols (MBus, wMBus, NBIoT, LoRaWAN). Instead of integrating multiple protocol converters into the meter device, a single multi-functional communication module provides compatibility with various network technologies, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A meter network includes a meter configuration having a meter, a communication module, and a remote station for the configuration in a wide area network. The meter and communication module are pairable for a wireless local area communication by using communication technology and communication protocol. The communication module and remote station are connectable for a wide area communication by using network technology and network protocol. The communication module includes a protocol converter for converting data to be communicated via the local area communication, communication module and wide area communication between the communication technology and network technology and between the communication protocol and network protocol. A method for operating the meter network pairs the meter and communication module, connects the communication module and remote station, and uses the protocol converter to convert data between the local area communication technology and network technology and between the communication protocol and network protocol.