Metering Network Interface Device for Address Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting multiple electronic household meters to a Multi Utility Communication Controller (MUC-C) face issues with data crosstalk and address collisions, leading to unpredictable problems and increased costs due to the need for multiple MUC-Cs.
Innovation Solution
A measuring point network interface device that suppresses communication from the measuring point network into the home network, using a separate meter network with unique IDs to prevent address collisions and ensure secure data transmission, allowing multiple meters to be connected to a single MUC-C while maintaining network integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple electronic household meters are connected to one MUC-C, then costs are reduced, but data crosstalk and address collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into distinct measuring point network and home network domains, with each network having its own address space and communication protocols. This segmentation prevents address collisions between different customer networks while allowing multiple meters to share a single MUC-C.
Solution Approach 2:
The MUC-C acts as an intermediary device that mediates communication between the measuring point network and home networks. It translates and routes messages between different network protocols and address spaces, preventing direct address collisions while enabling cost-effective multi-meter connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If communication is allowed between measuring point network and home network, then data access is enabled, but unauthorized access and wiretapping become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The MUC-C serves as a secure intermediary that controls and filters all communication between the measuring point network and home network. It validates message authenticity, checks address permissions, and prevents unauthorized access or wiretapping while enabling legitimate data access for customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different communication rules and security measures for different network domains. The measuring point network uses one set of protocols and address schemes, while home networks use another, with the MUC-C enforcing appropriate security policies for each domain to prevent harmful cross-network access.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (2) has two interfaces (4, 8) formed for communication with a monitoring network (6) and a user-sided home network (12), respectively, where the monitoring network connects energy measuring points. A control device (5) controls the communication between both the interfaces such that communication from the monitoring network into the home network is disabled. The control device is formed as a firewall between the interfaces, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server/client for the monitoring network, a web server and/or an application server. The home network is local data network or transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) network. An independent claim is also included for a system comprising a monitoring network interface device.