Removable Utility Identification Module for Meter Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility meters in distributed data networks lack effective security features and efficient configuration processes, leading to potential attacks and prolonged downtime during meter replacement or power outages.
Innovation Solution
A removable utility identification module securely stores configuration data, including encryption keys and security settings, which can be used to authenticate and authorize communication between utility meters and network devices, enhancing security and simplifying meter configuration by providing necessary data directly to new meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility meters store configuration data in fixed memory, then security is improved, but device complexity and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is segmented into two parts: security-critical data (encryption keys, security parameters) stored in fixed secure memory, and operational data (network configuration, device identifiers) stored in removable media. This segmentation allows security features to be preserved while enabling easy reconfiguration through removable media exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts configuration data from fixed memory and places it on removable media (smart cards, USB drives). This extraction allows the meter to be quickly reconfigured by simply swapping the removable media, reducing configuration time and complexity while maintaining security through controlled access to the extracted data.
2Loss of time
If utility meters use removable media for configuration data, then configuration time is reduced, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is pre-loaded onto removable media before the meter is deployed or before replacement. This preliminary action ensures that when the meter needs to be configured or replaced, the data is already prepared and ready for immediate transfer, minimizing configuration time without compromising security through manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable media acts as an intermediary between the configuration source and the meter's fixed memory. It provides a controlled, standardized interface for data transfer with authentication mechanisms, ensuring that only authorized data is transferred while maintaining security protocols during the configuration process.
3Reliability
If utility meters require manual configuration, then security control is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The meter system performs self-configuration by automatically reading configuration data from removable media and loading it into fixed memory. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration steps while maintaining security through automated authentication and data verification processes, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing security control.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration data is prepared in advance on removable media with all necessary security credentials and parameters. When the media is inserted, the meter automatically processes and applies the configuration without requiring manual intervention, achieving both security control through pre-validated data and high productivity through automated execution.
4Reliability
If utility meters store all configuration data in fixed memory, then security is improved, but adaptability during replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is segmented into security-critical components stored in fixed memory and operational components stored on removable media. This segmentation provides adaptability during meter replacement by allowing the removable portion to be easily swapped between meters while the security infrastructure remains anchored in fixed memory, ensuring both security maintenance and replacement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable media is designed to be universally compatible across different meter units, allowing a single media containing configuration data to be transferred to multiple meters. This multi-functionality enables rapid deployment and replacement scenarios while maintaining security through consistent authentication mechanisms across all meters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module.