Revolutionary Hardware is at the Heart of the DVM System
The key solution feature is the use of ETG’s mesh architecture for communications. ETG’s solution utilizes a point to multi-point fixed network based on 902-928 MHz spectrum wireless communications. This design offers the advantage of a “self-healing” and “self-forming” network. By creating a collection unit that not only collects and sends data but repeats and routes data from other devices, this design, called WebNet Architecture, eliminates the requirement for expensive infrastructure build-out and provides the timely reporting of data needed by today’s utility provider.
ETG’s WebNet solution has a range of approximately 1600 meters or 1 mile per network level. After Residential Collection Units (RCU) are installed in the field and the Primary Host system is in place, the WebNet software begins a proprietary process to gather a list of all available field units. This process is dynamic in nature and at its conclusion has a complete network communications map ready to begin the job of data collection.
The product offering consists of two products, the RCU-41 and the RCU-111. The RCU-41 is a multiple-utility device, capable of electronically reading the water, gas, steam or electric meters via a data cable. Pulse output or encoded readings are then collected and made ready for transmission. The transmission is characterized by medium range device-to-device messaging. It is an intelligent two-way “point to point” data radio. The network utilizes spread-spectrum for added security and performance. Usage data on an interval basis can be transmitted up to 96 times (or every 15 minutes) per day. The Primary Host system (located at the central office) utilizes the existing fiber infrastructure to communicate with field collection points that in turn communicate with end devices on a revolving schedule 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Metering data received at the Primary Host is then converted into OLE DB compatible database file formats for input into existing customer information and billing systems.
The RCU-111 is an “under-glass” model that fits within solid-state electric meters. In this case, old electromechanical meters must be replaced with digital technology with the RCU-111 embedded within it. It has most of the same technical specifications as the RCU-41 except that it is dedicated to the electric meter, subject to other options allowing it to gather reads from other meters.
