Product Type: Market Research Report
Published by: Datamonitor
Published: July 2007
Product Code: R313-23924Description Introduction
The migration to smart metering will require investment in a variety of technologies; these will need to be networked and integrated together in order to create the infrastructure to support smart metering. Networking and integration will be necessary at three distinct levels on the premises of the customer, between the customer and the utility, and internally within the supplier organization.
Scope
This brief provides a review of the networking and integration that is needed in smart metering infrastructureThe focus is on in-home networks, local and wide-area networking and software integrationImplications for vendors are also addressedResearch comes from online surveys and interviews with vendors and retailers
Highlights
The variety of peripheral devices and smart appliances associated with smart metering means effective in-home wireless networks are necessary. ZigBee is one such solution that supports the monitoring and control that is also key to smart metering.
A range of local and wide area networking can transport meter data back to the utility, including Power Line Carriers (PLC), Radio Frequency (RF) and more recently broadband and Wi-Fi. The merits of each method depend on factors such as population density and network topology.
A range of Meter Data Management (MDM) software has been developed to support utilities who have implemented smart metering. By acting as an interface between the smart metering network and back-office systems, MDM provides all stakeholders with the correct information they need.
Reasons to Purchase
Understand the networking and integration implications for migrating to smart meteringGain insight into how the latest developments, such as Wi-Fi and ZigBee can be used in smart meteringLearn how vendors can better position themselves in the increasingly competitive market of smart meteringTable of Contents - DATAMONITOR VIEW
- CATALYST
- SUMMARY
- ANALYSIS
- Smart metering assets must be part of an in-home network
- Smart metering supports functionalities that require networking with a number of peripheral assets
- ZigBee has arisen as a key wireless networking solution for smart metering
- Wider communications infrastructure is where most innovation is currently occurring
- Traditional smart metering solutions rely on Power Line Carrier and Radio Frequency communication
- A variety of other network communication possibilities are arising for smart metering
- Optimal infrastructure will typically involve a blend of networks
- Meter Data Management software is vital to meet the various end-user needs
- Meter Data Management is a necessary interface between the AMI network and back-office systems
- Installing MDM is a preferable solution to manually built alternatives
- MDM has multiple benefits that will reduce costs
- Case Study: Southeastern Utility, USA
- Vendors must seek ways to be competitive in the smart metering market
- Vendors need to ensure products are technologically future-proof and compatible with other vendors
- Entering partnerships with other vendors is an attractive way to offer holistic solutions
- Mergers and acquisitions are another important way of expanding vendors' solution sets
- Vendors need to remain alert to regulation and legislation
- APPENDIX
- Definitions
- Methodology
- Further reading
- Ask the analyst
- Datamonitor consulting
- Disclaimer
- List of Tables
- Table 1: New communications infrastructure is driving new AMR opportunities
- List of Figures
- Figure 1: Wireless networking solutions for in-home smart metering devices
- Figure 2: In-home network for smart metering assets
- Figure 3: Using a Power Line Carrier (PLC) network to transfer smart meter data
- Figure 4: Wireless mesh network for smart metering
- Figure 5: MDM system
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