Urban AMI Rollouts
Power line modules and data concentrators for dense low voltage networks.
Metering
Communications and gateways for smart meter networks.
Power line, RF mesh, LoRaWAN and cellular communication modules, with data concentrators, border routers and handheld tools that connect smart meters to your head-end system.
- Technologies
- Power line, RF mesh, LoRaWAN, cellular
- Mesh capacity
- Up to 1,024 nodes
- Concentrator capacity
- Up to 500 PLC meters
- Protocol
- DLMS/COSEM
The range
Most meters take a plug in communication module, so the network technology is chosen to suit your network rather than fixed by the meter. Modules, concentrators and border routers all work with open standards and DLMS/COSEM.
Power Line Communications
G3-PLC modules for medium to high density neighbourhood networks, and BPLC modules for high throughput over the low voltage network. HPLC and RF dual mode options are available. Data travels over the existing power lines, so no separate network is built.
Wi-SUN RF Mesh
Open standard sub GHz mesh modules that form and repair their own network, with certificate based security. Meters relay each other's data back to a border router, so the network scales to thousands of meters.
LoRaWAN
Long range, low power wireless modules for meters and other field devices, with two way communication, scheduled and on demand reading and over the air programming.
Cellular Modules
GPRS, 3G and 4G modules for meters that report straight to the head-end system over public mobile networks. NB-IoT and LTE-M modules are available on request for low power wide area coverage.
Data Concentrators and Gateways
Data concentrator units collect readings from power line meters, store them, and pass them to the head-end system over Ethernet or cellular. They also act as gateways between DLMS/COSEM, DSMR and ANSI protocols. Dual communications gateways, combining technologies such as Wi-SUN and LoRaWAN in one unit, are also available.
Wi-SUN Border Routers
Outdoor border routers connect a Wi-SUN mesh to the backhaul network over cellular or Ethernet, serving up to 1,000 meters each, with battery backup that rides through power failures.
Local Reading and Setup
Bluetooth and RF handheld readers with an Android app let crews read meters, set parameters and update firmware on site, alongside the optical port on each meter.
Specifications
Typical ratings for the standard range. Final values are confirmed for each project.
Customised designs available. If your project needs ratings, features, design requirements or arrangements outside the standard range below, we design and manufacture to your requirements and application.
Technical dataMeter communications
| Parameter | Standard | Optional or on request |
|---|---|---|
| G3-PLC modules | ||
| Standards | ITU G.9903, IEEE 802.15.4, 6LoWPAN, IPv6, DLMS/COSEM | |
| Frequency band | CENELEC A, 32 to 95 kHz | FCC band, 154 to 487 kHz |
| Data rate | Up to 142 kbps | |
| Network size | Up to 1,024 nodes and 14 hops | |
| Security | AES-128 | |
| Firmware update | Over the power line | |
| BPLC modules | ||
| Bandwidth | 2 to 30 MHz, OFDM | |
| Data rate | Up to 10 Mbps | |
| Interface | DLMS with the meter | HPLC and RF dual mode |
| Wi-SUN RF mesh modules | ||
| Standards | Wi-SUN FAN, IEEE 802.15.4, 6LoWPAN, IPv6, DLMS/COSEM | |
| Frequency band | 915 to 928 MHz for New Zealand and Australia | |
| Data rate | 50 to 300 kbps | |
| Network size | Up to 1,024 nodes and 16 hops | |
| Security | Certificate based authentication, AES-256 | |
| LoRaWAN modules | ||
| Standards | LoRaWAN, IPv6, DLMS/COSEM | |
| Frequency band | 915 to 928 MHz (AU915) for New Zealand and Australia | |
| Data rate | 0.018 to 62.5 kbps | |
| Range | 3 to 5 km | |
| Security | AES encryption | |
| Cellular modules | ||
| Networks | GPRS, 3G, 4G | NB-IoT, LTE-M |
| IP and connection | IPv4 and IPv6; TCP client and server | |
| Maintenance channels | SMS, AT commands, head-end system, local USB | |
| Firmware update | Over the air | |
| Power outage alert | None | Last gasp |
| Certification | CE | |
| Data concentrator units | ||
| Uplink | Ethernet, 2G, 3G, 4G | |
| Downlink | RS485, G3-PLC | Wi-Fi maintenance modem |
| Capacity | Up to 500 PLC meters | |
| Data storage | 60 days of daily billing data for 500 meters | |
| Protocols | DLMS/COSEM, DLMS gateway, DSMR, ANSI | |
| Mounting | DIN rail or hook | |
| Protection | IP54 | |
| Wi-SUN border routers | ||
| Capacity | Up to 1,000 meters | |
| Backhaul | GPRS, 3G, 4G LTE or Ethernet | |
| Mesh side | Wi-SUN FAN RF mesh | |
| Backup power | Battery for more than 8 hours | |
| Network management | SNMP, RADIUS, IPsec VPN | |
| Protection | IP65 | |
| Installation | Pole top or wall, outdoor or indoor | |
| Temperature | −10°C to +85°C | −40°C to +85°C |
Design and performance
One meter platform, with the network technology chosen to suit your network.
Change Technology Without Changing the Meter
Plug in modules let the network technology be fitted at installation or swapped later, so a meter population can move from one network type to another without replacing meters.
Matching Technology to the Network
Power line suits dense urban low voltage networks. RF mesh suits wide areas where meters can relay for each other. Cellular suits scattered, remote and island meters. LoRaWAN suits low power field devices alongside meters.
Open Standards
G3-PLC, Wi-SUN, LoRaWAN and DLMS/COSEM are open standards, so modules, concentrators and head-end systems from different suppliers can interoperate.
Self Forming and Self Healing Mesh
Mesh networks find the best route back to the border router and repair themselves when a link drops, so installation crews do not plan each route.
Security Built In
AES encryption, certificate based authentication and DLMS security keep meter data protected from the meter to the head-end system.
Remote Firmware Update
Firmware can be updated over the power line, over the air or over the mesh, so modules stay current without site visits.
Applications
Delstar supplies this equipment for:
Wide Area and Rural Networks
Wi-SUN RF mesh with border routers for meters spread over large areas.
Island and Remote Utilities
Cellular modules that report straight to the head-end system without local network equipment.
Mixed Metering and Field Devices
LoRaWAN modules for meters and other low power devices on one network.
Communications Upgrades
Replacing or adding modules to bring existing smart meters onto a different network.
Protocol Gateways
Data concentrators that bridge DLMS/COSEM, DSMR and ANSI protocols to the head-end system.
Sourcing and quality assurance
Our communications products come from an established metering manufacturer that designs its own modules, data concentrators, border routers and head-end software. The power line modules are certified by the G3-PLC Alliance, the Wi-SUN border routers are certified by the Wi-SUN Alliance, and the cellular modules are CE certified. Delstar checks each order against your specification and delivers to site across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.
Lifecycle support
- Specification and selection: we help match the network technology, modules, concentrators and border routers to your meter population, network layout and head-end system.
- Spares and asset management: spare modules and gateways, and ongoing support through our asset management service.
Talk to our team
Plan your meter network.
Tell us the meter type and quantity, the area and terrain to be covered, your preferred network technology, and your head-end system. We will recommend the right modules and gateways.