Power line network apparatus, system and method

摘要

Various aspects of the instant disclosure are directed towards a method for communicating time-based data in a power line communication system. In accordance with one or more example embodiments, firmware is downloaded to a multitude of endpoints over power distribution lines carrying alternating current (AC) power. Endpoint devices targeted for changes to stored firmware are grouped and the firmware is delivered in chunks to each group. As devices receive a particular chunk of firmware, the device advances to a next stage and provides information indicative of this stage, based upon which subsequent chunks of firmware are communicated. This occurs (e.g., on a daily cycle) until the endpoint has received all firmware for an update, after which the endpoint(s) are re-started using the firmware. Accordingly, such updates can be carried out in a cyclic and verifiable manner.

主权项

1. A method for communicating firmware in a power distribution system over power distribution lines carrying alternating current (AC) power, where bandwidth is shared between a plurality of endpoint devices that are configured with circuitry to provide utility usage data over the power distribution lines, the method comprising:
receiving at the plurality of endpoint devices and over the power distribution lines a command to change, by updating, firmware stored in the plurality of endpoint devices; identifying, by a circuit configured and arranged to collect data in the power distribution system, a first subset of endpoint devices from the plurality of endpoint devices in response to receipt of a first acknowledgment of the command from the first subset of endpoint devices; communicating, by the circuit configured and arranged to collect data, to the first subset of endpoint devices over the power distribution lines a first subset of the firmware; identifying, by the circuit configured and arranged to collect data, a second subset of endpoints devices from the first subset of endpoint devices in response to receipt of second acknowledgement relating to the first subset of firmware indicating, in a cyclic status communication, a configuration stage of the second subset of endpoint devices and interleaved with utility usage data received over the power distribution lines, the utility usage data being indicative of at least one of power meter data, readings of water utilities, and readings of gas utilities; and communicating, by the circuit configured and arranged to collect data, at least a second subset of the firmware to the second subset of endpoint devices for updating firmware in the second subset of the endpoint devices.