High speed utility backhaul communication system

摘要

A local area utility network includes a utility, a low-speed backhaul between the utility and a utility provider, and a high-speed broadband network interface module in the utility coupling the utility directly to a broadband network. A plurality of utilities is coupled via a wireless mesh home area utility network. The low-bandwidth backhaul is operable to communicate at least one of billing, pricing, and load control events to a utility provider, and the high-speed broadband network connection to a home automation system.

主权项

1. A local area utility network, comprising:
a local network; at least one utility meter connected to the local network; a low-speed backhaul between the utility meter and a utility provider; and at least one high-speed broadband network interface module providing control of at least one utility, coupled through the local network to a broadband network; wherein the utility meter includes a gateway and a low-speed backhaul interface, wherein the gateway is connected between the local network and the low-speed backhaul interface, wherein the gateway transfers data from the low-speed backhaul interface through the local network to the at least one high-speed broadband network interface module, from the at least one high-speed broadband network interface module through the local network to the low-speed backhaul interface and from the utility meter through the local network to the broadband network.