摘要 |
Apparatus and methodology provide communications between a utility consumption meter and a utility provider at least in part by way of Internet Protocol (IP) based communications. A gateway device, coupled via either wired or wireless communications links to a utility consumption meter, serves as an interface between the utility consumption meter and a central utility provider server. Communications between the gateway and the central utility provider server are by wired or wireless IP-based communications. At least a portion of the IP-based communications may be by way of public broadband networks operated by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), thereby avoiding the installation of specifically purposed collection infrastructure.
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