DUAL MODE MULTI-NETWORK AMR SYSTEM ENDPOINT AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Automatic meter reading system and devices providing for dual mode mesh network and non-mesh network endpoint communication. The system includes a plurality of endpoint devices communicatively coupled to at least one data collection device. At least one endpoint device is configurable to operate in a first mode or a second mode. At least one endpoint is adapted to independently determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode. In the first mode the endpoint operates according to a hub-and-spoke communication mode in which it communicates information intended for a data collection infrastructure device directly to at least one dedicated data collection infrastructure device. In the second mode the endpoint operates according to a mesh communications mode in which it communicates information intended for a data collection infrastructure device via a non-dedicated data collection infrastructure device. At least some of the endpoint devices are capable of switching between a mesh-network mode and a non-mesh network mode.