摘要 |
An automated meter reading network system (30) to collect utility usage data from multiple utility meters (72, 74, 76, 78) having utility meter sensors (73, 35, 77, 79), program product (90), and associated methods are provided. The system (30) includes multiple meter data collectors (41) each in communication with one or more utility meters (72, 74, 76, 78) to collect utility usage data and forming a wireless communications network (32). The system (30) also includes a host computer (61) in communication with the meter data collectors (41) either directly or through multiple field host data collectors (51, 51'), which can be connected to the host computer (61) through a wide area network (80). The system (30) also includes a meter data collector program product (90) at least partially stored in the memory (63) of the host computer (61) to manage the communication network (32). The meter data collector program product (90) is adapted to analyze signal strength between nodes (41, 51, 51', 67, 35) and to dynamically adjust the power level settings of the individual nodes (41, 51, 51', 67, 35) to enhance network performance.
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