Utility meter interface system

摘要

A method and apparatus for facilitating data exchange between a utility meter and a host device includes a first wireless interface device coupled to the meter via a first hardwired connection and a second wireless interface device coupled to the host device via a second hardwired connection. The first wireless interface device and the second wireless interface device are operative to wirelessly exchange data therebetween. According to one embodiment, gateway software is provided within the first wireless interface device to allow the first wireless interface device to initiate on behalf of the host computer a request for the meter to provide predetermined information, acknowledge on behalf of the host computer receipt of data containing the predetermined information, purge data containing the predetermined information of information unrelated to the predetermined information and encrypting and decrypting packets exchanged between the meter and host computer.