| 摘要 |
A meter enabled for wireless communication and a wireless communication network are disclosed. A meter enabled for wireless communication comprises a metering device, a wireless communication system and an interface between the two. Meter data can be read, and the meter can be controlled via communication with a wireless network using, <i>e.g.</i>, the Bluetooth<TM> protocol. A self-configuring wireless network is also disclosed. The wireless network includes a number of vnodes, and one or more VGATES. The vnodes are devices that are enabled for wireless communication using, <i>e.g.</i>, the Bluetooth<TM> protocol. Vnodes are operative to form <i>ad hoc</i> piconet connections. The one or more VGATES comprise computer network gateways that are enabled for wireless communication using, <i>e.g.</i>, the Bluetooth<TM> protocol. Thus, the VGATES enable the wireless array of vnodes to communicate with a private or public computer network to transmit data or receive commands. The network may also communicate with a VNOC system. VNOC is a universal communications adapter that enables the wireless array of vnodes to communicate (either directly or through a VGATE) with a central control facility via various wireless or wired communication media. |
