Cellular Communication for Metering
Using mobile networks — including low-power options — to connect meters to a central system.
Using existing mobile networks
Cellular communication connects meters using the same kind of mobile networks that phones use. Because the network already exists, each device can reach the utility’s systems directly rather than relying on nearby devices to relay its data.
Low-power options
Alongside general-purpose mobile data, there are low-power cellular technologies designed for connected devices — such as NB-IoT and LTE-M — that trade throughput for lower power use and better reach into difficult locations. These are often a good fit for metering, where messages are small and infrequent.
Where cellular fits
Cellular tends to suit meters that are spread out, because each one connects on its own. The right technology for a given deployment depends on coverage, cost and how much data each meter needs to send.
Related products
Related reading
Questions about metering communications?
Talk to the AmbiPower team.