ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Technologies that reduce the cost while increasing the reliability of wireless networks will likely drive more utilities to install these systems in the coming years, says a new report from utility research leader Chartwell Inc.
"Mesh" technologies form a "netting" over given areas with lines of communications going in multiple directions. Mesh networks are inherently more reliable and less expensive than traditional radio frequency (RF) networks. Instead of using one data collector point for a given area, each meter can act as a data collector passing reads from other meters to a central data collection point, says Chartwell's AMR Mesh Networks report. These mesh, or peer-to-peer, systems continually try different paths until data is successfully transmitted. Other less expensive wireless technologies could also help boost deployment of RF networks, states the report.
Utilities are showing more interest in mesh technology vendors, according to Chartwell's 2003 and 2004 surveys of 100-plus utilities. After receiving just two mentions in Chartwell's 2003 AMR survey of 100 utilities, mesh vendors totaled 11 mentions in the 2004 survey among utilities using, planning or considering specific vendors.
AMR Mesh Networks details the justification for the largest mesh deployment announced to date -- the 125,000 meter deployment at Salt River Project. Another case study describes why a rural utility is deploying a mesh technology on 35,000 meters.
The report also includes three chapters of analysis on the pros and cons of mesh technologies in addition to four vendor profiles. Like other AMR technologies, mesh systems continue to face one large obstacle: cost. In addition, some utilities, especially those in rural areas, will continue to find PLC more suitable while others with mixed territories may find it best to use both wireless and PLC networks, states the report.
AMR Mesh Networks is part of Chartwell's Metering Research Series. Chartwell's Metering Research Series is the only unbiased and continuous research service devoted exclusively to the AMR industry. Annual series membership can include access to:
-- more than 25 AMR-related reports;
-- AMR-related reports released during the membership term, most
with at least two utility case studies;
-- monthly intelligence reports on AMR trends and technologies; and
-- past and current annual reports focusing on AMR surveys of
100-plus utilities.
For more information about AMR Mesh Networks or The Metering Research Series, please contact Bill Grist at (800) 432-5879 or (404) 237-9099, or visit www.energylibrary.com.
Press contact: Garrett Johnston, (404) 237-9099 or gjohnston@chartwellinc.com