Orchestration manager
First Claim
1. An orchestration manager for distributing utility meter data communications functionality across multiple servers, comprising:
- a master relay configured to register and authenticate multiple communication nodes associated with one or more respective utility meters and to assign communication functionality associated with said multiple communication nodes to a plurality of communication servers; and
a plurality of communication servers configured to communicate with at least a selected portion of said multiple communication nodes, each communication server configured to send and receive network communications and to acquire meter data from said multiple communications nodes.
3 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for controlling the allocation of system nodes to a variable number of communication servers in an Advanced Metering System (AMS). An Orchestration Manager is provided through which all requests for end-device communications are routed. The Orchestration Manager periodically rebalances node assignments to reallocate nodes among communication servers in order to maintain data collection efficiency and in order to redistribute end devices from a failed communication server, or to otherwise adjust for the addition of a newly activated communication server.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An orchestration manager for distributing utility meter data communications functionality across multiple servers, comprising:
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a master relay configured to register and authenticate multiple communication nodes associated with one or more respective utility meters and to assign communication functionality associated with said multiple communication nodes to a plurality of communication servers; and
a plurality of communication servers configured to communicate with at least a selected portion of said multiple communication nodes, each communication server configured to send and receive network communications and to acquire meter data from said multiple communications nodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of controlling allocation of network nodes in a utility metering environment to a variable number of servers, so as to effect efficient utility meter data communications, the method comprising the steps of:
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identifying a plurality of communication nodes, each communication node being associated with one or more respective utility meters;
assigning to respective selected servers communication functionality associated with respective selected portions of the plurality of communication nodes; and
effecting two-way communication between each selected portion of the plurality of communication nodes and its respective assigned server, wherein such two-way communication is conducted in accordance with an open standard meter communication protocol. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17)
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15. A method as in 10, wherein such assigning step is effected on a periodic basis, so as to effect periodic load rebalancing among the plurality of servers.
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18. An advanced metering system for controlling allocation of network nodes in a utility metering environment to a variable number of servers, so as to effect efficient utility meter data communications, comprising:
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a plurality of end devices, at least some of which end devices comprise metrology devices; and
a network including a central facility having a collection engine including an orchestration manager for distributing metrology device data communications functionality across multiple servers. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification