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Transmitting Utility Usage Data via a Network Interface Device

  • US 20150333794A1
  • Filed: 07/24/2015
  • Published: 11/19/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2003
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A system for transmitting data about utility usage, the system comprising:

  • a power line;

    a utility meter in communication with the power line and configured to provide utility usage data;

    a network interface device comprising a housing defining at least a network area and a physically separated consumer area, said network interface device being located on the exterior of a customer premises in communication through a single medium with the utility meter, the network interface device comprising;

    a digital subscriber line (“

    DSL”

    ) modem in communication with a local loop of a public switched telephone network; and

    an isolation device for providing an interface between the power line and the DSL modem; and

    a DSL distribution point in communication with the local loop;

    wherein the network interface device is configured to;

    receive, at the isolation device, the utility usage data from the utility meter; and

    transmit the utility usage data to the DSL distribution point via the local loop, such the utility usage data can be transmitted from the DSL distribution point to a utility provider, to allow the utility provider to monitor and bill utility usage based on the utility usage data.

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