Wireless Communication Enabled Meter and Network
First Claim
1. A self configuring wireless network, comprising:
- a group of virtual network nodes capable of self configuring into an organized network; and
a gateway being communicatively coupled to said group of virtual network nodes and configured to provide a communication access point between said group of virtual network nodes and an external network, wherein access by an additional virtual network node to said external network is facilitated by a route that includes a path from a first of said group of virtual network nodes to said gateway defined by said organized network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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. A self-configuring wireless network is disclosed that includes a number of vnodes, and one or more VGATES. Vnodes are operative to form ad hoc piconet connections. The one or more VGATES comprise computer network gateways that are enabled for wireless communication. 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 that enables the wireless array of vnodes to communicate (either directly or through a VGATE) with a central control facility.
11 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A self configuring wireless network, comprising:
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a group of virtual network nodes capable of self configuring into an organized network; and a gateway being communicatively coupled to said group of virtual network nodes and configured to provide a communication access point between said group of virtual network nodes and an external network, wherein access by an additional virtual network node to said external network is facilitated by a route that includes a path from a first of said group of virtual network nodes to said gateway defined by said organized network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A self configuring wireless network, comprising:
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a group of virtual network nodes, each of said group of virtual network nodes supporting a wireless communication link, said group of virtual network nodes being capable of self configuring into an organized network; a gateway being communicatively coupled to said group of virtual network nodes and configured to provide a communication access point between said group of virtual network nodes and an external network, wherein access by an additional virtual network node, which is separate from said group of virtual network nodes, to said external network is facilitated by a route that includes a path from a first of said group of virtual network nodes to said gateway defined by said organized network; and an interface module configured to facilitate communication of event information between said virtual network nodes and said external network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A wireless network method, comprising:
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organizing a group of virtual network nodes into an organized network, said organization being based on a self configuration process implemented by said group of virtual network nodes; and coupling said group of virtual network nodes to a gateway that is configured to provide a communication access point between said group of virtual network nodes and an external network, wherein access by an additional virtual network node to said external network is facilitated by a route that includes a path from a first of said group of virtual network nodes to said gateway defined by said organized network. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification