Metrum Technologies Introduces the Nation’s Largest Dedicated IP-Over-Wireless Communications Network for AMI/Smart Grid and Demand Response
September 15, 2009
Fully-managed network, ubiquitous cellular coverage, and low-cost data fees, now make IP over wireless an outstanding option for both residential and commercial demand-response programs
Metrum Technologies, a leading developer of cellular-based AMI and endpoint automation technologies for industry and utilities, has announced the expansion of the “Metrum Wireless Network,” making it the nation’s largest CDMA network dedicated to telemetry for Utilities. The Metrum Wireless Network is a completely scalable, dedicated IP- over-cellular network for Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) and Smart Grid applications.
Over the last two years, Metrum has made a significant investment to create a network that can provide telemetry and application services to enable Demand Response, Cap and Trade, and Smart Grid. Metrum’s expanded coverage finally brings Advanced Endpoint Communications to Utilities that have traditionally been geographically challenged when needing to provide 100% communication coverage. With its expanded capabilities, the Metrum network can now provide a true IP, high-speed, data-only network that is economical to deploy and offers the assurance of full communication area coverage.
The Metrum network expansion also means that all key utilities, customers, agencies, and service providers can now be connected with real-time data feeds no matter where they are in North America – without costly investments in integration. The Metrum network makes it easy and economical to share data between multiple entities, providing an outstanding telemetry solution for agencies, utilities, and service providers that need to share data for advanced programs like Cap and Trade.
Metrum’s high-speed, data-only network provides: IP services to every endpoint on the system; endpoint and network diagnostics; full, two-way communications including remote connect/disconnect, power outage notification, and 64-bit encryption security. Expanded coverage area now gives cooperatives, municipalities, and IOUs a different option for AMI. The new network will be managed 24/7 by Metrum Technologies who will be leasing bandwidth from Aeris, Verizon, and a number of other leading wireless carriers, allowing Metrum to provide “Dynamic Network Service Selection” for maximum reliability.
“The Metrum network is the backbone of our company’s complete load management, demand response, and Cap and Trade communications solution,” said Ovie Whitson, Metrum’s Chief Technology Officer. “Our wireless devices can communicate and control any meter or endpoint on the system. We even offer a home area network (HAN) IP addressable and controllable energy monitor/ thermostat that displays dynamic energy usage and pricing. The device can be integrated with almost any appliance or load producing device.”
“The Metrum Wireless Network allows utilities to take advantage of the billions of dollars that have already been spent, and will continue to be spent by the major cellular carriers on reliability, security and speed,” said Metrum President, Steve Swenke.
“Where monthly data charges were once an issue for large-scale residential deployment, Metrum can now offer customizable data plans that are extremely competitive. Our devices are ready for activation right out of the box, require virtually no additional infrastructure, and can be deployed strategically – ranging from a handful of C&I meters to several million residential meters,” added Swenke.
About Metrum Technologies, LLC
Founded in 2002, Metrum Technologies is a leading provider of integrated wireless M2M solutions for a wide variety of remote connectivity, data acquisition and endpoint automation applications including: Utility AMR/AMI, Distribution Automation, Equipment Monitoring and Control, Public Safety, Military, and Custom Wireless Solutions. The patented OV2000 product line is available as an integrated endpoint communication module or as an external OEM platform and features protocol agnostic, transparent, IP communications over the CDMA/1XRTT and GSM/GPRS public high speed data networks supported by the major wireless carriers. True-pass-through functionality and compatibility with “best-in-class” platforms produce highly flexible, dependable wireless solution for almost any remote data, monitoring, or control application. Visit www.metrum.us