Editing Automatic meter reading (section)

=== Radio frequency network===
[[Radio frequency]] based AMR can take many forms. The more common ones are handheld, mobile, satellite and fixed network solutions. There are both two-way RF systems and one-way RF systems in use that use both licensed and unlicensed RF bands.

In a two-way or "wake up" system, a radio signal is normally sent to an AMR meter's unique serial number, instructing its [[transceiver]] to power-up and transmit its data. The meter transceiver and the reading transceiver both send and receive radio signals. In a one-way "bubble-up" or continuous [[Broadcasting|broadcast]] type system, the meter transmits continuously and data is sent every few seconds. This means the reading device can be a receiver only, and the meter a transmitter only. Data travels only from the meter transmitter to the reading receiver. There are also hybrid systems that combine one-way and two-way techniques, using one-way communication for reading and two-way communication for programming functions.

[[Radio frequency|RF]]-based meter reading usually eliminates the need for the meter reader to enter the property or home, or to locate and open an underground meter pit. The utility saves money by increased speed of reading, has less liability from entering private property, and has fewer missed readings from being unable to access the meter.

The technology based on RF is not readily accepted everywhere. In several Asian countries, the technology faces a barrier of regulations in place pertaining to use of the radio frequency of any radiated power. For example, in India the radio frequency which is generally in [[ISM band]] is not free to use even for low power radio of 10 [[milliwatt|mW]]. The majority of manufacturers of electricity meters have radio frequency devices in the frequency band of 433/868&nbsp;MHz for large scale deployment in European countries. The frequency band of 2.4&nbsp;GHz can be now used in India for outdoor as well as indoor applications, but few manufacturers have shown products within this frequency band. Initiatives in radio frequency AMR in such countries are being taken up with regulators wherever the cost of licensing outweighs the benefits of AMR.

==== Handheld ====
In handheld AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer with a built-in or attached receiver/transceiver (radio frequency or touch) to collect meter readings from an AMR capable meter. This is sometimes referred to as "walk-by" meter reading since the meter reader walks by the locations where meters are installed as they go through their meter reading route.  Handheld computers may also be used to manually enter readings without the use of AMR technology as an alternate but this will not support exhaustive data which can be accurately read using the meter reading electronically.

==== Mobile ====
Mobile or "drive-by" meter reading is where a reading device is installed in a vehicle. The meter reader drives the vehicle while the reading device automatically collects the meter readings. Often, for mobile meter reading, the reading equipment includes navigational and mapping features provided by [[GPS]] and mapping software. With mobile meter reading, the reader does not normally have to read the meters in any particular route order, but just drives the service area until all meters are read. Components often consist of a laptop or proprietary computer, software, RF receiver/transceiver, and external vehicle [[Antenna (radio)|antennas]].

==== Satellite ====
Transmitters for [[data collection satellite]]s can be installed in the field next to existing meters. The satellite AMR devices communicate with the meter for readings, and then sends those readings over a fixed or mobile satellite network.  This network requires a clear view to the sky for the satellite transmitter/receiver, but eliminates the need to install fixed towers or send out field technicians, thereby being particularly suited for areas with low geographic meter density.

==== RF technologies commonly used for AMR ====
* Narrow Band (single fixed radio frequency)
* [[Spread spectrum]]
** [[Direct-sequence spread spectrum]] (DSSS)
** [[Frequency-hopping spread spectrum]] (FHSS)

There are also meters using AMR with RF technologies such as cellular phone data systems, [[Zigbee]], [[Bluetooth]], [[Wavenis]] and others. Some systems operate with U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) licensed frequencies and others under [[Title 47 CFR Part 15|FCC Part 15]], which allows use of unlicensed radio frequencies.

==== Wi-Fi ====
[[WiSmart]] is a versatile platform which can be used by a variety of electrical home appliances in order to provide wireless [[TCP/IP]] communication using the 802.11 b/g protocol.

Devices such as the Smart Thermostat permit a utility to lower a home's power consumption to help manage power demand.

The city of [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]] became one of the first cities in the [[United States]] to implement citywide [[Wi-Fi]], which had been free until May 31, 2007, mainly to facilitate AMR after a meter reader was attacked by a dog.<ref>[http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201400236 EarthLink Dedicates Wi-Fi Network In Corpus Christi]</ref> Today many{{Which|date=January 2010}} meters are designed to transmit using Wi-Fi, even if a Wi-Fi network is not available, and they are read using a drive-by local Wi-Fi hand held receiver.

The meters installed in Corpus Christi are not directly Wi-Fi enabled, but rather transmit narrow-band burst [[telemetry]] on the 460&nbsp;MHz band.  This narrow-band signal has much greater range than Wi-Fi, so the number of receivers required for the project are far fewer. Special receiver stations then decode the narrow-band signals and resend the data via Wi-Fi.

Most of the automated utility meters installed in the Corpus Christi area are battery powered.  Wi-Fi technology is unsuitable for long-term battery-powered operation.