AMI-701-R1
Freque ntl y A sked Questions
Page 1 of 3
Fixed Network AMI: Water and Gas
What is Sensus F l e xNet Fixed N e twork?
FlexNet Fixed Network is a wide area Advanced
Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system that provides the
ability to read water, gas, and electric meters with a
common AMI platform. The FlexNet system is designed
around the central concepts of Simplicity, Flexibility,
and Reliability. The Flex-Net Network supports one-way
radio frequency (RF) endpoints for water/gas and a two-
way RF system for electric.
Wh a t type of ra d i o technolog y i s used in t h e
fi x e d base netwo r k ?
FlexNet Endpoints and Tower Gateway Base Stations
(TGB) utilize a single, “Primary Use” (unshared)
licensed band in 890-960 MHz spectrum.
Wh a t is a “Prim a r y Use” or “ u n s hared” li-
ce n s e d band?
A “Primary Use” license allows Sensus FlexNet to
remove potential interferers from Sensus’ channels
who are not in compliance with FCC regulations.
Wi l l the networ k b e less vul n e r able to in t e r -
fe r e n ce because i t operates i n a “primary u s e:
li c e n sed band?
Yes. The FlexNet system uses exclusively licensed
radio frequencies that are strongly protected by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The
FCC is bound by law to take action against frequency
interferers in the “Primary Licensed” FlexNet spectrum.
Sensus stands ready to protect our valuable dedicated
spectrum through a variety of legal methods.
Do o t her fixed b a s e system p r o v iders util i z e a
li c e n sed freque n c y ?
Yes, they do. However, those licensed systems utilize
frequencies that are not “Primary Use’ frequencies.
These systems operate in a licensed voice band but
AMR/AMI systems using these frequencies must
operate as “secondary users” under the FCC telemetry
provisions. These second tier or “secondary users”
can be interfered with or slowed down by a voice or
“Primary user”. If the interference is severe enough to
effect the performance of the system a new frequency
must be acquired and the endpoints and receivers
modified to operate under this new frequency.
Wh a t is a propa g a t ion study a n d how does i t
he l p in the dep l o y ment plann i n g ?
Reliable transmission range is crucial to the operation
of a properly designed network. Sensus utilizes
sophisticated propagation modeling incorporating
the specific variables for the utility’s coverage area to
determine the optimum infrastructure placement.
Propagation modeling incorporates such factors
as geographic and topographic parameters of the
endpoint locations and proposed sites of TGB’s.
Once the modeling is complete, a proposal will be
discussed with the utility outlining implementation and
infrastructure requirements.
Wh a t reception r a n ge can I e x p e ct from an
en d p o int?
Range is affected by several variables including:
• Height of the collecting receiver’s antennae – The
Sensus FlexNet satisfies the first variable by placing
a TGB(s) on utility towers (when available) or on tall,
existing radio towers.
• Radio spectrum used to broadcast the data
transmissions – The “Primary Use” licensed band
used by the FlexNet system provides the utility with
an interference protected spectrum.
• High powered endpoints. – Another advantage of the
licensed frequency band is that total RF output power
of 2 Watts is higher than that for systems using a
license free band, typically between 100 milliwatt and
1 Watt.
• Sensitive receivers at the data collection points – The
FlexNet system uses the latest in DSP (digital signal
processing) technology in the TGB’s to make its
receiver extremely sensitive; up to -121dBm.
Ca n t he endpoin t s read any o t h e r meter be -
si d e s Sensus?
Water transmitters interface to Sensus ICE registers and
legacy ECR registers with encoder outputs and Neptune
ARB VI registers. Gas residential transmitters are
compatible with Sensus, American, and Actaris models.
Commercial and Industrial gas meters can install a
remote mount transmitter provided an “A” pulse output
is available at the meter.
Wh a t is the exp e c t ed battery l i fe for tra n s m it-
te r s ?
All Sensus water and gas transmitters come with a
twenty year nationally published warranty. For terms
and conditions refer to Sensus G-500 and FlexNet Gas
Transmitter Limited Warranty.
Is t h e battery p a c k field re p l a ceable?
Water transmitters have the option of a field
replaceable external battery.
Ho w o ften does t h e FlexNet e n d p oint read t h e
me t e r and send t h e meter and r e ading data ?
The FlexNet water and gas transmitters have the ability
to read each hour and transmit four (4) times per day;
or read every six (6) hours and transmits four (4) times
per day.
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