Antenna Company and Texas Metering Team Up to Expand Wireless Range for Smart Meters
In an effort to improve the functionality and reliability of smart meters, The Antenna Company and Texas Metering & Device Company (TMD) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing wireless connectivity for off-network smart meters. This collaboration is set to address one of the most pressing challenges in modern grid management: ensuring robust and reliable data transmission from smart meters that operate beyond conventional communication ranges.
Smart meters, which measure and record energy consumption in real time, have become essential tools for accurate grid management and customer billing. Unlike their analog predecessors, these advanced devices utilize wireless technologies to transmit data directly to utility companies, thus eliminating the need for manual readings and reducing the potential for human error.
Despite their advantages, smart meters often encounter significant connectivity issues. These include signal attenuation in areas with weak network coverage—such as basements or remote locations—and interference from other electronic devices. In densely populated urban areas, the high volume of smart meters can also lead to network congestion and delayed data transmission.
To tackle these challenges, The Antenna Company and TMD have developed an innovative retrofit solution designed to extend the wireless range of smart meters. Their solution integrates The Antenna Company’s IP67-rated LTE antennas (model AC94541-01) and RF Coupler technology (model AC20424-01) with TMD’s expertise in Advanced Metering Infrastructure. This retrofit kit is engineered to enhance wireless connectivity and support various communication protocols, including cellular 4G LTE/P-LTE, Anterix 900 MHz spectrum, and short-range/mesh networking.
The retrofit solution features a high-efficiency LTE antenna that offers ultra-low insertion loss and omnidirectional coverage, ensuring durability and broad signal reception. The RF Coupler included in the system functions as an isolator to enhance signal integrity and minimize interference. With optimized performance across a frequency range of 410 MHz to 470 MHz, this technology aims to reduce the need for manual meter readings and the associated operational costs.
As the demand for smart meters increases with the rise of renewable and distributed energy resources, the need for efficient and reliable solutions becomes more critical. The collaboration between The Antenna Company and TMD represents a significant step forward in smart meter technology, promising improved performance and reliability for utility management.