초록 ▼

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 communi

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 using, e.g., the Bluetooth™ protocol A self-configuring wireless network is also disclosed. The wireless network includes a number of vnodes, and one or more VGATES. The vnodes are devices that are enabled for wireless communication using, e.g., the Bluetooth™ protocol. Vnodes are operative to form ad hoc piconet connections. The one or more VGATES comprise computer network gateways that are enabled for wireless communication using, e.g., the Bluetooth™ protocol. Thus, 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. VNOC is a universal communications adapter that enables the wireless array of vnodes to communicate (either directly or through a VGATE) with a central control facility via various wireless or wired communication media.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A self configuring wireless network, comprising:(i) 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 said group of virtual network nodes

What is claimed is: 1. A self configuring wireless network, comprising:(i) 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 said group of virtual network nodes into an organized network via messaging between said group of virtual network nodes; and(ii) 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 wireless communication link between said additional virtual network node and a first of said group of virtual network nodes and a path from said first of said group of virtual network nodes to said virtual gate defined by said organized network.