FAQs

• Q1 . What advantages do PLC modules have in smart home mesh network?

  A :

  Wifi, Zigbee, BLE and other wireless RF connection methods have the problem of poor penetrability which leads to incomplete and unsmooth home device network, therefore smart home cannot perform its commercial value. PLC mesh utilizes mature power line to construct smart home network without rebuilding the system, eliminating the issue of weak penetrability. Though PLC technology cannot be used in long distance data transmission due to power line’s weakening of the PLC signal, all the constraints will not exist in home scenario, therefore the best smart home mesh network can be guaranteed.

• Q2 . What is wireless Mesh network?

  A :

  Wireless Mesh network is a novel network structure based on multi-hop router and peer-to-peer technologies. Possessing features of mobile broadband, it can constantly fulfill extension, ad-hoc networking, self-management, self-restoration and self-balance. Wireless Mesh, a multi-hop network, is composed by wireless mesh nodes. Developed from ad-hoc network, it is the key technology to solve the problem of“last mile”. Wireless node contains wireless module which connects adjacent nodes and wireless terminals. Any two nodes in the Mesh network can communicate with each other through various wireless routes. Failure of any Mesh node will not influence normal communication of other devices. When one wireless route goes wrong, Mesh network will automatically convert data to another wireless route, providing highly reliable and highly redundant network architecture.Compared with traditional switch-based network, wireless Mesh network saves wiring between nodes, but still possessing the redundancy mechanism and rerouting function of distributed network. Wireless Mesh is a wireless field network solution suitable for covering large open area (indoor & outdoor). The feature of wireless Mesh network is that it includes a set of net-distributed wireless AP. AP adopts p2p method and is linked with each other via wireless repeater link, extending wireless “hot spot” in WLAN to wireless “hot area”covering larger space. Besides, because transmission distance of every short hop is short, power needed for transmitting data is relatively small. Multi-hop network usually uses underpower to transmit data to the adjacent nodes. Wireless signal interference between nodes is quite low, greatly improving network channel quality and channel transport efficiency, thus realizing higher network capacity. In high density city network environment, Mesh network can reduce mutual interference of neighboring nodes and tremendously enhance efficiency of channel utilization.

• Q3 . What are the major technical advantages of Mesh modules in AMI?

  A :

  1. Independent channels for networking/concentrator visit and CIU/HHU visit;

  
  

  2. Support configuration free and networking free mode; concentrator and meter can read immediately after installation without waiting;

  
  

  3. Static networking. Instant networking/meter reading, instant maintenance, zero interference of other network;

  
  

  4. Status and route of all nodes are updated in real time to better monitor changes in network topology in networking;

  
  

  5. Self-diagnosis function. Locate error node accurately when antenna or meter is maliciously damaged;

  
  

  6. Real-time topology. Static real-time topology can be gained after networking/reading is finished in network operation;

  
  

  7. Self-learning function. Network can gradually consummate topology in real operation and choose the best reading route after the network is stable;

  
  

  8. Support concentrator, meter, HHU and CIU integration plan; ensure HHU/CIU’s communication priority with meter to guarantee user experience;

  
  

  9. Communication between concentrator and meters near A meter will not be influenced when CIU/HHU is communicating with A meter.

• Q4 . What is the communication distance of RF Mesh?

  A :

  Communication distance between DN reaches 1km when the transmitting power is 20dBm. Coverage of a single network is 7km. Greater network needs can be satisfied by using FDM.

• Q5 . What are the max. tier and network capacity of RF/PLC Mesh network?

  A :

  Support 7 tier. Network capacity is 800.