Products and Services

Itron's Fixed Network provides utilities with the capability of completely automating meter reading. The system can supply daily or more frequent meter reads, time-of-use information, on-demand meter reads, tamper monitoring and reporting, power outage and restoration detection and reporting, load profiling, and virtual connect/disconnect capabilities.

In a Fixed Network, meter data collected by Itron's ERT modules is transmitted to a neighborhood communication controller, called a Cell Control Unit (CCU). In addition to functioning as a radio receiver and transmitter, the CCU performs memory and computational functions. Itron's CCUs are easily installed on utility poles, streetlights, buildings or other locations.

Information collected by CCUs is transmitted to a Network Control Node (NCN), which is the primary routing and control device for the Fixed Network. NCNs manage information in the network, communicate with CCUs and can serve as gateways to other networks.

The final link in Itron's Fixed Network is from the NCNs to one or more host computers, known as a Genesis Itron Host Processor (GIHP). The GIHP is an open-architected computer and database management system that provides network control and advanced AMR functionality. It acts as the interface between the Fixed Network and other utility systems. Communication between CCUs and NCNs is accomplished over Itron's nationwide licensed frequencies in the 1427-1429 MHz band. These same frequencies can be used for communication between NCNs and the GIHP. NCNs and the GIHPs may also communicate via a wired link.

Itron, 2818 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane, WA 99216. Tel: 509-924-9900; Fax: 509-891-3313.