How Sensus FlexNet Is Redefining AMI Networks
In recent years, water utilities believed they had only two options for setting up advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks: a capital-intense radio frequency (RF) network or a cellular network. While the latter offers a lower point of entry, the cost per endpoint and instrument connection can add up quickly. This is particularly true as AMI networks are leveraged beyond meter reading into monitoring pressure, detecting and reducing non-revenue water (NRW), monitoring flood and surface water levels, and more. This isn’t the only shortcoming cellular AMI has shown over the years. Reliability, resilience, data security, and more are rising concerns.
Sensus addresses these issues and more with its FlexNet® communication network. With FlexNet, water utilities can have all the benefits of an RF AMI system with minimal upfront costs.
Network As A Service
Since the earliest days of AMI networks, it has been seen as technology available only to cash-flush utilities. The cost of constructing massive radio towers, which the utility must then take on the expense and logistics of maintaining and upgrading as needed, can be greater than most midsize to small water utilities can afford.
For this reason, Sensus offers FlexNet as a network as a service (NaaS). This means that Sensus will take on the upfront capital costs of designing and building the network. The utility then leases the network as it connects devices. This has three main benefits: First, it moves the cost of the network from capital expenditure to operational expenditure. Second, it eliminates the need for the utility to worry about maintenance and technical support, freeing the utility to focus its effort on getting the most out of the network and the data it is handling. Third, the utility can “pay as it goes,” meaning that it will only be billed on what is used during the deployment. Thus, the upfront costs are low and expenses track with how many devices are installed.
FlexNet vs. Cellular Networks
The fundamental difference lies in control over the airwaves. Cellular networks can face disruptions due to overuse, interference, or changes in technology standards. FlexNet, as a proprietary RF network, provides utilities with unparalleled control and reliability. Unlike cellular networks that share bandwidth with countless other devices and services, FlexNet uses licensed dedicated spectrum, which ensures that utilities have a dependable and interference-free channel for transmitting critical sensor data.
As a dedicated network, Sensus is also able to provide the highest level of security possible. Unlike cellular AMI networks, which operate on publicly accessible airwaves, FlexNet is largely inaccessible to outside actors unless they know the unique protocols of the utility’s network and attempt to target it specifically.
Moreover, the reliability of FlexNet stands out. Built-in redundancy provides resilience in the face of disasters. This includes overlapping tower radii (Figure 1) and backup batteries to protect against power outages. If network communication does fail for any reason, data remains stored on most devices for about 30 days. Sensus’s service-level agreement ensures their technicians will not only do everything possible to get the network back in working order but also will provide the tools or manpower needed to retrieve data from individual units in the meantime.
Lastly, a FlexNet communication network is built with longevity in mind. Cellular technology can often become obsolete within 10 years of rollout, if not sooner. The FlexNet system is designed to be compatible with devices installed as long as 20 years ago. In addition, the system can support a wide range of medium manufacturers, which means the utility will never be boxed into a specific technology or vendor.
Building A FlexNet AMI Network
Sensus partners with water utilities to ensure a smooth transition to a smart utility network. Building a FlexNet AMI network requires careful planning and execution. The first step is to assess the utility’s specific needs and goals. This involves understanding the existing infrastructure, identifying key performance indicators, and establishing the desired outcomes.
Next, Sensus brings in a team to evaluate the utility’s assets (e.g., number and location of water towers, fire stations, pump stations, endpoints, etc.) and map out the area to be monitored. Based on this information, a customized network is designed, which includes the type and location of sensors and meters, and the configuration of the FlexNet communication network.
Once the network is built and integrated with existing systems, utility staff receives comprehensive training to operate it effectively. In addition, Sensus will provide continuous support to ensure the network’s reliability and performance. Regular maintenance and updates are part of this ongoing partnership.
Flexible, dedicated, and resilient AMI networks are not exclusive to cash-flush utilities. Sensus’s FlexNet communication network, with its unparalleled control, reliability, and longevity, empowers utilities to overcome challenges and evolve into truly smart utility networks. By embracing the potential of AMI, utilities can harness the power of data to enhance operational efficiency, reduce NRW, and ensure the resilience of their critical infrastructure.