Cellular Technology For Advanced Metering And The Internet Of Things: The Time Is Now

The maturity of cellular technologies and networks is enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) to reach farther than ever. Cellular-based advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is becoming a viable option in addition to radio frequency (RF) systems to provide reliability and cost-effectiveness in practical solutions for water utilities and municipalities.

Improvements in communication standards and technology enhancements have allowed for a much more robust solution designed to meet the challenges of the water utility market. Cellular AMI breaks away from the technology silo commonly found in older AMR and AMI systems, allowing meters to be integrated into existing networks without third-party technology.

Beyond metering, cellular technology enables water utilities to transform their distribution system into smart water networks. The same technology used in cellular AMI can be integrated into sensors, including pressure and temperature gauges, water quality monitors and leak detectors. The data gathered from smart water devices can provide a detailed, real-time look at what is happening in the water distribution system, creating a water-oriented IoT.