Patent ID: 9001787
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A process for switching to or between multiple networks to optimize communication between a fixed position energy device in proximity to at least one of the multiple networks and a head end server to facilitate communication of energy-related data therebetween comprising: receiving instructions at a fixed position communications module that establish rules for the communications module to control switching communications to or from the energy device associated with the communications module from a first network via a first transceiver at the fixed position of the communications module to a second network via a second transceiver at the fixed position of the communications module, which rules cause periodic scanning by said second transceiver to determine a desirability of using the second network to provide communications of said energy-related data; and instructing by the communications module, upon a determination of the desirability of using the second network to provide communications of said energy-related data, the first transceiver to cease communications with the energy device and instructing the second transceiver to initiate communications with the energy device to facilitate communication of energy-related data to or from the energy device and the head end server; wherein the established rules provide a desired progression for switching communications based on financial cost-effectiveness from the first network, where financial cost of communication is usage-based, to the second network, where financial cost of communication is not usage-based; wherein the energy related data includes at least price information for communication to the energy device; and wherein the first network is cellular-based and the second network is mesh node-based.