Patent ID: 8842563
Filing Date: 2014-09-23
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for communicating utility-usage data with endpoint devices over power distribution lines that carry power using alternating current (AC), the apparatus comprising: a data retrieving engine, including a circuit, configured and arranged to retrieve from the endpoint devices, interval data of a first type and of a second different type of data sets, the first type indicative of utility usage readings and available for retrieval at least once per an interval period, and the second type available for retrieval based on transmissions of the second type of data sets that span at least two interval periods, the second type of data including long packets that are characterized as being generated from an aggregation of multiple bits communicated over multiple interval periods; a packet processing engine, including a circuit, configured and arranged to a packet reading engine, including a circuit, configured and arranged to interpret the generated data packets according to a set of packet-communication rules, and output therefrom interpreted data indicative of the data sets of the first type and of the second type, including interpreted data indicative of the retrieved utility usage readings, for communicating data, including both types of data sets, on behalf of a utility provider.