User's Manual

Series 4000 Maintenance and Operations Manual 1
STAR NETWORK OVERVIEW
The STAR Network is a fixed-network, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
that automatically reads water and gas instruments. The STAR Network uses a
3-tier configuration to read and transmit information between the measuring
instrument and the utility office. The three tiers of the STAR Network are:
1. Meter Transmission Units (MTUs)
2. Data Collection Units (DCUs)
3. Network Control Computer (NCC)
Two-Way Communications
The STAR Network two-way advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system
allows encrypted data communications over secure, FCC licensed radio
frequencies. This wireless fixed network consists of the Meter Transmitter Unit
(MTU), Data Collector Unit (DCU), and Network Control Computer (NCC).
Communications between the MTU, DCU, and NCC are explained in greater
detail below.
MTU/DCU Communications
MTU/DCU communications occur on two FCC licensed (450-470 MHz)
frequency channels. Configuration settings, on-demand requests, and Time Sync
messages are sent from the DCU to the MTU. Instrument measurement and
configuration readings and Time Sync requests are sent from the MTU to nearby
DCUs.
DCU/NCC Communications
DCU/NCC communications are conducted over TCP/IP protocols via the cellular,
Ethernet, or Wi-Fi
™
backhaul. The DCU initiates and maintains communications
with the NCC. Configuration changes, on-demand requests, and Time Sync
messages originate in the NCC and are sent to the MTU via the DCU.
DRAFT