User Manual

IT Department User Guide 1
This document provides information on the design, construction, and operation of the OpenWay Riva Smart
Network Interface Card (NIC) module.
The module consists of two major components: the communications board and the antenna. The sample
module housing is constructed using polycarbonate material that provides protection for the internal
components. Power may be supplied from optional power board or supplied from a host supply.
This module contains the cutting edge communication technology featuring IPv6 RF and Power Line Carrier
Communications. OpenWay features an innovative multimedia IPv6 network that uses both RF and PLC links
within a mesh to route messages and data between standards-based smart meters (DLMS/COSEM) and the
head-end system. Itron’s communication module also enables secure two-way communication with home
energy management devices using G3 PLC, Wi-Fi and protocol stacks SEP 2.0 and ECHONET Lite.
The communication module enables utilities to deploy the network without specific network planning and
segregation for RF and PLC environments. Intelligence in the module chooses the communication link quality
and modulation scheme that support the best possible data rate. Data rates of up to 500kbps are achievable by
this multimedia mesh. This is done automatically in real-time by the modules without any need for pre-
programming or path hard-coding. The communication modules create their own multi-hop environment
using the best available physical path for communication where the routing is managed by standardized IETF
routing protocols that are independent of the physical link. Itron’s technology offers a unique way to deploy
the same communication module anywhere, regardless of traditional network design considerations, such as
geography, density, or structural environment.
C H A P T E R 1
Overview