The foundation of the flexible Aclara STAR Network system is a uniquely designed meter transmission unit (MTU) that reads the utility meter. MTUs operate on a schedule specified by the utility and can transmit multiple readings per hour.

Gas and water units are mounted near or on the meter, and are powered by a permanent, lithium-ion battery that guarantees trouble-free operation for up to 20 years, depending on how often the unit communicates. Electric MTUs integrate with the meter and offer a battery backup that ensures continuous receipt of data from the meter during outages.

MTUs transfer data over secure, licensed 450- to 470-MHz radio frequencies to data collector units (DCUs) positioned strategically throughout the utility’s service area. DCUs use a variety of backhaul options to transfer data to the utility – radio and cellular signals, fiber-optics, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Robust system architecture ensures no missed readings and guarantees security and revenue protection.

Within the utility, the system’s network control computer (NCC) provides user-friendly access to usage data through a Web browser-based interface. Utilities can also integrate the NCC database with other applications such as billing programs or data management systems. If the STAR Network system is configured for two-way communications, the utility also can send data to the meter.

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