Water utilities previously believed they had only two options for setting up advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks: costly radio frequency (RF) networks or a cellular network. While cellular offers a lower entry cost, the cost per endpoint and instrument connection can add up quickly. This is particularly true as AMI networks expand beyond standard meter reading to monitor pressure, reducing non-revenue water (NRW), and monitoring water levels. This isn’t the only shortcoming cellular AMI has shown over the years. Reliability, resilience, data security, and more are rising concerns.
Sensus addresses these issues with its FlexNet® communication network, providing all the benefits of an RF AMI system with minimal upfront costs.
Network As A Service
Historically, AMI networks has been seen as a technology available only to cash-flush utilities. The cost of constructing massive radio towers, including maintenance and upgrades, can be greater than most water utilities can afford.
Sensus offers FlexNet as a network as a service (NaaS) and takes on the upfront capital costs of designing and building the network. The utility then leases the network as it connects devices.
This has three main benefits:
- Moves the cost of the network from capital expenditure to operational expenditure.
- Eliminates the burden of maintenance and technical support from the utility, allowing them to focus on maximizing network and data use.
- Allows for a “pay as you go” model where the utility is only billed on usage keeping upfront costs low and expenses track with how many devices are installed.
FlexNet vs. Cellular Networks
The key difference is control over the airwaves. Cellular networks suffer from disruptions due to overuse, interference, or changes in technology standards. In contrast, FlexNet’s proprietary RF network uses a licensed, dedicated spectrum, ensuring reliable, interference-free transmission of critical sensor data.
FlexNet also provides the highest level of security possible, being largely inaccessible to outside actors. Unlike cellular AMI networks, which operate on publicly accessible airwaves.
Designed for resilience and emergency response, FlexNet has proven reliability with built-in redundancy and 30-day storage on devices. Sensus’s service-level agreement ensures our technicians will do everything possible to ensure quick network restsoration.
The FlexNet communication network is built with longevity in mind, unlike cellular which can often become obsolete within 10 years, if not sooner. The FlexNet system remains compatible with devices up to 20 years old and supports a wide range of manufacturers, avoiding obsolescence and vendor lock-in common with cellular networks.
Building A FlexNet AMI Network
Sensus partners with you to ensure a smooth transition to a smart utility network. Building a FlexNet AMI network starts with assessing the utility’s needs, infrastructure, key performance indicators, and goals.
Sensus evaluates the utility’s assets, maps out the area to be monitored and designs a customized network. Once the network is built and integrated with existing systems, utility staff receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, including regular maintenance and updates.
FlexNet offers control, reliability, and longevity, making advanced AMI networks accessible to all utilities. By embracing AMI, utilities can harness data to enhance operational efficiency, reduce non-revenue water, and ensure infrastructure resilience.
Learn more at xylem.com.
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