Abstract: A method includes listening, at a mobile collector, for beacons from a plurality of nodes to locate and communicate with a targeted node, each beacon comprising a utility device identification (ID) and communication channel information; receiving, by the mobile collector, the beacon from the targeted node of the plurality of nodes; and determining, by the mobile collector, that the beacon was received from the targeted node based on the utility device ID included in the beacon.

Abstract: A method includes listening, at a mobile collector, for beacons from a plurality of nodes to locate and communicate with a targeted node, each beacon comprising a utility device identification (ID) and communication channel information; receiving, by the mobile collector, the beacon from the targeted node of the plurality of nodes; and determining, by the mobile collector, that the beacon was received from the targeted node based on the utility device ID included in the beacon.

Abstract: A method includes sending, by a node, a beacon at a regular time interval, the beacon comprising at least an associated utility device identification (ID) and communication channel information; receiving, at the node, a message from a network device on the communication channel beginning within a time window after a defined delay after the beacon was sent; determining, by the node, if the message comprises the associated utility device ID; and initiating, by the node, temporary two-way communication by sending a response to the network device.

Abstract: A central site communication system selectively establishes a data connection between a remote system and one of group of host systems as a function of information about the remote system. The communication system can be connected to a digital data network such as via an ISDN or T1 network connection and the remote system can be connected to either the digital data network directly or through a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) analog connection. The host system can be connect to the communication system via a LAN medium and utilize an IP network and a data tunneling protocol to establish a data connection between the remote system and the host system. The information about the remote system can include the telephone number of the remote system, the telephone number dialed by the remote system to connect with host system, the protocol used by the remote system or the data transmitted by the remote system to the host system.