Abstract: A method of compressing a message to transmit from one device to another device on a communications network comprises receiving the message to be compressed, the message including a plurality of bytes having respective values. Next, all bytes having a value of 0x00 in the message are encoded with a first code. Then, all other bytes in the message are encoded with a second code followed by the original value of the byte. The encoded message is then transmitted via the network.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for efficient modification of data in non-volatile memory. In some examples, an update, such as a firmware update, may be generated for a first portion of data, such as firmware or a portion of firmware. In some cases, the first portion of data may be used in combination with a respective second portion of data. Also, in some cases, in combination with the update, various modifications may be determined for the second portion of data. Additionally, a set of tasks may be generated for performing the modifications to the second portion of data. The update may then be transmitted along with the set of tasks from one or more control devices to one or more update devices that are being updated with the update.

Abstract: Electrical power may be delivered to nodes in a network with a phase that is selected from a plurality of phases. According to various embodiments, the phase with which electrical power may be delivered to a particular node may be determined by varying, or identifying a variation in, the voltage of the electrical power that is delivered to a subset of nodes that is associated with a known phase. A variation in a voltage of the electrical power that is received by the particular node may also be identified. The phase with which the particular node is associated may be determined by correlating the identified voltage variation in the electrical power delivered to the subset of nodes that is associated with the known phase with the identified voltage variation in the electrical power received by the particular node.

Abstract: Nodes of a network are each provided with a seed value and a seed identifier. Each seed value has a corresponding unique seed identifier which is maintained within the system. Within each authorized node, the seed value is combined with a local node identifier, such as a serial number or other unique identifier, to form a cryptographic key that is then used by the node to encrypt and/or decrypt data transmitted and received by that node. The cryptographic key is never transmitted over the network, and each node is able to create a different cryptographic key for use in communicating with other nodes.

Abstract: Techniques for using an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for Utility Automation (UA) purposes in a utility distribution system are disclosed herein. In an AMI system, a metering node often includes a communications option board for connecting to a wide area network (WAN), which can be shared between the AMI system and a UA system. The metering node may be near other devices that can be controlled by a utility company to monitor and control components of the utility distribution system. A data packet is received in a communication device. The communication device determines whether the received data packet is formatted according to a first protocol employed by the AMI system. If so, then the data packet is forwarded to a first device in communication with the AMI system. If not, then the data packet is forwarded to a second device in communication with the UA system.

Abstract: Techniques for using an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for Utility Automation (UA) purposes in a utility distribution system are disclosed herein. In an AMI system, a metering node often includes a communications option board for connecting to a wide area network (WAN), which can be shared between the AMI system and a UA system. The metering node may be near other devices that can be controlled by a utility company to monitor and control components of the utility distribution system. A data packet is received in a communication device. The communication device determines whether the received data packet is formatted according to a first protocol employed by the AMI system. If so, then the data packet is forwarded to a first device in communication with the AMI system. If not, then the data packet is forwarded to a second device in communication with the UA system.

Abstract: Nodes of a network are each provided with a seed value and a seed identifier. Each seed value has a corresponding unique seed identifier which is maintained within the system. Within each authorized node, the seed value is combined with a local node identifier, such as a serial number or other unique identifier, to form a cryptographic key that is then used by the node to encrypt and/or decrypt data transmitted and received by that node. The cryptographic key is never transmitted over the network, and each node is able to create a different cryptographic key for use in communicating with other nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining loss of reference voltage (indicating possible tampering) in a 2-element electronic meter that includes a processor for determining electrical power from voltage and current signals, and a display for indicating an operating status of the meter. To determine if the reference voltage of the meter in a 3-wire delta or network installation has been lost, a measurement of the phase angle difference between the two phases is made. If the phase difference is equal to a predetermined value, the meter indicates on the display that loss of reference voltage and possible tampering has taken place. The apparatus may further be adapted to determine a length of time that this condition has occurred such that the appropriate enforcement and billing agencies may be informed.