Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes sending an authentication request to a client device to obtain a utilization code in response to a request from the client device to access data. The utilization code is uniquely associated with the client device. The method includes obtaining an authentication response including the utilization code from the client device and authenticating the client device if the utilization code matches a utilization identifier stored in a database. The method includes generating an encryption key using a seed based at least in part on the utilization code and encrypting the data with the encryption key to generate encrypted data and sending, when the utilization code matches the utilization identifier stored in the database, the encrypted data to the client device without requiring a user of the client device to login.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes sending an authentication request to a client device to obtain a utilization code in response to a request from the client device to access data. The utilization code is uniquely associated with the client device. The method includes obtaining an authentication response including the utilization code from the client device and authenticating the client device if the utilization code matches a utilization identifier stored in a database. The method includes generating an encryption key using a seed based at least in part on the utilization code and encrypting the data with the encryption key to generate encrypted data and sending, when the utilization code matches the utilization identifier stored in the database, the encrypted data to the client device without requiring a user of the client device to login.

Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include, in one embodiment, measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for communicating a signal over a power line. One embodiment may comprise a length of power cable that comprises a center conductor substantially surrounded by an insulator. A concentric conductor is disposed external to the insulator over a first portion of the cable. A coupling conductor may be disposed concentrically around a second portion of the cable external to said insulator and having a first end and a second end. The concentric conductor is absent in a manner to form a gap between the concentric conductor and the first end of said coupling conductor. A transceiver cable is coupled to the first end of said coupling conductor and a common mode choke may be disposed substantially around the entire circumference of a portion of said coupling conductor. Finally, the second end of the coupling conductor may be coupled to ground through a convenient neutral conductor.

Abstract: A communication device for use with a power line communication system is provided. One embodiment forms a bypass device and comprises a low voltage coupler, a low voltage signal conditioner, a controller, a medium voltage modem, a first medium signal conditioner, an isolator, a second medium voltage signal conditioner, and a medium coupler. The controller may provide routing functions to give priority to certain types of data, control access to the network, filter data packets, process software upgrades, and provision new subscriber devices. In addition, the controller may monitor, process, and transmit traffic data, measured power data, errors, and other collected data.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50-60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: The last portion of the electrical distribution system is used to provide high-speed communications to residential homes. An aggregation point interfaces a medium voltage power line with a point-of-presence, and a power line bridge enables flow of communications signals between the medium voltage power line and a low voltage power line across a distribution transformer.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolation between a power line local area network and another network such as a power line wide area network. In one embodiment of the present invention, a filter device is installed on the power line supplying power to a structure in which a power line local area network is present. The example filter device may comprise a controller configured to receive a control signal and to cause a switch to activate or deactivate a low pass filter for attenuating the data signals.