Abstract: A mobile interrogator can be used in a system for hybrid employment of fixed network and mobile network communications. The system includes communication nodes. At least some of the communication nodes operate in a fixed network mode using one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. At least some other of the communication nodes operate in a mobile mode in which they transmit meter data to a mobile device using one or more mobile communication protocols. The mobile device is configured to communicate with the mobile mode communication nodes using the one or more mobile communication protocols and to communicate with the fixed network mode communication nodes using the one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. As a result, the performance of both fixed and mobile networks can be improved. A hybrid system can be realized that provides a utility company with advantages of both fixed and mobile networks.

Abstract: Clock reference data may be recovered or updated in networks that include line-powered devices and other devices susceptible to power outages. For example, for a mobile information collection network, one or more devices with extended clock holdover may be strategically deployed throughout the mobile information collection network to provide reference clock data. As another example, battery-powered devices may be woken up in order to provide clock reference data to other devices. Alternatively or additionally, the battery-powered devices may be configured to periodically broadcast their clock reference data to other devices.

Abstract: Clock reference data may be recovered or updated in networks that include line-powered devices and other devices susceptible to power outages. For example, for a mobile information collection network, one or more devices with extended clock holdover may be strategically deployed throughout the mobile information collection network to provide reference clock data. As another example, battery-powered devices may be woken up in order to provide clock reference data to other devices. Alternatively or additionally, the battery-powered devices may be configured to periodically broadcast their clock reference data to other devices.

Abstract: A mobile interrogator can be used in a system for hybrid employment of fixed network and mobile network communications. The system includes communication nodes. At least some of the communication nodes operate in a fixed network mode using one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. At least some other of the communication nodes operate in a mobile mode in which they transmit meter data to a mobile device using one or more mobile communication protocols. The mobile device is configured to communicate with the mobile mode communication nodes using the one or more mobile communication protocols and to communicate with the fixed network mode communication nodes using the one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. As a result, the performance of both fixed and mobile networks can be improved. A hybrid system can be realized that provides a utility company with advantages of both fixed and mobile networks.