How does wireless communication work?
A central unit, communicating wirelessly with a range of devices, meters and controls the modern home or workplace.
Wireless communication only uses a small amount of power
Only a small bandwidth is required to provide measurement data or messages about switching appliances on and off. This means that it’s possible to use considerably less power to communicate. In fact power consumption is so low that you can use batteries for sensors and meters. This allows considerable freedom to position the equipment where it is needed, irrespective of whether there is a power point in the vicinity or not.
Wireless communication – master and slaves
Wireless communication is based on:
- a local master (one unit), which controls the communication
- a number of slaves, which supply measurement data or provide orders such as switch on and switch off
Master
The master is a mini PC that controls the dialogue with the slaves. It can also communicate with a server via the Internet. The master acts as a sort of ‘liaison officer’ that gives orders locally while also reporting to, and receiving messages from, the server. This ensures that the unit can take remote readings, and operates both as a monitor and as a remote controller.
Slaves
Slaves are meters, on/off switches, or other types of hardware that control something (e.g. a thermostatic valve). Slaves carry out an order to adjust a setting, or send messages back with information on a measurement value or similar.
Common standard
The common and open standard ensures that any master can communicate with the slaves supplied by different companies. It is also a requirement that the master can communicate information via a fixed format, thereby ensuring that remote reading, remote control and analysis can take place.
Page last updated 06.10.2008