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The dynamic development of communication technologies has enabled the automation of metering processes in the energy, water and gas sectors. One of the most versatile solutions is remote meter reading (AMI - Advanced Metering Infrastructure) implemented via the GSM mobile phone network. This type of infrastructure allows reliable data transmission from multiple metering points.
The following library deals with the subject of remote reading of energy meters, based on the LTE cat.1/NB-IoT/LTE-M mobile network, which completely eliminates the need for manual reading of readings on site. Through the use of external antennas, professional splitters, it is possible to connect multiple energy meters in a single installation and transmit the metering data directly to the central operator or building management system. This solution provides greater reliability, efficiency and time savings, and facilitates the management of energy consumption in multi-family or multi-dwelling buildings.
Table of contents:
The GSM-based remote meter reading system consists of three main layers:
- Metering layer - includes energy, water or gas meters equipped with communication modules (e.g. GSM, GPRS, LTE-M). These modules enable direct data transmission or cooperation with a local hub.
- Aggregation layer (GSM splitters) - in areas with a high density of meters, intermediary devices, so-called GSM splitters or concentrators, are used. These collect data from multiple meters (e.g. via RS-485, M-Bus or Modbus) and further transmit them via a single GSM channel to the central system.
- Communication and central layer - data from the splitters are sent to the system operator's server via the GSM network. They are then stored in a database and made available to billing or energy management systems.
LTE cat.1, NB-IoT and LTE-M are three mobile communication technologies designed for Internet of Things devices, but with different capabilities, bandwidth and applications. LTE cat.1 is the solution offering the highest throughput of the three technologies, allowing data transmission at moderate speeds and supporting more advanced devices such as energy meters, controllers or monitoring systems that require a stable and relatively fast connection. NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) operates in a narrow bandwidth, consumes very little power and allows devices with low transmission requirements but running for many years on a single battery to communicate - ideal for sensors, utility meters and telemetry systems. LTE-M (LTE cat. M1) provides an intermediate solution, combining low power consumption with greater mobility and the ability to support more complex applications than NB-IoT, making it well suited to tracking systems, wearable devices or building automation components.
In order to reduce costs and improve signal quality, a system is used, in which several meters are connected to a single external antenna with high energy gain using GSM splitters. This solution allows stable communication in areas with poor coverage and minimises the number of service points. The antenna acts as a central transmission point, and the splitters transmit data to it by wire, e.g. via coaxial cables or shielded twisted pair.
The correct design and implementation of the communication infrastructure in remote meter reading systems is crucial to the reliability of data transmission. The basic physical components include antennas, GSM splitters, coaxial cables and antenna connectors. Each of these plays an important role in ensuring a stable connection to the mobile operator's network.
 | The antenna is the basic element of the radio path. Its task is to receive and emit electromagnetic waves in the operating band of the devices - most often 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz. In remote reading systems, the most frequently used are:
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Key antenna parameters include energy gain (dBi), operating band, polarisation (vertical in Poland) and weather resistance.
Directional antenna with high gain, usually installed on the roof - ATK-20 A7025
 Broadband antenna - most universal for one meter - Trans-Data LTE KYZ7.5/8/10 A741031 |  |
 Omni-directional antenna - for free-standing installation - Trans-Data 5G DZ7 A741009 |  Omnidirectional antenna - to be mounted directly on the device/box housing - Trans-Data 5G DZ5 A741011 | |
The GSM splitter acts as an intermediary device between the meters and the mobile network. GSM modules from the meters are connected to GSM splitters, which are connected to an external antenna. A typical splitter is characterised by:
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These units can be mounted in metering cabinets or in power distribution boards. With a larger number of units, they can be combined in a cascade or in parallel, sharing a single antenna and radio path.
Splitters
 GSM/DCS/3G/LTE TRANS-DATA two-way splitter 800-2500 MHz A6812 |  GSM/DCS/3G/LTE TRANS-DATA three-way splitter 800-2500 MHz A6813 | |
 GSM/DCS/3G/LTE TRANS-DATA four-way splitter 800-2500 MHz A6814 |  GSM/DCS/3G/LTE/5G TRANS-DATA eight-way splitter 670-3800 MHz A6818 | |
Taps
 TRANS-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 2.2/5 dB tap A6822 |  TRANS-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 1.3/8 dB tap A6824 |  TRANS-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 1/12 dB tap A6826 |
 | The coaxial cable is used to connect the antenna to the splitter or GSM modem. It consists of an inner conductor, a dielectric insulator, a shielding braid and an outer protective sheath. The choice of a cable depends on:
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It is recommended to use cables of as short a length as possible and with a high quality of shielding to avoid signal loss in the radio path.
![Coaxial Cable (50 ohm): Tri-Lan 240 PVC (white) Eca [100 m]](https://static.dipol.com.pl/images/en/pict/e1172_100+++.jpg)
![Coaxial Cable (50 ohm): Tri-Lan 240 PE Fca [100 m]](https://static.dipol.com.pl/images/en/pict/e1171_1+.jpg)
Coaxial cable 50 ohm Tri-Lan 240 PE Fca 1.4/3.8/6.1 E1171_100
![Coaxial Cable (50 ohm): Tri-Lan 400 WLL PE Fca [100 m]](https://static.dipol.com.pl/images/en/pict/e1173_1+.jpg)
50 ohm coaxial cable Tri-Lan 400 WLL PE Fca 2.7/7.2/10.3 E1173_100
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Connectors should be of good quality and corrosion-resistant. Loose or unscrewed connections that cause high signal attenuation and transmission errors are unacceptable.
 N-plug for Tri-Lan 240/H-155 cable (6 GHz) E84130 |  SMA connector crimped on H-155 gold-plated cableE84544 |  TNC connector up to 6 GHz for Tri-Lan 240/H-155 cable E84140 |  FME crimp socket up to 6 GHz for Tri-Lan 240/H-155 E84165 |
 | The GSM meter is a key diagnostic tool used during the installation and maintenance of the remote meter reading infrastructure. It makes it possible to precisely determine the mobile network signal quality parameters at the place of installation of the antenna or GSM splitter, allowing for optimal selection of system components and ensuring stable data transmission. The primary task of the GSM meter is to measure the strength and quality of the radio signal in the operating band of communication modules (GSM 900, 1800, LTE 800/1800). This device allows the installer to:
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Dedicated NB-IoT / CAT-M /LTE cat.1 / GSM signal meter N7057 for the installation, measurement and optimisation of IoT networks. The device connects to the operator's network via a SIM card and measures radio parameter levels at the selected location. The results are presented on an easy-to-read display and can be used to assess signal quality where IoT devices are to be installed.
IoT Network meter - NB-IoT, CAT-M, CAT-1, GSM N7057
The non-invasive ballast mast is a support structure designed for the installation of outdoor antennas on the roofs of buildings, where the sheathing or structure of the building cannot be interfered with. It is commonly used for remote meter reading systems based on GSM communication, where it is important to obtain a stable signal without permanent installation. Advantages of a non-invasive solution:
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 Non-intrusive ballast mast ZB-500/38+RAM2/415*265 with mast angle adjustment E8747 |  Non-invasive ballast mast ZB-1000/38+RAM2/415*265 E8746 |  Non-invasive ballast mast ZB-1500/38+RAM4/415*265 E8745 |
In order to facilitate the design process and standardise technical documentation, we provide a DWG component library for designers of remote meter reading systems and GSM infrastructure. The set of files contains complete 2D models of the most commonly used installation components, developed in a format compatible with AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and other CAD platforms.
| Splitters | ||
| Two-Way GSM/DCS/3G/LTE TRANS-DATA Splitter 800-2500 MHz A6812 |  |  |
Three-way GSM/DCS/3G/LTE TRANS-DATA | | |
| Four-way Trans-Data GSM/DCS/3G/LTE splitter 800-2500 MHz A6814 | | |
| Eight-way Trans-Data GSM/DCS/3G/LTE/5G splitter 670-3800 MHz A6818 | | |
| Taps | ||
| TRANS-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 2.2/5 dBA6822 tap | | |
| Trans-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 1.3/8 dB A6824 tap | | |
| Trans-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 1/12 dB A6826 tap | | |
| Accessories | ||
| TRANS-DATA GSM/DSC/UMTS/LTE 1,3/8 dB A6824 tap | | |
The diagram shows a complete circuit for connecting electricity meters to the LTE network, enabling remote reading of metering data. The external LTE antenna A741031 is responsible for receiving and transmitting the LTE signal and ensuring a stable connection to the mobile network. The signal from the antenna is fed to the A6812 splitter via a coaxial cable. This element acts as an intermediate device - it receives the signal from the antenna and then passes it on to two independent branches of the installation. From A6812, the signal is routed to two splitters A6814. Each of these serves a group of four electricity meters. The whole system forms a coherent communication system, with one LTE antenna providing the link Thanks to this configuration, all the meters can send data remotely and the metering data is reliably transmitted to the operator or energy management system.
The diagram shows an elaborate system for connecting electricity meters to the LTE network, enabling centralised and remote reading of metering data from multiple points. The A741031 external antenna is responsible for receiving and transmitting the LTE signal and ensuring a stable connection to the mobile network even with a large number of connected devices. The signal received by the antenna is transmitted via a coaxial cable to the first tapping unit A6826. From the A6826 taps, the signal is then directed to the two splitters A6818 and A6814, which are further distribution points in the installation. The A6818 and A6814 modules play a key role in the system - they distribute the received communication signal to multiple outputs leading directly to the electricity meters. Each A6818 module supports a set of several meters, enabling them to operate in parallel within a single transmission network. This allows all the meters to transmit energy consumption information to the operator's system. A second set of the same kind serves the subsequent floors of the building.
The diagram shows a communication system for two staircases in a multi-family building, enabling remote reading of metering data from electricity meters via the LTE network. Each staircase has its own external LTE directional antenna, typeA7401031, responsible for receiving and transmitting the LTE signal to the operator's network. With this solution, each cage functions as an independent communication segment, which increases the stability and reliability of data transmission. The signal received by the antenna is routed via a coaxial cable to the A6813 splitter located in the middle floor for the three floors of the installation. The A6813 splitter distributes it to the subsequent components of the system. From the splitter, the signal is routed to a series of A6814 modules, arranged vertically along the meter strings. Each A6814 module is responsible for distributing the signal to a set of meters and enables them to be connected in parallel within a single communication infrastructure. In each cage, a multi-stage arrangement of A6813 splitters is used, each of which supports a group of several electricity meters. These modules ensure that the signal is split between the individual meters, allowing each device to communicate independently and stably with the master system. The principle applied is that a maximum of 12 meters can be connected to a single antenna.
