Systems and method for transmitting data in an advanced metering infrastructure

A meter for use in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), said meter comprising:

• a first communication interface configured to communicate with an AMI network using a first physical communication medium;
• a second communication interface configured to communicate with the AMI network using a second physical communication medium;
• and
• a processor coupled to said first communication interface and said second communication interface, wherein said processor is programmed to:
• select one of said first communication interface and said second communication interface based at least in part on an operational state of the first physical communication medium and an operational state of the second physical communication medium;
• and
• communicate with the AMI network using the selected communication interface.

A method for transmitting data in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), said method comprising;

• providing a meter configured to communicate with an AMI network by transmitting data via a first physical communication medium and via a second physical communication medium;
• selecting one of the first physical communication medium and the second physical communication medium based at least in part on an operational state of the first physical communication medium and an operational state of the second physical communication medium;
• and
• transmitting data from the meter to the AMI network via the selected communication medium.