NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) is a wireless communication technology for low-power IoT devices. It ensures reliable transmission of small data packets, works in basements and hard-to-reach areas, and is ideal for smart meters and sensors.
LoRaWAN long range WAN two-way communication technology
Wireless M-Bus short range communication technology for drive-by/walk-by meter reading
Sigfox long range WAN two-way communication technology (product development option upon individual request)
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.0) for local communication with flow control valve and with smartphone app
Today, it is impossible to rely on stable and complete coverage from any single communication technology — neither NB-IoT nor LoRaWAN. Signal strength varies greatly from region to region, and sometimes even within a single residential block. This forces water utilities to plan in advance the number of meters suitable for each coverage zone. However, even this approach does not guarantee 100% results: in practice, the signal can “drop out” due to building features, dense development, or natural obstacles.
We offer a solution that eliminates the need to bet on just one technology.
The new ADD GRUP ultrasonic water meter is a device that automatically connects to the best available communication channel, supporting three technologies simultaneously:
NB-IoT
LoRaWAN
Wireless M-Bus
Thanks to MultiRAT technology, the meter itself selects the optimal channel — wherever the signal is stronger, more stable, and faster. Water utilities no longer need to guess and choose: one universal meter — for all regions.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.0) is supported by the meter by default and serves the following purposes:
allows connectivity to ADDRA shut-off valve to manage water supply;
serves as interface between the meter and smartphone/tablet/laptop to enable readings, configuration or firmware change inside the meter for utility personnel;
serves as interface between the meter and smartphone application for consumer that enables meter readings, alarms and management of the valve
serves as interface between the meter and smartphone application for consumer for STS based prepayment enabling introduction of tokens, reading of consumption, alarms and remaining credit.
WAN Communication scenarios: Group metering communication scenarios: In multi-story buildings where meters are installed in a cluster in a single room (e.g., in the basement), ADDRA offers a solution based on a master meter equipped with NB-IoT, LoRa, or Mioty modules. The other devices communicate with the master meter via BLE only, which significantly reduces both the cost of the meters and communication expenses. The master meter can be equipped with a replaceable PowerBank module to extend its service life. LAN interfaces: BLE, NFC The presence of a BLE interface in addition to NFC provides an undoubted advantage for local connection to the meter, especially when access to the meter is physically impossible or difficult due to infrastructure features. BLE provides the ability to connect to the meter using a smartphone app for both water utility personnel and individual consumers, and also allows an external valve to be connected to the meter.
