Sensus Announces New Technology

June 12, 2013
The FlexNet system now includes Internet Protocol Version 6 and AES-256 bit encryption

Sensus has enhanced its FlexNet system with Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) and AES-256 bit encryption to provide a sustainable communication network for water and gas utilities.

The IPv6 communications standard ensures interoperability of all applications that communicate via the Sensus FlexNet system and helps safeguard the need for network overhauls in years to come.

“By providing the first IPv6 and encryption solution for all utility types, we are once again illustrating our dedication to sustainable technology solutions for our customers,” said Greg Myers, vice president of marketing at Sensus.

Water and gas utility endpoints, which are battery powered, have presented challenges for utilities in the past due to the absence of an inherent power supply. Today, with two-way communication capabilities, IPv6 and encryption, water and gas utilities can benefit from real-time information that is secure.

“We combined our experience with battery power management and an understanding of the harsh conditions where water and gas endpoints often reside with our existing IPv6 and encryption solutions to provide this groundbreaking technology,” said Myers.

The AES-256 bit encryption will help water utilities as they roll out applications beyond those that capture data on water consumption by securing management and control of meter reprogramming, valves and other distribution assets. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a specification for the encryption of electronic data established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001.

Source: Sensus