12.1 Extending the M2M Access Network using Satellites
12.1.1 Description
This Use Case demonstrates a scenario that extends the M2M access network using satellite communications. It serves to emphasize that satellite communication is a key component of the network domain to be incorporated in future requirements work at OneM2M on Smart Metering and other M2M use cases.
In locations that are difficult to reach with fixed-line or cellular communications, a machine-to-machine (M2M) satellite solution extends terrestrial coverage and provides access to devices that require remote monitoring and control. Satellite-based communication networks provide communications that integrate seamlessly with any remote IP based application. Satellite networks offer IP connectivity, ubiquitous real time coverage, robust security, high availability compared to cellular networks. Satellite M2M solutions are also much more cost-effective than some years due to advances in satellite technology.
Traditional satellite communications has had a stigma of being expensive and requiring large, power-hungry terminals too complex to integrate with applications. Modern satellite networking, however, provides competitive price solutions, ubiquitous coverage, and a high level of availability which compliment terrestrial networks. For this reason, it is important to consider satellite services for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications, low data rate (LDR) solutions, and other remote, unmanned machine-to-machine (M2M) services.
12.1.2 Source
oneM2M-REQ-2012-0061R02 Use Case Smart Metering with Satellite Communications
12.1.3 Actors
- Service Providers for M2M
12.1.4 Pre-conditions
The following additional functionalities or sub scenarios are explained in a high level format, to relate to electricity, gas, heating, and water.
- Distribution Automation
Deploying satellite M2M services along power distribution lines, as a supporting link, allows electrical utility providers to connect to their data centres and extend their network reach to the boundaries of their entire service territory, improving decision-making and operational efficiencies. A single, two-way IP data connection provides automated monitoring and control of re-closers, switches, or other distribution devices - anywhere - enabling utility providers to maintain continuous surveillance and control of their distribution network for voltage fluctuations, outages and service demands. - Substation Connectivity
M2M Satellite communications provide services for electricity substations in locations that may be difficult to reach with fixed-line or cellular communications.
M2M Satellite communications contains the flexibility to cope with both low-volume high-frequency traffic and bursts of high-volume, low-frequency traffic. If a primary link breaks down, satellite communications can automatically provide backup communications at any substation. - Disaster Recovery
Business continuity is vital for utilities that provide essential services such as electricity, water and gas to millions of people as they need to be able to recover immediately from natural or manmade disasters. When a catastrophic event causes terrestrial networks to fail, utilities companies can rapidly deploy satellite terminals to provide an alternative communications path, enabling them to maintain communications, diagnose issues quickly, and run critical applications.
12.1.5 Triggers
The need to access M2M user devices (UDs) that may not be reachable with terrestrial and wireless networks.
12.1.6 Normal Flow
An example of a M2M communication using satellite service is Smart Metering (valves, electricity meter, gas meter, water meter, and heat meter). Smart Metering devices over a small area connect to aggregation points or Smart Meter Concentrators via a local, meshed wireless network. These aggregation points, or concentrators, collect usage data and distribute control data to and from consumers in a limited geographical area, transmitting it back to the utility's data centre (Figure 12.1.9-1 ).
The satellite connectivity backhauls Smart Meter data from a satellite antenna mounted on an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) concentrator to the utility's data centre. Each AMI concentrator links to multiple smart meters via a local wireless network.
In this configuration example, satellite communications co-locate with the primary gateway communication to aggregate meter data at the gateway, extending the network reach across a utility's entire service.
12.1.7 Alternative Flow
None
12.1.8 Post-conditions
None
12.1.9 High Level Illustration
Figure 12.1.9-1 Extended Smart Metering Configuration (source: ETSI)
12.1.10 Potential Requirements
- Satellite access shall be considered in all M2M network domain architectures.