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U-Snap – simple and cost effective solutions
U-Snap is one of those simple ideas that works for a multitude of applications. Designed in the US as part of a programmable communicating thermostats concept, U-Snap simplifies the deployment of smart grid solutions.
What is U-Snap?
U-Snap is an acronym for Utility Smart Network Access Port and was originally developed as a cheap and easy means of energy companies developing a programmable communicating thermostat as part of their energy efficiency programmes. However, U-Snap is now being extended to solutions that enable Home Area Network (HAN) to use ‘smart meters’ as a gateway into the home without adding additional hardware into the meter. The technology has been given an industry-standard protocol serial interface. This means that U-Snap and the smart-grid can be extended directly to energy-aware consumer products.
What applications does U-Snap have?
The U-Snap framework uses the AMI communications used in every smart meter to make a ‘hop’ into a U-Snap equipped product. In utilities, this means that companies can select the smart meter that best suits its metering requirements in the field without the need for expensive upgrades. It allows AMI programmes to be deployed quickly and is compatible with AMI and Smart Meter protocols. The system is currently being developed for home and business use, and utilises a Wi-Fi, Z-Wave or ZigBee protocol connection.
U-Snap Interoperability (Compatibility)
The U-Snap specification on which products are built, define interoperability between all products.
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