MP119 CH Alert Storm Consolidation

Device Alert Storms are already generating large numbers of alerts which are impacting network, DSP and Service User capacity, and with the Smart Meter Roll-out, the number of Alert Storms is set to increase.

CSP North (Arqiva) have presented this issue and have proposed changes to HAN Devices and Communications Hubs at the appropriate industry forums, with changes to both HAN Devices and Communications Hubs required for complete coverage. The proposed changes would “localise” the impact of Alerts to the HAN and Communications Hubs. Changes to the behaviour of HAN Devices are anticipated to require additional investigation and would take an extended period to be implemented. Changes to Communications Hubs is thought to be a quicker first path, providing protection whilst device manufacturers implement a mechanism and would continue to provide protection against negative device scenarios.

This proposal would look to solve the problem for the DSP, Smart Metering Technical Specification (SMETS)2 Communication Service Providers (CSPs), and SMETS2 Communications Hubs.

This modification proposes the implementation of a mechanism within the SMETS2 CHs that will detect repeated identical Alerts and by using consolidation, avoid the consequential unnecessary consumption of network resource and thus promoting efficient use of the Smart Metering network.

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