scope:

This document is identified by three numbers, MC1218, ANSI C12.18-2006, and IEEE Std 1701-2011. The standard details the criteria required for communications with a Utility End Device by another device via an optical port. The other device could be a hand held reader, a laptop or portable computer, a master station system, or some other electronic communications device. It shall provide the optical port lower layers communication protocol for the Utility metering Industry including specifically Water, Gas, and Electric.

The standard provides details for a complete implementation of an OSI 7-layer model in accordance with ISO/IEC 7498-1.

The protocol specified in this document was designed to transport data in Table format. The Table definitions are in ANSI C12.19 (MC1219, IEEE Std 1377) Utility Industry End Device Data Tables.

Purpose

The Utility Industry has need for a standard that provides an operable "plug and play" environment for field metering devices. The purpose of this standard is to define the means to transport the Utility Industry End Device Data Tables via an optical port such that multi-source environment and End Device interchangeability is possible.