The Tantalus Utility Network – TUNet® – connects the entire distribution system so a utility can gather better information and achieve a new level of operational, business and customer service control and efficiency.

TUNet combines a Wide Area Network (WAN) with a Local Area Network (LAN) to create a hybrid system that is fast, secure, affordable and flexibly deployed in high-density urban environments, high capacity industrial centers and challenging rural regions.

Utilities can choose from multiple WAN options including 220 & 900 MHz RF, Fiber (FTTH or FTTP), GPRS/cellular or WiFi. WAN options can be used individually or in any combination, which makes it easy for utilities to migrate to next-generation technologies if the need for more data capacity, bandwidth and throughput arises.

The TUNet LAN is a self-initiating, self-healing network, which means that each TUNet-enabled endpoint (meter, load control device and in-home display) automatically connects to the network. There is no need for manual in-field programming or configuration. If a communications path is blocked, TUNet automatically finds another route.

TUNet establishes a single connection between LAN endpoints. This hierarchical architecture uses bandwidth more efficiently than systems that radiate data to multiple devices and then reconciles duplicate messages at the server. There is less congestion on the network and less strain on the server, a capability that will become increasingly beneficial as more and more "smart" devices are brought on line. Messages are also prioritized so that critical alerts (such as outages) are delivered instantly and don't get bogged down in traffic, no matter how busy the network gets.

Not all AMI networks are created equal. Scalable, flexible and adaptable, TUNet is built to support the expanded set of communication and application requirements utilities will need to address in the years to come.