P
P2P
See peer-to-peer (P2P).
PaaS
See Platform as a Service (PaaS).
pacing
The combination of prioritization and rate limiting of packets to endpoints on a subnetwork.
packet
A unit of data that consists of a header, which contains data such as destination address, and a payload, which contains application data such as interval read results. See also ping.
packets in flight
The number of simultaneous packets being transferred between a sender and a receiver. A packet in flight is a packet that the sender has sent but the receiver has not yet acknowledged as received.
pad-mounted transformer mounting kit
A mounting kit for installing APs or Relays with a remotely mounted NAN antenna in a secure, fiberglass or plastic, pedestal-type enclosure.
Panasonic Toughbook and Toughpad
Field computers used for Itron Mobile and MC drive-by and walk-by reading. When equipped with optional GPS and barcode reader, they support the Field Deployment Manager (FDM) deployment functions and Itron Mobile.
parameters
System settings that determine the way that features function. By changing parameter settings, you can adjust and optimize the way that the functionality works to adhere to the business requirements of a utility company. For example, the logging parameters enable you to specify the location where and the length of time that log files are retained. The utility can change the logging parameter to comply with their internal data retention policy.
parent
A network device to which other devices are registered.
In a radio-frequency local area network (RFLAN) cell, a cell relay or meter through which a child meter communicates with the OpenWay Collection Engine. A meter that communicates with the Collection Engine through a cell relay is the cell relay’s child, and the cell relay is the meter’s parent. A meter that communicates through another meter in the cell is a child of the meter it communicates through, which is the child meter’s parent.
passphrase
A sequence of characters or text used to control access to data, programs, or computer systems. Passphrases can also be used to control access to cryptographic programs, and some systems use passphrases as encryption keys. Passphrases are similar to passwords in usage but generally longer for added security.
password
A string of characters (letters, numbers, and other symbols) used to authenticate an identity or to verify access authorization.
password-protection
Restricting access to files by requiring users to enter a password.
patch
A software fix developed to resolve a critical issue that would stop business operations in a production environment. A patch can be delivered separately from a scheduled release.
path
Refers to how cells, nodes, and endpoints are connected together. For example, the path from cell A to endpoint Z runs through node B. See also route.
path cost
a calculation that helps network administrators and systems determine optimal paths for communications across the mesh network. In general, high information success rates, like high hop-count numbers, translate into lower route costs.
path loss
Total amount of power lost in the propagation of the RF signal from the transmitter to the receiver.
payload
The part of a packet that is not the header. Payloads consist of application data such as interval read results. In the case of an on-demand read (ODR) ping, the user can set the payload size to increase or decrease the size of the packet. In RF networks, small packets can traverse the network more successfully than larger packets. When performing an On Demand ping, users can configure the payload up to 255 bytes.
PBU
See product business unit (PBU).
PCA
See Permit Certificate Authority (PCA).
PCBA
See printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).
PC Card
See Personal Computer (PC) card.
PCI
See peripheral component interconnect (PCI).
PCMCIA card
See Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card.
PCOMP
See pressure compensation multiplier (PCOMP).
PCOMP factor
See pressure compensation (PCOMP) factor.
PC-PRO+ Advanced
A software suite that enables users to directly communicate with devices via an optical connection. The intended use ranges from the management of user settings, creation of device programs, meter shop testing, and performing local meter operations.
PCT
See programmable communicating thermostat (PCT).
peak demand
A period (day, month, year) when electrical power is expected to be provided for a sustained period at a significantly higher than average supply level.
peaking capacity
Capacity of generating equipment normally reserved for operation during the hours of highest daily, weekly, or seasonal loads.
peaking plant
A power plant that normally operates only during peak load periods.
peak shaving
Reduction of load during peak periods or events. Participating utilities want to reduce peaks and fill valleys so that power plants and infrastructure are more efficiently used. Participating customers are typically commercial & industrial (C&I) customers that receive rebates for reducing load during peak periods or events.
time of use (TOU) rates are used to encourage individual customers to reduce load during peak usage periods for that geographical area. Also known as peak shaving, this decreases the need to run or build extra power plants simply to support these peaks.
peer domain
In the context of Tenant Management, a trusted external domain that contains existing user identities within the Itron Identity Service.
peering
An agreement among network providers to connect one another's internet traffic without having to pay for third-party services to transfer data packets.
peer-to-peer (P2P)
A type of computer network that consists of two or more computers that pool their individual resources such as disk drives, CD-ROMs, and printers. These shared resources are available to every computer in the network, while each two of them communicate in a session.
In contrast, a client-server network consists of multiple client computers connecting to a single, central server computer. The server is a host running one or more server programs that share their resources with the clients.
Performance Manager (PM)
A software application that enables customers to manage and operate an AMI system at scale. Examples of management features include the ability to report with integrated visualization, SLA tracking, fault detection and exception management.
peripheral component interconnect (PCI)
A local 64-bit bus standard developed by Intel® Corporation. Most personal computers (PCs) and some Macintosh computers include a PCI.
permit
In Itron cryptographic practice, an additional security check within the X.509 digital certificate hierarchy that is used to implement rate limitation on critical command. A permit must be signed by the private key of the certificate authority with privileges associated with the issued command.
Permit Certificate Authority (PCA)
The authority that signs Itron application permit certificates.
permit signer
The private key.
persona
In the context of Tenant Management, a user with a predefined set of roles within the Itron Identity Service. Personas are issued a certain set of security permissions, or grants, needed to achieve their goals as system users.
Personal Computer (PC) card
A plug-in module device used to add functionality (such as wireless network access and additional RAM) to laptop computers and, less commonly, desktop computers. There are three types of PC Cards: type I, II, and III.
PC Card types vary by physical thickness, data path, data rate, and voltage. Type I PC Cards are available as a 16-bit interface, while type II and type III PC Cards are available as a 16-bit or 32-bit interface. The PC Card was superseded by the ExpressCard in 2003. PC Card was previously known as Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card.
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)
An industry group organized in 1989 to promote standards for a credit card-size memory or I/O device that would fit into a personal computer, usually a notebook or laptop computer.
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card
An obsolete term for Personal Computer (PC) card.
personal identification number (PIN)
An alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric code or password used to authenticate an identity.
personality module, CENTRON Meter
The component of the CENTRON Meter that contains the meter display, register functionality, and communication capabilities. Each version of the meter is distinguished by the personality module that is mounted on the standard meter metrology base. Available personality modules include:
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Energy only
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Demand
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Time-of-use (TOU) with demand
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Load profile with TOU and demand
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Energy only with radio-frequency automated meter reading (AMR)
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Cellnet Fixed Network
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Energy plus demand with radio-frequency AMR
Personalization
See FSU Personalization.
PEV
See plug-in electric vehicle (PEV).
PF
See power factor (PF).
PHEV
See plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
PHMSA
See Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
PHMSA 49 CFR 192
A Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) standard for the transportation of natural and other gas by pipeline. The code was created by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
photocell
An outdoor lighting controller (OLC) device mounted to a streetlight luminaire that detects how much sunlight is available, and switches the light on or off in response. The Itron NIC used for communications across the mesh network can be installed in streetlight photocells. See also Smart Street Lighting.
photovoltaics (PV)
A semiconductor technology for generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity. PV power generation requires solar panels composed of solar cells containing photovoltaic materials.
Phy Frame
A data unit that is transported across the physical layer.
physical relays
Used to physically control and connect one or more assets through a Direct-to-Grid load control switch (LCS). Typical assets are HVACs, water heaters, and pool pumps. Each relay allows control signals to turn the asset behind the switch on or off.
An HVAC, for example, could include multiple components (such as a first stage compressor, second stage compressor, fan, and heat strip), each of which is connected to and controlled by a separate physical relay.
When sending a DRLC event, you might want to control only certain components. For example, the utility might want to turn off the compressors but keep the fan on. The switches accomplish this through virtual relays, each of which is associated with multiple physical relays.
Pick to Order (PTO)
A stocking strategy implemented in Oracle platforms which does not involve manufacturing. Can indicate either a configuration model or a kit. In both cases, PTO implies that multiple items are picked based on one line item on a sales order. The options for picked items are based on a selection from a variety of finished products from a relatively small number of sub-assemblies and components. Because there is no manufacturing involved, PTO models or PTO kits can be shipped as soon as they are ordered, depending on the availability of the required items. When the pick list is generated for these items, the individual items that were selected (in the case of a PTO model) or that were part of the standard PTO kit are printed in the pick list, which can then be picked and shipped.
A PTO kit consists of:
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Standard bill of material with mandatory included items
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Pick slip used to kit included items
A PTO configuration consists of:
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Pick-to-Order models with optional Assemble-to-Order items
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Pick-to-Order model containing Assemble-to-Order model
PIM-SM
See Protocol Independent Multicast – Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) protocol.
PIN
See personal identification number (PIN).
ping
A program that tests the reachability of devices on a network. The ping program sends a packet to the named device and returns data indicating how long, in milliseconds, the packet took to reach the device and return (also known as round trip time). See also reachable and traceroute.
PingFederate® (PingFed)
A product offering of Ping Identity®, PingFed is an enterprise federation server that enables user authentication and standards-based single sign-on (SSO) for employee, partner, and customer identity types.
Pipe Asset Management
A solution that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to take the guesswork out of identifying water utility distribution pipes that need to be replaced or repaired. The tool also identifies lead pipe locations so they can be prioritized for removal.
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
A U.S. Department of Transportation agency that creates and enforces regulations for the careful, consistent, and environmentally sound operation of the nation’s pipeline transportation system. The agency is also responsible for monitoring hazardous material shipments by air, land, and sea. The agency consists of the Office of Pipeline Safety and the Office of Hazardous Materials safety.
pipe-to-soil potential
The voltage potential generated between a metal pipe and a standard reference electrode in the surrounding soil. Most utilities use a copper-copper sulfate electrode as the standard reference cell to predict electrolytic corrosion.
pit set
A water meter that is installed underground in a pit or vault.
PKCS
See public key cryptography standards (PKCS).
PKCS #11
A standard set of APIs and shared libraries that isolate an application from the details of the cryptographic device. This enables the application to provide a unified interface for PKCS #11-compliant cryptographic devices.
PKI
See Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
A category of cloud computing services that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure typically associated with developing and launching an app.
PLC
PLG
See power light gradient (PLG).
plug-in electric vehicle (PEV)
Any vehicle that can be recharged from an external source of electricity, such as wall sockets, and the electricity stored in the rechargeable battery packs drives or contributes to drive the wheels. PEV is a subset of electric vehicles that includes all-electric, or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
An automobile which combines a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery. Unlike conventional hybrids, PHEVS can be plugged-in and recharged from an outlet, allowing them to drive extended distances using just electricity.
plug sensor
See smart plug.
PM
PMCR
See pole-mounted cell relay (PMCR).
PMFEA
See Process Failure Modes Effects and Analysis (PFMEA).
PMR
PN sequence
See pseudo-noise (PN) sequence.
PoE
See Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
A protocol used across physical networks (for example, cellular networks, fiber-optic networks, phone-line networks, and broadband Internet networks) that use different network layer protocols to establish direct connection and enable network operation on the same communication link. PPP can also provide connection authentication and message transmission encryption and compression.
OpenWay uses PPP in the interface between the Connected Grid Mesh Communications Module (CG-Mesh) and the Application Module in the OpenWay CENTRON Meter.
pole
A column or post where to mount conductors and equipment in a power system. Also known as a utility pole.
pole mount router (PMR)
A device that communicates between the internet and the devices that are connected to the internet. See also OpenWay Riva Pole Mount Router.
pole-mounted cell relay (PMCR)
An Itron OpenWay cell relay that is mounted on a utility or light pole. The cell relay contains the cell relay and cell master components within one housing. The PMCR is designed to achieve better radio-frequency local area network (RFLAN) performance by mounting the device at higher elevations on utility poles or other assets. The PMCR has four antennas that support wide area network (WAN), RFLAN, and Zigbee (2) communications. There are two external connectors that are used for power and Ethernet. The external connectors are weather-proof when used with Itron-specified cables.
pole number
The numerical identifier of the utility pole associated with a meter.
Pole Sensor
A device that, when mounted to utility poles, allows customers to monitor pole characteristics such as tilt, orientation, and shock/impact from hazardous weather and other events.
policy
The rules regarding what types of commands are rate-limited, including what privileges certificates possess. See also rate limitation.
POLR
See provider of last resort (POLR).
polyphase
Consisting of more than one phase.
polyphase meter
Electricity watt-hour meters that are used to measure energy flow in polyphase currents. Polyphase meters are typically used for commercial and industrial (C&I) service locations, which have higher demand for power than the conventional home. Also called commercial and industrial (C&I) meter.
PON
See positive outage notification (PON).
See power outage notification (PON).
port
In networking, a port is used in conjunction with a computer address that specifies a process running on the destination computer.
Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX™)
A family of standards, specified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), to maintain compatibility among operating systems. POSIX defines a standard operating system interface and environment, including a command interpreter, or “shell”, and common utility programs to support applications portability at the source code level.
positive outage notification (PON)
A message sent by a device saying it has lost electric power. PON is a component of Itron’s Fixed Network technology that enables utilities to detect and locate outages within two minutes, often ahead of customer calls.
POSIX™
See Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX™).
potable water
Water that is of acceptable quality for drinking.
potential transformer (PT ratio)
Potential transformers, also known as voltage transformers (VT), are used to convert high voltages to safe levels before the high voltages or currents reach the transformers or meters. The PT ratio is the voltage ratio between the primary and secondary windings. The primary winding has a greater number of turns than the secondary winding. In North America, the PT ratio is typically chosen so that the nominal secondary voltage is 120 volts.
power
The energy transfer rate, typically measured in watts.
power factor (PF)
The ratio of real power (kW) actually used in an electrical circuit to apparent power (kVA), that is, the power being drawn from the power source.
power-line carrier (PLC)
A communication system that transmits data between devices over power lines. Also known as power-line communications.
power light gradient (PLG)
A factor used to address the fact that a 50% dimming level on a light does not necessarily correspond to a 50% lamp power output. In Communications Tester, this is expressed as an attribute for the lamp type and calculated as the ratio of change in light level divided by change in power level. The value is likely to vary for each light manufacturer/model. If the value is not known, it is assumed to be 1.
Power Monitor
An Itron application that provides real-time alerts for voltage sags and swells on monitored endpoints. To enable monitored endpoints, you create voltage profiles. A voltage profile establishes high and low thresholds for line voltage that, if violated, sends a trap to Advanced Metering Manager (AMM) application which is forwarded through Java Messaging Service (JMS) to external applications, including voltage optimization systems. This product has been improved and released as SensorIQ Application.
power outage notification (PON)
An alert that is sent over the network when a meter loses power. When a meter loses power, it is no longer able to forward messages from other meters. In the case of a widespread outage in a radio frequency (RF) Mesh system, meters that can be heard by the cell relay (at levels 2, 3 and sometimes 4) will report loss of power upstream. The meter sends three short PON messages, powered by the energy stored in the meter's capacitors.
power out message
See last gasp (LG).
Power Over Energy
An energy literacy initiative Itron participates in focused on educating, empowering, and motivating people to make smart decisions about how electricity is used.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
An IEEE 802.3af standard that allows Ethernet cables to supply the power for network devices while they are transmitting data.
power pool
Two or more interconnected utilities that coordinate operations and resources to meet the utilities' combined load in the most economical and efficient way.
PowerPortal
Part of the URL for the customer engagement port module of IntelliSOURCE Enterprise.
power quality
The metrics associated with powering and grounding electronic equipment in a manner that is appropriate for that equipment and compatible with the service location's wiring system and other connected components.
Many polyphase meters are capable of detecting and measuring power quality issues, such as sags, surges, and harmonics.
Power Quality Monitoring (PQM)
A technique to monitor sags and swells in real-time and take action before they result in power quality violations or equipment overload. This functionality is provided through Power Monitor or SensorIQ Application.
Power Restoration Notification (PRN)
A message sent when power is restored to the meter after an outage, which executes the reboot process that enables metrology, register, and communications functions.
Power Save Mode (PSM)
The Power Save Mode (PSM) in 802.11 deactivates the wireless network interface during periods of inactivity.
power supply block
An Encoder/Receiver/Transmitter (ERT) module component that provides electricity to the module’s electronic components.
power supply unit (PSU), computer
A computer component that converts alternating power (AC) electricity to low-voltage regulated direct current (DC) for the computer's electronic parts.
PPP
See Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).
PPV
See purchase price variance (PPV).
PQM
See Power Quality Monitoring (PQM).
PRN
See Power Restoration Notification (PRN).
preferred Access Point
See primary Access Point (AP).
Preferred Roaming List (PRL)
A database residing in a code division multiple access (CDMA) device that contains the information the device needs to obtain service outside of the device's home network. Information in the PRL includes but is not limited to, service provider identifiers and the radio frequency bands over which the device scans for alternative service providers. In Itron cell relays, the activation process updates the PRL after the cell relay is installed or relocated.
premise ID
A unique numeric service address identifier, including the apartment or suite.
premises/premise
A physical location, such as a building, complex, or street address where metering equipment is installed. A customer’s premises may have one or more service points. However, the term premises refers to a physical location, whereas service point refers to the service delivery location. In most billing systems, premises acts as a constant identifier for a physical location, unchanging over time.
The term premise is incorrectly used throughout Itron. The correct term is premises, which is always plural. Suggested alternative terms are, premises, location, or site.
prepaid metering
Utility metering business model that requires advance payment to the utility by the customer before the utility can be used. Requires a prepaid meter (sometimes called a prepayment meter) to be installed at the service location.
prepayment metering
Utility metering business model that requires advance payment to the utility by the customer before the utility can be used. Requires a prepaid meter (sometimes called a prepayment meter) to be installed at the service location.
pre-shared key (PSK)
A key that has previously been shared between two parties over a secure channel.
Pressibar+
A pressure reducer designed to protect an insulated appliance (water heater, boiler, refrigerator, water cooler, and so on).
pressure compensation multiplier (PCOMP)
A static multiplier value applied to the result of (pulse count * count rate) and is delivered in units of 1/10000 of an engineering unit. There are a few different uses of PCOMP in various endpoints. Sometimes PCOMP is a static pressure compensation value applied to families of meters and/or meter locations within a service territory. PCOMP is applied to compensate for a generalized pressure of the commodity within the distribution line. Sometimes PCOMP is an error correction multiplier used to compensate for a known difference between pulse count and actual consumed volume.
This should not be confused with Fixed Factor billing where pressure is recorded or defined for certain customers and is applied to the index consumption reading in the customer information system (CIS). The rate is factored into the multiplier that the end customer would see on an invoice.
pressure compensation (PCOMP) factor
A value programmed into an endpoint to compensate for the effect of atmospheric pressure on recorded consumption.
pressure regulator
A device that maintains a level of pressure in a fluid flow line, regardless of the rate of flow in the line or the change in upstream pressure.
previous demand
The maximum demand (peak demand) from the most recently completed interval. See also demand.
price cap
A level above which regulated prices may not rise.
pricecast
A message used to send price and other information to thermostats, which allows utilities to call special pricing events and have thermostats react in an automated fashion to help save customers money, and reduce peak usage for the utility. Customers are offered lower off peak rates in exchange for installing these connected thermostats. Pricecast runs at least once daily throughout the year, as prices can change even during peak/winter seasons due to block rate rate plans are affected, or VPP event, which affects only customers on VPP rate plans. VPP events indicate periods of the day that do not have off-peak pricing set, and they can be Low, Standard, High, or Critical.
price response
The reduction of electrical consumption at the customer level in response to wholesale electricity price signals.
price signals
As managed by Itron through the HAN Communications Manager (HCM) application, price signals indicate to customers, typically through HAN devices, changes in their utility's rates for electricity. This helps customers to know about or respond to rate changes, so they can limit expenses by reducing or shifting their use during high-cost periods.
price transparency
Market prices to generate and transmit service to the public. This allows customers to know how much they will pay for power supply and transportation in a deregulated market.
primary Access Point (AP)
The best performing, most reliable Access Point as determined by the endpoint device. Also known as the preferred Access Point. See also secondary Access Point (AP).
printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)
The process of joining the wirings on a printed circuit board with electronic parts.
private key
The unpublished key in a cryptographic system that uses two keys for encryption and decryption. When encryption keys must be negotiated, key agreement takes place by combining one public key with a private key from another key pair over a secure association. See also root key.
PRL
See Preferred Roaming List (PRL).
processed
Indicates whether the specific functionality has reached its completion.
Process Failure Modes Effects and Analysis (PFMEA)
A qualitative tool used with the intention of preventing failures. Also called Process Failure Modes Effects and Analysis (FMEA), it is an aid to initiatives for process improvement to identify and analyze potential failures in a process.
product business unit (PBU)
Itron's product business units include:
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Devices
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Networks
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Outcomes
Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT)
A team dedicated to Cisco® security intelligence operations. PSIRT manages the receipt, investigation, and public reporting of security vulnerability information related to Cisco products and networks.
program
A group of related projects and activities managed in a coordinated way to achieve a single set of system-level requirements. Programs may also include elements of related work outside the scope of the discrete projects in the program.
programmable communicating thermostat (PCT)
A thermostat that can be programmed by the user to respond to user time and temperature preferences and can communicate with the utility. It can also be programmed to respond to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components based on utility-determined grid-level system emergencies, demand response programs, and pricing events to modify demand during peak times.
program seal
A hash value of the meter program used to uniquely identify meter programs. Any change detected in the seal indicates a legitimate re-programming of the meter, tampering, or damage.
project
A standalone endeavor with a definite beginning and end undertaken to create a complete product, service, or requirement set. Projects within a Program are related through the common outcome or collective capability to fulfil a single set of system-level requirements. A project may or may not be part of a program but a program will always have projects. If the relationship between projects is only that of a shared client, seller, technology, or resource, the effort should be managed as a collection of projects rather than as a program.
projected demand
The estimated maximum demand (peak demand) that a meter will accumulate by the end of the current interval. See also demand.
promiscuous network ID
A network node that uses the promiscuous network ID can join any other network and accept packets from any other node. Similarly, any node can accept packets from a node using the promiscuous network ID.
propagation
The motion of waves through or along a medium.
protective filters
Filters that are robust and compact for easy and durable installation in harsh environments. The “V” shaped design helps District Heating Companies keep their installations safe from undesired particles.
protocol
An agreed upon format for transmitting data between two devices. Protocols have rules that govern the syntax, semantics, and synchronization of communication. Protocols may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both.
Protocol for Access, Configuration and Transfer (PACT)
A specification for transporting data between different electricity meter types and the host tariff (billing) system.
Protocol Independent Multicast – Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) protocol
A protocol for efficiently routing Internet Protocol (IP) packets to multicast groups that may span wide-area and inter-domain Internets. The protocol is called “protocol independent” because it is not dependent on any particular unicast routing protocol for topology discovery, and sparse-mode because it is suitable for groups where a very low percentage of the nodes (and their routers) will subscribe to the multicast session.
Protocol Specification for Electricity Meters (PSEM)
A protocol commonly used with North American meters as the interface between the meter and automatic meter reading (AMR) communications add-ons. PSEM is part of the C12.18 ANSI standard for electricity meters. Also known as Protocol Standards for Electricity Meters.
Protocol Specification for Electricity Meters X (PSEMX)
A variation of the PSEM protocol that allows for the logon, security, and read/write services to be encrypted and authenticated to removing the possibility of simple packet tampering and replay. This authentication allows the meter to verify that highly important messages such as service disconnect originate from the back office. See also Protocol Specification for Electricity Meters (PSEM).
provider of last resort (POLR)
A utility that is legally designated to provide service to a customer that other suppliers have declined to serve.
provision
See join.
provisioned [OW]
The state of a device that has been authenticated to communicate with the OpenWay Collection Engine over an OpenWay network.
provisioning
In Field Deployment Manager (FDM), the process of installing, configuring, or updating the mobile software application.
In OpenWay, the process of preparing meters for deployment into an OpenWay radio frequency (RF) Mesh network. Meters that have completed the provisioning process have embedded security keys, certificates, and an assigned service set identifier (SSID).
PSEM
See Protocol Specification for Electricity Meters (PSEM).
PSEMX
See Protocol Specification for Electricity Meters X (PSEMX).
pseudo-noise (PN) sequence
A preamble or introductory bit sequence transmitted to an endpoint in a wake-up tone, allowing the endpoint to predict when it should turn on its receiver.
PSIRT
See Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT).
PSK
See pre-shared key (PSK).
PSM
PSU
See power supply unit (PSU), computer.
PTO
See Pick to Order (PTO).
public (asymmetric) key encryption
A cryptographic system that uses a key pair—a public key and a mathematically related private key. The public key can be shared and is used to encrypt the data. The private key is known only to the recipient of the encrypted message and is used to decrypt it. This system enables users of unsecured networks to securely exchange data.
Also called asymmetric key encryption.
public key
A key that is bound into a digital certificate or other digitally signed object. It is often the public part of an asymmetric key pair that is typically used to verify signatures or encrypt data. The public key may be widely distributed. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. Public keys are bound into X.509 digital certificates in a predefined hierarchy. See also .
public key cryptography standards (PKCS)
Standards that are devised and published by RSA Laboratories and which relate to RSA asymmetric key algorithms, to promote and facilitate the use of public key techniques.
public key hash value
A value used in a public key algorithm to encrypt messages by turning a variable-sized amount of text into a fixed-sized output (hash value). Hash functions are used in creating digital signatures, hash tables, and short text condensations for analysis purposes.
One example of a public key hash value is the digital signature that is created through the SHA-256 algorithm (called a hash function) and used to verify the correct six public keys are installed in an OpenWay CENTRON Meter.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
A framework for creating a secure method for exchanging information based on public key cryptography. The foundation of PKI is the Certificate Authority (CA), which issues digital certificates that authenticate the identity of organizations and individuals over a public system. The certificates are also used to sign messages, which ensures that messages have not been tampered with.
Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
A state regulatory agency that establishes and oversees policy guidelines and provides direction to public utilities.
publishing
The method that HAN Communications Manager (HCM) uses to push new energy rates to an Energy Services Interface (ESI).
PUC
See Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Pulsadis
A ripple control system for street lights.
pulse
The raw units electricity meters record. Pulses are converted into watthours.
pulse multiplication factor
See Secure Copy (SCP).
pulser-type ERT module
An Encoder/Receiver/Transmitter (ERT) module that calculates consumption by counting a meter register’s pulses or switch closures. In contrast, an encoded register-type ERT module gets consumption data from a meter by reading messages sent by a meter index containing the data.
pulse weight
The number of cubic feet of gas per rotation of the gas meter wriggler, or per signal from the pulser.
purchase price variance (PPV)
The difference between the standard or budgeted price per unit of an item or service and the amount actually paid multiplied by the number of units bought.
PuTTY
A free and open-source terminal emulation software program and network file transfer application. Microsoft Windows users use PuTTY to securely connect to remote computers over the Internet, using Telnet and Secure Shell (SSH) network protocols. In Itron OpenWay solutions, PuTTY is used to open a command-line interface to communicate with cell relays. In Itron radio-based Fixed Network solutions, PuTTY is used to open a command-line interface to communicate with cell control units (CCUs).
PV
See photovoltaics (PV).
PV inverter
An electrical power converter that transforms the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into an alternating current (AC) that can be used in an off-grid system or fed into an electrical grid.
Python™
A high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language. Its design philosophy emphasizes code readability with the use of significant indentation.