With IntelliNet networks, information going to or coming from an IntelliNet device from a remote location is hopped from one Intellinet device to another. Once a geographic area is effectively ‘seeded' with the minimum number of units to cover the geographic area (again 3-20 miles per IntelliNet device), the network is in place. The network develops additional capacity simply by adding more units to the network. A single frequency can provide capacity for tens of thousands of Intellinet network devices and multiple frequencies are available in every metropolitan area.

Each smart network device acts as both a transmitter and receiver for communicating information to other network devices that make up its network. Monitoring or control information to and from each device is sent through the IntelliNet network to a central station. The signal is transmitted directly to the central station if the subscriber is within wireless reception range, or is relayed through one or more of these IntelliNet network devices to get to the central station.

As each network device is placed in a geographic network of these devices, the network device automatically self-configures itself to become part of the network to send, receive and relay messages through the network. As more IntelliNet network devices are placed in a given geographic area, the network coverage across a geographic area is expanded with no practical limits.

An AES-IntelliNet wireless mesh network, is composed of two basic elements:

Central Monitoring Station (CMS)
The CMS is the central hub of an AES-IntelliNet data communications network.  It is the primary computer platform to which data from the SSTs is received and from which outgoing data is sent. It converts the data from the wireless format to the digital format, which then interfaces with the monitoring software and peripherals. The CMS is housed at a central location, and provides the following:

• Receives all data messages from the radio network.
• Acknowledges all data messages from the radio network.
• Annunciates inbound data, systems faults & warning conditions.
• Outputs system activity to a printer.
• Manages the Network Controller and Network Management Software.

Smart Subscriber Transceiver (SST)
The SST is the remote AES-INtelliNet device that enables the remote monitoring and control of a remote device (alarm, meter, etc.).  Geographically dispersed at remote locations, the Smart Subscriber Transceiver is connected to the monitored device. If the SST is in geographic radio range (typically 3-5 miles but often quite a bit greater), then it communicates directly with the CMS. If not, the SST relays its message to another SST closer to the CMS. This 2nd Subscriber Unit acts as a store-and-forward message repeater for other SSTs that are beyond direct radio reach of the central station. Each SST dynamically evaluates and stores information on all possible ?routes? through which it can send messages to the CMS.

These two primary elements utilize common 2-5 Watt radio components that allow them to send and receive wireless data on a single UHF or VHF radio frequency. The frequency is private and known only to the operator.