Using Lansen repeaters with Smart Meter Gateways

In this article Martin Falkman, Sales Manager DACH speaks about how Lansen's repeaters can expand the functionality of Smart Meter Gateways, improving network coverage and reliability.  Deutsche Version unten.

As energy systems become more digitalized, ensuring accurate and secure energy data transmission is more important than ever. Smart Meter Gateways play a key role in modern energy management by connecting household meters to energy providers, enabling efficient data tracking and billing. In Germany, the rollout of these gateways is driven by EU regulations, aiming to enhance transparency and optimize energy consumption.

In an Interview from E-world 2025, Martin Falkman, Sales Manager DACH, explained how Lansen's repeaters can be used together with Smart Meter Gateways: 

English version

Is the use of repeaters together with Wireless M-Bus Smart Meter Gateways permitted?

"Yes! The use of repeaters is permitted. The DVGW committee concluded this based on that the requirements of PTB-A 50.8 are met by the gas meter in combination with a repeater. In the case of repeaters that forward the telegram almost instantaneously, it is assumed to be compliant with TAF1 and TAF6. This view is shared by the PTB as well as the DVGW committee and is to be included as a supplement in the next version of DVGW AB 694."

Is there really no delay when using repeaters?

"The latency of a Lansen repeater is about 70ms, which is far less than the regulatory requirement which is in the range of seconds."

What are the advantages of using repeaters with Smart Meter Gateways?

"The advantages are several, but most importantly is that the geographical spread of the network can be extended. Repeaters can also be used to connect devices located in hard-to-reach locations, like underground wells or remote installations."

Deutsche Version

Ist der Einsatz von Repeatern zusammen mit Wireless M-Bus Smart Meter Gateways zulässig?

"Ja! Der Einsatz von Repeatern ist zulässig. Das DVGW-Gremium geht davon aus, dass die Anforderungen der PTB-A 50.8 durch den Gaszähler in Verbindung mit einem Repeater erfüllt werden. Bei Repeatern, die das Telegramm nahezu verzögerungsfrei weiterleiten, wird davon ausgegangen, dass sie TAF1- und TAF6-konform sind. Diese Auffassung wird sowohl von der PTB als auch vom DVGW-Ausschuss geteilt und soll als Ergänzung in die nächste Fassung des DVGW AB 694 aufgenommen werden."

Gibt es beim Einsatz von Repeatern wirklich keine Verzögerung?

"Die Latenzzeit eines Lansen-Repeaters beträgt ca. 70ms und liegt damit weit unter der regulatorischen Anforderung, die im Sekundenbereich liegt."

Welche Vorteile bietet der Einsatz von Repeatern mit Smart Meter Gateways?

"Es gibt mehrere Vorteile, aber der wichtigste ist, dass die geografische Ausdehnung des Netzes vergrößert werden kann. Repeater können auch verwendet werden, um Geräte an schwer zugänglichen Orten anzuschließen, wie z. B. unterirdische Brunnen oder abgelegene Anlagen."

What is a Smart Meter Gateway?

A Smart Meter Gateway is a communication device that connects household electricity meters (and soon gas meters) to energy providers. As part of an EU directive, most homes in member states must use smart meters, and Germany has adopted this technology to ensure accurate energy tracking. These gateways securely send energy data for billing and help manage the smart grid efficiently. The first certified model was approved in 2018, and a full rollout will begin once three versions pass certification. Initially, homes using over 10,000 kWh per year must install them, followed later by those consuming over 6,000 kWh.

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