A meter enabled for wireless communication and a wireless communication
network are disclosed. A meter enabled for wireless communication
comprises a metering device, a wireless communication system and an
interface between the two. Meter data can be read, and the meter can be
controlled via communication with a wireless network using, e.g., the
Bluetooth.TM. protocol. A self-configuring wireless network is also
disclosed. The wireless network includes a number of vnodes, and one or
more VGATES. The vnodes are devices that are enabled for wireless
communication using, e.g., the Bluetooth.TM. protocol. Vnodes are
operative to form ad hoc piconet connections. The one or more VGATES
comprise computer network gateways that are enabled for wireless
communication using, e.g., the Bluetooth.TM. protocol. Thus, the VGATES
enable the wireless array of vnodes to communicate with a private or
public computer network to transmit data or receive commands. The network
may also communicate with a VNOC system. VNOC is a universal
communications adapter that enables the wireless array of vnodes to
communicate (either directly or through a VGATE) with a central control
facility via various wireless or wired communication media.