Working with Devices in Network Mode

An Itron multi-mode capable device that is operating in Network mode always operates at a secure level. When secure, the device requires an open session for all Tools action commands. An open session delivers a signed authorization that temporarily unlocks the device for a configured amount of time (or until the FSR performs a Close Session command). The signed authorizations are issued by Itron Security Manager (ISM) and retrieved by your FDM security officer. You obtain the signed authorizations from the FDM server by initiating the Get Commands function. For more information, see Retrieving Secure Commands from the FDM Server.

Note: For the listed devices, there is a limit of two signed authorizations (including those executed for the Open Session command) per endpoint or meter before you must resync your mobile device with the FDM server:

  • All Intelis Gas Meters
  • OpenWay Riva 500G and 500W ERT Modules
  • Cellular 500G and 500W Modules
  • Gen5 500G and 500W ERT Modules
  • OpenWay Riva Gas Disconnect

An FDM feature allows it to query the OpenWay Riva 500G, Itron Cellular 500G and 500W Modules, OpenWay Riva 500W ERT Module, and OWR-GRD for their communication signal to detect whether it is operating in Mobile mode or in Network mode. If pending keys are available on the mobile device, then during the query a takeover package and certificate bundle may be delivered as well. It can take FDM up to 65 seconds to complete the detection the device's operating mode.

An FDM server client user with necessary permissions can disable the operating mode query for the OpenWay Riva 500G, Itron Cellular 500G and 500W Modules, OpenWay Riva 500W ERT Module, and OpenWay Riva Gas Disconnect. With the query disabled, the workflow skips the operating mode query and goes directly to the Categories menu; FDM delivers any pending takeover package and certificate bundle and establishes the open session later within the workflow.

For Intelis Gas Meters, Itron Cellular 500G and 500W Modules, Gen5 500G ERT Module, and Gen5 500W ERT Module, rather than disabling the query with a server setting, these devices' workflows provide the option to change the current endpoint mode from Auto Detect (the operating mode query) to Network. With the endpoint mode set to Network, FDM opens the device's Categories menu and does not query the device for its operating mode; FDM delivers any pending takeover package and certificate bundle and establishes the open session later within the workflow.