Networked device configured to detect signal blockage and tampering

Abstract

Techniques for detecting blockage of a utility meter or other networked device are described. The blockage may be natural, e.g., snow, ice, and/or biomass. The blockage (e.g., aluminum foil) may be an intentional attempt to tamper with the device. In both cases, the blockage material may interfere with radio frequency (RF) communications of the networked device with other devices on a network. For example, snow, ice, biomass, and/or aluminum foil may prevent a networked utility device (e.g., a metering device) from reporting consumption data to a data-collecting device. Blockage may be detected based at least in part on the use of optical sensors and/or RF sensors. In one example, an out-going optical signal (e.g., infrared light) may be reflected off blockage material and the reflection may be received and processed. In a further example, an in-coming RF signal may be attenuated and/or frequency-shifted thereby revealing aspects about the blockage material.