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Nextalink gateway for EnergyGrip

Make local energy data available for monitoring, billing and optimisation

EnergyGrip brings energy data from meters, installations and external systems together in one independent energy management platform.

Is the required data not yet digitally available through an existing integration, ODA data or an API? Nextalink can then be used to read meters, sensors and installations locally.

The gateway collects the metering data and securely sends it to EnergyGrip. The data then becomes available for monitoring, analysis, reporting, billing, integrations and, where technically possible, control.

Nextalink is therefore not a standalone energy management system, but an important enabler within the complete EnergyGrip solution.

Discuss your metering setup

gateway nextalink aurum europe

EnergyGrip is the solution. Nextalink makes the data available.

Professional energy management requires reliable data. This data can be made available in several ways.

Metering data may already be digitally available through:
  • ODA data access
  • An existing API
  • A building management system
  • An energy management system
  • An inverter or EV charging platform
  • An existing data platform
  • Another digital integration

In this case, EnergyGrip can be connected directly to the existing data source wherever possible.

Is there no suitable digital connection available? Nextalink can collect the data locally from the meter, sensor or installation and send it to EnergyGrip.

This allows the most suitable data collection method to be selected for each location.

Without a gateway where possible. With Nextalink where necessary.

Independent and reliable

The Nextalink gateway makes reliable energy data from meters and installations available without being tied to specific energy suppliers, meter brands or closed systems.

This gives you consistent and up-to-date data as a foundation for monitoring, analysis, billing and smart energy management in EnergyGrip.

  • Fully independent of energy suppliers
  • Up-to-date and reliable energy data
  • Seamless integration with EnergyGrip and existing systems
  • Supports M-Bus, Modbus and (D)SMR
  • Secure encrypted data transfer
  • Local buffering during a temporary network interruption
  • Remote firmware updates and management
  • Suitable for both single locations and large-scale rollouts
Certifications and standards
  • CE certified
  • RoHS compliant
  • EMC: EN 301 489-1 V2.2.3, EN 301 489-17 V3.2.4 and Draft EN 301 489-52 V1.1.0
  • EMC-RF and cybersecurity: RED 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 a, b and c, ETSI EN 303 645 and IEC 62443-4-2
  • Product safety: EN IEC 62368-1:2014
  • Aurum is ISO 27001 certified for information security
  • Aurum is ISO 9001 certified for quality management

This combination of technical security, certifications and centralised management makes Nextalink suitable for professional energy environments in which reliability, continuity and data security are essential.

Why local data collection is sometimes required

Many buildings, installations and heat networks already have meters that function correctly but whose data is not yet remotely available.

Replacing these meters is often unnecessary, expensive or technically disruptive.

Nextalink makes it possible to retain existing metering equipment while still creating a reliable digital data chain.

The gateway can be used, for example, when:
  • An existing meter needs to be read locally
  • Multiple submeters are installed behind one main connection
  • An installation has no suitable cloud integration
  • Data needs to be collected independently of the energy supplier
  • Different meter brands are used within one project
  • A stable connection to EnergyGrip is required
  • Data is required for monitoring, reporting or billing
  • An organisation wants to retain control over the complete metering chain

Nextalink bridges the gap between the physical meter and digital energy management in EnergyGrip.

What does the Nextalink gateway do?

Nextalink collects metering data from connected meters, sensors and installations.

Reads local data sources

Nextalink communicates with meters and installations through supported interfaces and protocols.

Structures the metering data

The received values are processed and prepared for secure transmission to EnergyGrip.

Sends data to EnergyGrip

The gateway uses an available mobile or Wi-Fi connection to send the data to the central platform.

Stores data when the connection is lost

When the network connection is temporarily unavailable, metering data is stored locally. Once the connection has been restored, the data is sent automatically.

Can be managed remotely

Configurations and firmware updates can be performed remotely. This allows even large numbers of gateways to be managed efficiently.

Supports an independent metering chain

Data collection is not tied to one energy supplier, meter manufacturer or closed ecosystem.

From meter to actionable information

Nextalink forms part of the complete EnergyGrip energy data chain.

1. The meter or installation records a value

A meter, sensor or installation measures, for example, electricity consumption, heat, water, gas, temperature or pressure.

2. Nextalink reads the data locally

The gateway retrieves the relevant values through the available interface or configured protocol.

3. The data is sent securely

Nextalink sends the data to EnergyGrip through an available connection.

4. EnergyGrip processes and monitors the data

EnergyGrip brings data from different sources together, monitors data flows and makes the information usable.

5. The organisation uses the data

The data can be used for:
  • Monitoring and analysis
  • Alerts and anomaly detection
  • Reporting
  • Billing support
  • Maintenance and service
  • API integrations
  • Comparisons and benchmarks
  • Insights for residents and customers
  • Control of compatible installations

Nextalink provides the local data collection. EnergyGrip makes the data usable for professional energy processes.

One gateway for different energy flows

Nextalink can be used to read different types of meters and installations.

Depending on the available equipment and interfaces, this may include data from:
  • Electricity meters
  • Gas meters
  • Water meters
  • Heat meters
  • Main meters
  • Submeters
  • Heat interface units
  • Solar panels and inverters
  • EV charging points
  • Sensors
  • Technical installations
  • Communal energy systems

The exact possibilities depend on the meter type, communication interface, protocol and required metering data.

We therefore assess in advance which equipment is already present and how it can best be connected to EnergyGrip.

Supported metering protocols and connections

Nextalink supports several widely used communication protocols for local data collection.

The most suitable connection depends on the location, network coverage, technical environment and management requirements.

M-Bus

M-Bus is widely used to read heat, water, gas and other consumption meters.

Modbus

Modbus can be used to read a wide range of meters, sensors and technical installations.

DSMR and P1

Where appropriate, the gateway can be used to read data from smart meters and other DSMR applications.

Depending on the model and situation, several communication options are available for connecting to EnergyGrip:

  • NB-IoT
  • LTE-M
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

Flexible connectivity for every situation

Not every location has the same network coverage, infrastructure or technical conditions. Nextalink therefore supports several connection technologies for communicating with EnergyGrip.

NB-IoT

NB-IoT was developed for IoT applications requiring low power consumption and wide coverage. It is particularly suitable for locations where meters are installed deep inside a building or technical room.

LTE-M

LTE-M provides mobile connectivity for IoT applications that require more bandwidth or flexibility than NB-IoT.

2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

When a suitable and managed Wi-Fi network is available, Nextalink can connect through 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

The available connectivity options are:

  • NB-IoT
  • LTE-M
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

The most suitable connection depends on coverage, the technical environment, security requirements and management preferences at the location.

This flexibility allows Nextalink to be used in buildings, technical rooms, heat networks, holiday parks, retail locations and large real estate portfolios.

Secure communication from the location to EnergyGrip

Nextalink sends metering data to EnergyGrip using AES GCM128 encryption.

AES GCM combines encryption with integrity protection. This not only prevents unauthorised parties from reading the communication, but also helps verify that the data has not been altered during transmission.

The security of the data chain includes:
  • AES GCM128 encryption for data transfer
  • Encrypted communication between the gateway and EnergyGrip
  • Controlled remote configuration and management
  • Firmware updates through a secure OTA process
  • Local buffering during temporary network outages
  • Central monitoring of the data flow within EnergyGrip
  • Role and permission management within the EnergyGrip platform
  • Organisational security based on Aurum’s ISO 27001-certified working practices

Technical security measures within the gateway are therefore combined with security at both platform and organisational level.

Energie gateway, Nextalink gateway

No metering data lost during a temporary network interruption

A temporary network outage should not immediately result in missing metering data.

Nextalink therefore includes a built-in memory buffer. When the mobile or Wi-Fi connection is temporarily unavailable, the gateway stores the metering data locally.

Once the connection to EnergyGrip has been restored, the stored data is sent automatically.

This provides:
  • Continuity throughout the metering chain
  • A lower risk of missing consumption data
  • A more reliable foundation for reporting and billing
  • Fewer manual corrections
  • Better suitability for locations with varying network coverage

EnergyGrip then centrally monitors whether the expected data is received correctly and on time.

Remote management and firmware updates

Nextalink is designed for both small-scale applications and deployments involving large numbers of gateways.

Firmware can be updated remotely through Over-the-Air updates. This means an engineer does not need to visit the location for every software update.

Centralised management makes it possible to:
  • Update firmware remotely
  • Manage technical settings in a controlled way
  • Maintain large numbers of gateways more efficiently
  • Roll out security updates more quickly
  • Extend the service life of the gateway
  • Introduce new functionality without automatically replacing the hardware

This reduces the management burden and makes Nextalink suitable for scalable implementations in real estate, heat networks, retail, holiday parks and other multi-location environments.

Use existing meters where possible

Nextalink is hardware-independent. This means EnergyGrip is not limited to one specific meter brand or manufacturer.

When an existing meter is technically suitable and has a supported interface, it may be retained.

This provides several advantages:
  • Lower replacement costs
  • Less work required on site
  • Shorter implementation time
  • Reduced material use
  • Retention of existing installations
  • Greater freedom for future expansion
  • No unnecessary dependence on one supplier

Hardware-independent does not mean that every meter can automatically be connected. The available interface, protocol, metering values and technical documentation determine what is possible.

Aurum therefore assesses in advance whether the existing meter or installation is suitable.

Nextalink technical specifications

Local metering protocols

  • M-Bus
  • Modbus
  • (D)SMR

Data connections

  • NB-IoT
  • LTE-M
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

Data security

  • AES GCM128 encryption
  • Encrypted communication with EnergyGrip
  • Remote management and firmware updates

Continuity

  • Built-in memory buffer
  • Temporary local storage during a network interruption
  • Automatic transmission after the connection has been restored

Management

  • Over-the-Air firmware updates
  • Centralised configuration
  • Suitable for large-scale device management

Applications

Depending on the available interfaces and configuration, Nextalink can collect data from:
  • Electricity meters
  • Gas meters
  • Water meters
  • Heat meters
  • Main meters and submeters
  • Heat interface units
  • Sensors
  • Technical installations
  • Solar panels and inverters
  • EV charging points

The exact possibilities depend on the type of device, communication protocol, available interface and technical documentation.

Suitable for one location and large-scale rollouts

Nextalink can be used for a single meter, a building with multiple submeters or a large-scale project involving thousands of connections.

Centralised management and remote updates mean that each gateway does not need to be maintained individually on site.

The solution is suitable for:
  • One building with multiple meters
  • Real estate portfolios
  • Heat networks
  • Holiday parks
  • Multi-location retail organisations
  • Housing associations
  • Communal energy systems
  • Installation and service projects
  • Energy consultants and energy service providers
  • Projects involving multiple types of meters and installations

You can start with one representative location and expand the setup afterwards.

Nextalink for submeters and cost allocation

In buildings and locations with one main connection, consumption per tenant, home, shop, apartment or other usage unit is not automatically visible.

When suitable submeters are installed, Nextalink can read them locally.

The data is then made available in EnergyGrip for:

  • Insight per usage unit
  • Consumption analysis
  • Transparent cost allocation
  • Service charges
  • Billing preparation
  • Reporting
  • Anomaly detection
  • Communication with tenants or users

This creates a reliable digital foundation without requiring meter readings to be collected manually.

Nextalink for heat networks

Within a heat network, Nextalink can be used to make data from heat meters, heat interface units, sensors and other assets available in EnergyGrip.

Depending on the equipment, this may provide insight into:

  • Heat consumption
  • Meter readings
  • Temperatures
  • Flow rates
  • Pressure values
  • Heat interface unit performance
  • Status values
  • Faults and anomalies

EnergyGrip then uses this data for monitoring, billing, reporting, maintenance and, where technically possible, control.

Nextalink therefore forms the connecting layer between assets in the field and the digital management of the heat network.

Nextalink for real estate and holiday parks

Real estate portfolios and holiday parks often contain different meter types spread across multiple buildings, accommodations and technical rooms.

Nextalink can collect local metering data from:

  • Homes and apartments
  • Holiday accommodation
  • Shared facilities
  • Technical installations
  • Swimming pools and leisure facilities
  • Shops and commercial spaces
  • EV charging areas
  • Main meters and submeters

Locations, meters and users can then be centrally configured within EnergyGrip.

This makes the data usable for park management, property management, maintenance, reporting and billing.

Nextalink for installers and service providers

Installers, energy consultants and technical service providers can use Nextalink to incorporate energy data into their services.

The gateway can be included in projects where customers require:

  • Energy monitoring
  • Remote meter reading
  • Performance monitoring
  • Data-driven maintenance
  • Billing support
  • Reporting
  • Integration with existing software
  • One platform for multiple locations

Aurum supports the technical assessment, configuration, data processing and setup of EnergyGrip.

This means the service provider does not need to develop a complete data infrastructure independently.

How do we determine whether Nextalink is required?

Nextalink is not automatically the right solution for every location.

We first assess which data is already available and how it can be accessed.

1. Define the required application

Which data do you need and what will it be used for?

This may include monitoring, billing, reporting, maintenance, insights for residents and customers or control.

 

2. Review the existing equipment

We assess which meters, sensors, installations and systems are already in place.

 

3. Check the digital data sources

Is the data already available through ODA, an API, a building management system or another integration? EnergyGrip may then be connected directly.

 

4. Assess the local interfaces

Is local reading required? We then investigate which protocols and connection options are available.

 

5. Select the appropriate data collection method

We determine whether a direct integration, Nextalink or a combination of data sources is the best fit.

 

6. Configure EnergyGrip

Locations, connections, meters, dashboards, alerts and users are configured centrally.

This ensures that Nextalink is only used when it genuinely adds value to the EnergyGrip solution.

EnergyGrip, Nextalink and EnergyFlip

EnergyGrip is the central solution. Nextalink and EnergyFlip are used as integrated components when the situation requires them.

EnergyGrip

EnergyGrip brings together energy data from meters, installations and external systems.
The platform is used for:
  • Monitoring and analysis
  • Data quality monitoring
  • Alerts and notifications
  • Reporting and exports
  • Billing support
  • API integrations
  • Roles and permissions
  • Management of locations and connections
  • Control of compatible installations
  • Insights for residents and customers

Nextalink

Nextalink makes local metering data available when a direct digital integration is unavailable or unsuitable.

The gateway reads meters and installations and securely sends the data to EnergyGrip.

EnergyFlip

EnergyFlip makes selected EnergyGrip data accessible to residents, tenants, guests and customers.

The app and web portal can also be provided as a white-label solution.

EnergyGrip is the solution. Nextalink makes local data available. EnergyFlip provides the user experience.

What does Nextalink add within EnergyGrip?

A reliable data chain

Metering data is securely made available in EnergyGrip from the local meter.

 

Use of existing equipment

Suitable existing meters and installations can be retained.

 

Less manual work

Meter readings no longer need to be collected and processed manually.

 

Independence

You are not tied to one energy supplier, meter brand or closed platform.

 

Scalable management

Gateways can be centrally managed and updated remotely.

Integration with existing processes

EnergyGrip can make the collected data available for reporting, billing, maintenance and external systems.

 

One environment for different data sources

Combine Nextalink data with ODA data, API integrations and other digital sources within the same EnergyGrip environment.

Start with one meter, location or project

You do not need to roll out an entire portfolio or network immediately.

Start with one representative metering setup.

During a pilot, we assess:
  • Which meters and installations are already present
  • Which data needs to be made available
  • Which interfaces and protocols are used
  • Whether Nextalink is the appropriate data collection method
  • Which connection is available at the location
  • How the data is configured within EnergyGrip
  • Which reports, alerts and integrations are required
  • How the solution can be scaled further

After the pilot, EnergyGrip can be expanded with additional meters, locations, gateways and users.

Discuss a Nextalink pilot

Why choose Nextalink within EnergyGrip?

Hardware-independent

Make data from different suitable meters, brands and installations available within one platform.

 

Designed for reliable data collection

Local buffering and central monitoring help safeguard the continuity of the data chain.

 

Securely connected

Metering data is sent to EnergyGrip using encrypted communication.

 

Centrally managed

Configuration and firmware updates can be performed remotely.

 

Flexible

Use Nextalink for electricity, gas, water, heat, sensors and other suitable data sources.

 

Scalable

Start with one gateway and expand to large numbers of locations and connections.

 

Demonstrably certified

Nextalink meets relevant requirements for electromagnetic compatibility, radio equipment, cybersecurity and product safety. Aurum is also ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified.

 

Part of one complete solution

Nextalink is fully integrated with EnergyGrip for monitoring, analysis, reporting, billing, integrations and management.

Frequently asked questions

Nextalink is the data collection component of EnergyGrip.
The gateway reads data from suitable meters, sensors and installations and securely sends it to the central EnergyGrip platform.

No. Nextalink collects and sends local metering data.
EnergyGrip is the central energy management platform in which the data is processed, monitored and used for analysis, reporting, billing, integrations and other applications.

No.
When data is already available through ODA, an existing API, a digital metering system or another suitable integration, EnergyGrip can be connected directly wherever possible.
Nextalink is used when local data collection is required.

Nextalink usually reads values from a connected meter, sensor or installation.
The meter performs the physical measurement. Nextalink collects the available values and sends them to EnergyGrip.

Not always.
When an existing meter is technically suitable and has a supported communication interface, it may be retained.
The technical possibilities are assessed in advance.

Depending on the model and available interface, Nextalink can read data from different electricity meters, gas meters, water meters, heat meters, submeters, sensors and installations.
Not every meter is automatically suitable. The protocol, interface and available documentation determine what is possible.

Nextalink supports M-Bus, Modbus and DSMR applications.
The exact possibilities depend on the gateway model, meter and required configuration.

Depending on the model and situation, Nextalink can use NB-IoT, LTE-M or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Nextalink uses AES GCM128 encryption for the secure transmission of metering data to EnergyGrip.
Security is further supported by centralised management, secure firmware updates and Aurum’s ISO 27001-certified working practices.

Nextalink has a local memory buffer.
Metering data is temporarily stored and sent to EnergyGrip once the connection has been restored.

Yes. Firmware updates can be performed remotely through an Over-the-Air process.
This makes the gateway suitable for larger rollouts in which devices need to be centrally managed.

Nextalink has the following certifications and standards:
• CE certified
• RoHS compliant
• EMC: EN 301 489-1 V2.2.3, EN 301 489-17 V3.2.4, Draft EN 301 489-52 V1.1.0
• EMC-RF and Cyber Security: RED 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 a, b, c, ETSI EN 303 645, IEC 62443-4-2
• Product safety: EN IEC 62368-1:2014
Aurum is also ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified.

Yes. The data is first made available in EnergyGrip.
From EnergyGrip, the data can be shared through available API integrations and exports with building management systems, billing platforms, ERP software, BI tools and custom applications.

Yes. Selected data can be made accessible to residents, tenants, guests or customers through EnergyFlip.
EnergyFlip can also be provided as a white-label app and web portal.

Yes. Nextalink can be used for both one location and large-scale projects involving large numbers of gateways and connections.
The gateways can be centrally managed and updated remotely.

What support does Aurum provide?
Aurum supports the assessment of meters and systems, technical evaluation, configuration, installation preparation, data processing, EnergyGrip setup and further scaling.

Bring local energy data together in EnergyGrip

Would you like to make data from existing meters, sensors or installations available for professional energy management?

Bring a specific meter, location or technical situation to the conversation. Together, we will assess which data is already available, whether Nextalink is required and how the data can be processed in EnergyGrip.

Use Nextalink where local data collection is required and continue building one reliable energy data chain from within EnergyGrip.

Discuss your metering setup