Standardized Communication
for modern metering and sensor networks
Meter-Bus (M-Bus) is an internationally standardized and license-free communication protocol designed for the remote reading of consumption meters and sensors. Specifically developed for smart metering and building automation applications, M-Bus is defined in the EN 13757 standard. It is one of the most common communication standards in metering and is widely used not only in Europe but across many regions globally.
M-Bus enables reliable and energy-efficient transmission of measurement data in utility systems – either via wired connections (Wired M-Bus) or wirelessly (Wireless M-Bus) in license-free sub-GHz frequency bands (e.g. 868 MHz).
To ensure standardized data formats and interoperability between different metering devices, the OMS® (Open Metering System) Group was founded in 2015. Based on the M-Bus protocol, the OMS® Group defines and specifies a comprehensive, interoperable communication technology, including certification.
Based on OMS® standards, STACKFORCE supports both Wired M-Bus for stationary building networks and Wireless M-Bus for hard-to-reach meters or mobile reading. Like mioty®, the M-Bus protocol is hardware-independent and supported by a wide range of semiconductor platforms.
Proven standard
Reliable, interoperable, and widely adopted in utility and building technology.
High security
AES-128 encryption ensures reliable protection of sensitive consumption data – standardized and proven in practice.
Wired & wireless variants
Flexible use for fixed or hard-to-access measurement points – wired or wireless in the sub-GHz range.
Energy-efficient
Optimized for long-term battery operation (>10 years) in Wireless M-Bus applications – ideal for mobile or remote installations.
Wired M-Bus is the wired version of the M-Bus protocol as defined in EN 13757-2/3. It is ideal for stationary networks in buildings, industrial facilities, or utility infrastructures where fixed wiring is feasible. Communication occurs via a two-wire line with minimal energy demand and high transmission reliability.
Typically, Wired M-Bus networks follow a master-slave topology: an M-Bus master (e.g., gateway or data logger) controls several slaves (e.g., meters or sensors). The protocol supports both individual and group queries, making it highly efficient even for large networks.
Once installed, a Wired M-Bus network impresses with its stability, minimal maintenance, and fast meter reading and data acquisition.
Wireless M-Bus, as specified in EN 13757-4, adds wireless communication in the license-free 868 MHz ISM band (Europe) to the M-Bus technology. It is especially suited for installations that are difficult to access (e.g., meters in shafts) or for mobile reading systems (walk-by/drive-by).
A Wireless M-Bus network is highly flexible, easily scalable, and perfect for retrofitting. The main advantage: existing devices without communication interfaces can be easily replaced with wireless meters – without the need for complex cabling. After installation, reliable wireless communication is ensured even in deep or difficult-to-reach areas.
If structural conditions limit wireless range, Wireless M-Bus can be seamlessly complemented by other LPWAN technologies like LoRaWAN® or mioty®. This makes it ideal for covering long distances in urban or smart city networks.
M-Bus is ideal for scenarios where large numbers of sensors and meters must be read reliably and regularly, especially in housing, utilities, and industrial facilities.
Smart Metering
Efficient remote reading of water, gas, heat, and electricity meters – whether wired in the basement or wireless in a shaft: high compatibility and long service life.
Submetering
Accurate consumption-based billing in multi-family homes – even with large numbers of units.
Infrastructure
Scalable and interoperable data collection for utilities such as water networks or municipal services.
Walk-by / Drive-by
Wireless reading without entering the premises – ideal for billing services and property managers.
Building Management
Integration of heat cost allocators, smoke detectors, thermostats, and sensors into central systems – ideal for residential and commercial properties.
We are OMS®-Group member.
STACKFORCE has been an active member of the OMS® Group since 2011 and is deeply involved in the development of the interoperable M-Bus protocol. Our expertise contributes to multiple technical working groups to help shape future-proof specifications and seamlessly integrate them into our protocol stacks. This ensures our customers always benefit from up-to-date, OMS®-compliant solutions.
Whether wired or wireless, STACKFORCE is one of the most experienced providers of protocol stacks for M-Bus technology. For more than 15 years, we have been developing reliable, standard-compliant protocol stacks for end devices and gateways, supporting customers in implementing powerful M-Bus solutions.
STACKFORCE is not only the developer of its own M-Bus protocol stacks but also an active member of the OMS® Group since 2011. Our experts contribute to key working groups in the OMS community, including areas such as primary communication, security architecture, conformance testing, and Wired M-Bus. This involvement ensures we stay at the forefront of technical innovation – and our customers benefit directly.
Our M-Bus implementation complies with all relevant standards (EN 13757) and the OMS specification and is easily portable across various microcontroller platforms. Through ongoing development and extensive project experience, we guarantee robust communication – even under demanding conditions. If M-Bus communication is needed without OMS® protocol layers, STACKFORCE also offers customized adaptations.
Choose STACKFORCE as your cross-technology partner who understands your requirements and delivers high-quality, future-proof software solutions.
Flexible stack architecture for tailored solutions
Hardware-agnostic integration
We maintain strong partnerships with leading semiconductor vendors to maximize flexibility.
Proven market expertise
A reliable partner with long-standing experience in industrial communication development.
Long-term support & maintenance
Professional product support and continuous stack maintenance by our experts.
Expertise with latest chips and toolchains
Years of experience with modern chipsets and development environments for optimal performance.
