Describes the physical layer parameters of a local meter readout system ('Local Bus') for the communication with and the readout of a single meter or a small cluster of meters (max. 5) via a single battery powered readout device ('master') which can be connected temporarily or stationary for the communication directly to a meter (i.e. local readout) or via a fixed wiring or a small bus (total cable length max. 50 m, i.e. local remote readout).