Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward methods, apparatuses and systems for operating at a fluid-maintenance site. In certain embodiments, the methods, apparatuses, and systems include a fluid filter, a sensor that provides parameters that characterize fluid flowing through the fluid filter, and a wireless interface circuit. The wireless interface circuit operates in a set-up mode and a normal-operation mode. In the set-up mode, the wireless interface circuit operates by communicating authentication data with a mobile data-processing device while the mobile data-processing device is proximate to the fluid-maintenance site. In the normal-operation mode, the wireless interface circuit operates by sending the parameters wirelessly, according to the authentication protocol, to a remotely-situated server via a wireless communication medium and a broadband connection.