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Reserve Your Seat TodayRecently, our engineers had a detailed conversation with a client. They collaborated to address the client's requirements for remote monitoring systems (RMS) for telecom sites.
Let's review this full chat transcript, then talk about specific concepts related to RMS and best practices for monitoring telecom equipment.
Margaret: Thanks for reaching out through our website. Is there a project you're working on that requires remote alarm monitoring equipment? How can I help?
Client: Hello, can we have your best offer for an RMS for the purpose of remote monitoring of the following on telecom sites:
- Rectifier current/voltage/power/modules/general health
- Battery
- Intrusion
- Generator start and stop
- Diesel level
- Etc.
Kindly treat as urgent as we need to drop our quotation to the client today! Thank you.
Margaret: Okay, have we worked with you in the past? I will have to look you up in our systems.
Client: No.
Margaret: Alright, just give me a second so I can put you in. Can I assume you are from Nigeria? We can add shipping to your quote if you need.
Client: Yes, please.
Margaret: And this email would be best?
Client: Yes, please.
Margaret: I saw you put "etc." Can you elaborate more on what you need to monitor additionally at those telecom sites? We spec to the client's needs to ensure that we don't include too little or too much capacity.
Client: Yes, but all the alarms on the rectifier and batteries. That is what I meant by the general health. No limitation.
Margaret: Is there a certain protocol the rectifier communicates in or is it just contact closures?
Client: Mains, solar, generator alarms inclusive. Just a sec, please. I am trying to pull out the spec for the rectifier. Netsure731a41 is one of the rectifiers we are using.
Margaret: I see there are a few build options available for this rectifier. How many alarm outputs does yours have?
Client: Protocols: HTTP, SNMP, YDN23, RS 232, Ethernet. Multiple communication interfaces: Built-in communication ports such as RS 232, Dry contacts, and Ethernet, enable flexible remote controlling and monitoring. Dry Contact. M221S: 3 alarm input, 4 alarm output, 8 alarm output at most (optional). M830B: 8 alarm input, 8 alarm output. Comm. Protocol: RS 232, RS 485, Ethernet, USB, Ipv4, IPv6, HTTPS, SNMP V2/V3, EEM Soc Type, Rsoc, Modbus. Alarms: 2 battery currents, 1 load current, 1 bus voltage, 2 battery voltages, 3 temperatures, 1 fuel level sensor and much more with additional interface boards; Digital input: 1 input for status of surge protective device auxiliary contacts.
Margaret: "M221S: 3 alarm input, 4 alarm output, 8 alarm output at most (optional)" how many outputs do the rectifiers you have in place have?
Client: Door open alarm, smoke detector, remote alarm monitoring for DG, grid running, battery, rectifier, 4 channel DC meter, DG, grid energy meter, 3 lock door, RTU remote dial modem with web client for monitoring (Airtel to provide machine SIM), battery management system, remote asset tracker, AC energy and remote recording kW, cumulative kWh, DC energy meter with kW and cumulative kWh for battery and load, fuel pressure gauge integrated with controller, output: 1 LVD mono or bistable contractors, 1 LVD mono contractor.
Margaret: Regarding the kWh recording, is there already a system in place to get those readings or are you looking for us to supply one?
Client: Yes. We look forward to you supplying them.
Margaret: Typically that amount of power is out of our scope, we can pull readings off of existing hardware and send out notifications though we don't currently offer it ourselves. Is that a hard requirement?
Client: Actually I was thinking you might have a better offer on that. That is expected to come with the cabinet.
Margaret: We currently do not make anything to get those readings on that level of power.
Client: It's fine as long as your RMS can capture the readings.
Margaret: Just to clarify, you will get something to gather the readings and our hardware will send them northbound?
Client: Yes, please. But you have IoTs too to gather the readings.
Margaret: I'm transferring you to a senior rep.
Michael joined the chat
Michael: Is there a monitoring system already in place at these sites?
Client: Not at all. The only monitoring system is inbuilt on the devices.
Michael: For the previously mentioned kWh recording, was that in-built?
Client: No, it will be installed.
Michael: That level of power monitoring is out of our scope, though we do typically work in a telecom monitoring context we specialize in granular low-voltage monitoring.
Client: That's fine, leave that out.
Michael: What power input would be available to power our device at the site? (-48VDC, 24VDC) How would you prefer the unit be mounted? (19" or 23" rack, wall mount) How many sites are you needing to get monitored?
Client: -48VDC, wall mounted, 54 sites.
Michael: You mentioned wanting to get batteries monitored, would you be looking to monitor their overall voltage or on a per-cell basis?
Client: Each cell.
Michael: How many cells do your batteries have, and at what voltages?
Client: 100Ah and 48V, LiB.
Michael: How many cells do the batteries have?
Client: Sorry, the monitoring is per battery unit.
Michael: That's fine, we can just monitor things like its string voltage/temperature. How many batteries at each site need to get monitored?
Client: Minimum of 4, as much as 8.
Michael: You requested to get a 'fuel pressure gauge integrated with controller' does this mean an analog sensor would suffice? Also, what kind of fuel is getting monitored? (diesel, propane) Is the tank horizontal or vertical? What is its depth? What is the diameter of its throat?
Client: Yes, analog, diesel. The tank is mostly vertical cuboid.
Michael: To ensure compatibility with the sensors we'll be including, I'll need more info on its dimensions.
Client: It is a 2000-liter tank.
Michael: What is its depth? What is the diameter of the throat which a sensor could be seated on?
Client: Depth is 1m with about a 50mm throat for your sensor.
Michael: There was a mention of an 'RTU remote dial modem' does this mean you were looking for voice notifications?
Client: That is the RMS modem. But this time it is RMS solution. That's you.
Michael: What kind of notifications were you looking to receive? (Text/SMS, Email, Voice)
Client: All.
Michael: Related to the doors, do you want to monitor their open/close status or is there a requirement for access control?
Client: Referring to the door of the rectifiers. If you have your own sensors for any of the signals to be monitored, please identify and let me know.
Michael: I'll be going on a 30-minute break, but it seems we're getting close.
Client: That's fine.
Our client was working for a consulting firm in Nigeria. They started the conversation by outlining their need for remote monitoring at telecom sites. Their needs included the monitoring of rectifier current, voltage, power, battery health, intrusion detection, and generator management. This broad scope necessitates a strong and flexible monitoring solution:
"Can we have your best offer for an RMS for the purpose of remote monitoring of the following on telecoms sites: Rectifier current/voltage/power/modules/general health, battery, intrusion, generator start and stop, diesel level, etc."
Margaret, a DPS sales engineer, responded promptly.
The client specified various communication protocols used by their rectifiers. These included HTTP, SNMP, RS232, and Ethernet. Understanding these protocols is crucial for integrating existing systems with our RMS:
"Protocols: HTTP, SNMP, YDN23, RS 232, Ethernet. Multiple communication interfaces: Built-in communication ports such as RS 232, Dry contacts, and Ethernet, enable flexible remote controlling & monitoring."
At DPS Telecom, we ensure our devices can seamlessly integrate with multiple protocols. This integration ability facilitates a smooth transition and ensures all critical data is captured and transmitted effectively.
This can include both monitoring devices like RTUs and also standalone mediation tools. For example, our SNMPv3 Proxy offers secure and reliable SNMP communication. This ensuring compatibility and security across various network devices.
The client's needs extended to specific rectifier models and their alarm outputs. Detailed specifications were provided for rectifiers like the Netsure731a41. This specification highlights the necessity for a system capable of handling various alarm inputs and outputs:
"M221S: 3 alarm input, 4 alarm output, 8 alarm output at most (optional). M830B: 8 alarm input, 8 alarm output. Comm. Protocol: RS 232, RS 485, Ethernet, USB, IPv4, IPv6, HTTPS, SNMP V2/V3, EEM Soc Type, Rsoc, Modbus. Alarms: 2 battery currents, 1 load current, 1 bus voltage, 2 battery voltages, 3 temperatures, 1 fuel level sensor and much more with additional interface boards."
For comprehensive monitoring, our NetGuardian RTUs, such as the NetGuardian 864A, offer extensive alarm handling capabilities. These features include having up to 64 discrete alarms, 8 analog inputs, and multiple control relays. This ensures that all critical parameters are monitored and any deviations are immediately reported.
The discussion also covered power monitoring requirements. These included capturing kWh readings and managing various power sources like mains, solar, and generators. DPS Telecom specializes in monitoring and notifications rather than high-capacity power metering. Our systems can integrate with third-party devices to capture and transmit necessary data:
"Typically, that amount of power is out of our scope, we can pull readings off of existing hardware and send out notifications."
Within the scope of telecom (and not high-voltage) systems, our Remote Power Switch AB6 G6 provides an effective solution for remotely managing and monitoring power at telecom sites. It allows for remote power control, monitoring of voltage thresholds, and sending notifications. this reduces the need for on-site interventions.
Monitoring the health of batteries, especially at a granular level, was another critical requirement. The client required monitoring for battery units, including parameters such as voltage, temperature, and internal resistance. DPS Telecom's BVM D-Wire sensors and NetGuardian RTUs provide an ideal solution for this need:
"You requested to get a 'fuel pressure gauge integrated with controller' does this mean an analog sensor would suffice? Also what kind of fuel is getting monitored? (diesel, propane) Is the tank horizontal or vertical? What is its depth? What is the diameter of its throat?"
Our BVM sensors can monitor individual battery units. Monitoring individual units provides real-time data on voltage, temperature, and internal resistance. This ensures that any potential issues with battery health are detected early. Quick detection prevents failures and extends the life of the power supply.
Another aspect of the client's requirements was security and intrusion detection across their telecom sites. This need for comprehensive monitoring of site entry points and alerting mechanisms is essential for maintaining site security and operational integrity:
"Door Open alarm, Smoke detector, Remote alarm monitoring for DG, Grid Running, Battery, Rectifier."
We understand the importance of securing remote sites. Our Building Access System (BAS) integrates with existing monitoring solutions to provide centralized control of site access. The BAS allows for the monitoring of multiple entry points. It also supports keypad and proxy card entry methods, and sends real-time notifications of approved entries and intrusions.
The client also required a flexible and scalable monitoring solution. The solution needed to be capable of adapting to the changing needs of their telecom sites. This included the ability to monitor additional parameters as required and expand the system's capacity without significant reconfiguration:
"We spec to the client's needs to ensure that we don't include too little or too much capacity."
Our NetGuardian RTUs are designed with scalability in mind. One medium-sized example, the NetGuardian 420 G6, offers a balance between capacity and functionality. This balance / duality makes it ideal for medium-sized sites.
The device supports up to 20 discrete alarms, 8 analog inputs, and 4 control relays. It can be expanded as needed using NetGuardian DX expansion units. This flexibility ensures that as the client's monitoring needs grow, the system can easily accommodate additional inputs and controls without requiring a complete overhaul.
In addition to security and power monitoring, environmental monitoring is crucial for maintaining the optimal operation of telecom sites. The client required monitoring of temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors to prevent damage to sensitive equipment:
"Just to clarify, you will get something to gather the readings and our hardware will send them northbound?"
DPS Telecom's TempDefender G2 is an ideal solution for environmental monitoring. It connects with various sensors, including temperature and humidity sensors. This connection provides a comprehensive view of environmental conditions at the site.
The TempDefender G2 can send alerts for temperature fluctuations, humidity changes, and other critical environmental factors. This ensures that the client's equipment remains protected from environmental threats.
Effective remote monitoring also involves advanced notification and control systems. These systems should be able to provide real-time alerts and have the ability to take immediate action. The client required notifications via text, email, and voice to ensure that any issues were promptly addressed:
"What kind of notifications were you looking to receive? (Text/SMS, Email, Voice)"
Along these lines, T/Mon can send email, text, and voice alerts - in addition to its normal display of alarms on maps and in list format.
T/Mon's automated notification system ensures that the right personnel are informed immediately when an alarm is triggered. This reduces response times and minimizing potential downtime.
The system can also execute control commands remotely. This allows you to manage and solve issues without needing to be physically present at the site.
This conversation illustrates how DPS Telecom's tailored remote monitoring solutions effectively address the complex needs of telecom site management.
For telecom operators looking to enhance their site monitoring capabilities, DPS Telecom offers the expertise and technology to deliver customized solutions. To get your 20-minute web demo, contact us today.
Call 1-800-693-0351 or email sales@dpstele.com to get started now.
Andrew Erickson
Andrew Erickson is an Application Engineer at DPS Telecom, a manufacturer of semi-custom remote alarm monitoring systems based in Fresno, California. Andrew brings more than 17 years of experience building site monitoring solutions, developing intuitive user interfaces and documentation, and opt...
