DPS Telecom Blog

Implementing Effective Forest Fire Detection Sensors to Aid in Wildfire Management

Every day, somewhere in the world, a wildfire is burning. That's ok - it's supposed to. Wildfires, including forest fires, have been burning for millennia. Forests, rangeland, prairies, and even swamps have adapted to fires over millions of years. They usually stand to benefit from fire, which removes decadent growth, creates a network of diverse micro-ecosystems, and fertilizes the soil with potash and potassium, among other beneficial effects. Wait!...

SNMP GET Requests

An SNMP device is a device managed using the Simple Network Management Protocol (aka SNMP). SNMP is an open-source protocol, meaning any manufacturer is free to utilize it. While there are many other protocols, SNMP i...

Critical SCADA System Architecture Recommendations for Water Utilities

If someone asked you what the most important development for all of civilization is, modern water utility service should top the list. Sure, agriculture is good, and the internet is hit and miss, but water utilities take away dirty water and bring us clean water, preventing diseases that have scourged humanity for literally our entire existence. Needless to say, protecting water utilities is of utmost importance. They are...

Test Alarm Points Using Alligator Clips and a Multimeter

Troubleshooting remote telemetry units and remote site equipment can be tedious and frustrating. Sometimes, it's difficult to even know where to start. Even a simple monitoring problem can cause several problems, including...

How to Plan a Humidity Monitoring System For Your Remote Sites

Weather fluctuations can make humidity levels highly unpredictable, so monitoring the humidity of your facilities is necessary for maintaining network stability and preventing failures. In warmer temperatures, humidity...

Hurricane Monitoring System Strategies for Remote Equipment Observation and Automated Alerts

As hurricane season approaches, are we ever really prepared? TheNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 40% chanceof a near-normal hurricane season in 2019 and a 30% chance of an above-normal season. Already, Louisiana has felt the effects. The difficulties faced by companies with large geographic footprints and many remote unmanned sites are multiplied by the onslaught of hurricane season. Even relatively nearby operations become effectively "remote"...

How to Build Powerful SCADA Network Security Monitoring Infrastructure

Imagine a bank robber who, late one night, works his way into the bank's ventilation system, crawls through air shafts, and gets to the vault to find it wide open. You'd probably agree, there needs to be more solid security. That seems like a no-brainer. To us, a powerful SCADA system for companies with multiple remote units that need monitoring is the equivalent of a secure...

How to Remote Monitor your Positive Train Control System

Positive train control, or simply PTC, is a developing technology designed to prevent collisions and other accidents on railways. PTC works by relaying information about the train's location, speed, length, weight, and...

2020 Guide to Remote Site Management

Managing remote sites will be more important in 2020 than ever before. Not only will there be more remote sites, but utility companies will also depend on them more heavily. And, the risks remote sites face are unyielding. As utility companies grow with the economy, so does their physical footprint. This exposes more remote unmanned sites to potential failures. Remote site equipment faces the routine risks of...

The Essential Features Needed for Central Station Alarm Equipment

If an alarm doesn't have the ability to monitor and report on what it is supposed to be monitoring and reporting on, can it still be called an alarm?We admit that's a bit of a philosophical question, but it does make some sense. After all, if an alarm can't do its job 100% of the time, it's essentially useless. If you have remote equipment that needs...