How to Transition From RMAC Monitoring Devices
By Morgana Siggins
February 5, 2021
Despite the continuous and innovative changes in monitoring technologies, many organizations still run and maintain legacy devices. That's because, most of the time, they become fundamental to the way networks function, and transitioning from an RTU model that you've already deployed can be a challenging task.
Of course, you don't want to waste or throw away the investment you've already made, but it's also important, for your future deployments, to avoid problems that legacy devices can bring (such as lack of security). This means that it's critical to find a modern, advanced RTU to deploy moving forward.
If you have RMAC monitoring devices and want to migrate to other systems, first you need to make sure your new RTU has some similarities to your current equipment but also incorporates modern technology. Capacity and special functions should be similar, but make sure your new system provides you with modern capabilities and features.
Let's take a look at how you can make an RMAC smooth migration and which monitoring device to invest in for this purpose.
The NetGuardian 864A provides you with 64 discrete alarms (expandable to 256), 32 ping alarms, 8 analog alarms, and 8 controls (expandable to 16, 24, 32).
Your Solution: The NetGuardian 864A G5
Since its feature and capabilities sets are quite similar, the NetGuardian 864A makes a great migration solution for your existing fleet of RMAC units. Here are some reasons for that:
- Form factor
The 864A shares the exact 1RU form factor as your RMAC devices, so you won't have to sacrifice space in your rack to accommodate your new units. - Wiring
When you install an 864A, you'll notice that, unlike many legacy devices, all major connectors are on the back panel. This design evolved during work with our clients. Connectors placed on a single side make installation much easier, and also leads to cleaner wiring. - Remote access
The RMAC includes a useful combination of terminal server serial ports and Ethernet ports. For Ethernet devices, an RTU with additional LAN ports is convenient.
You don't need to deploy a dedicated switch, and your switch is running on your protected DC power rather than commercial AC. For serial devices, an RTU with a serial terminal server allows you to remotely connect via LAN, instead of driving all the way out to the site with a laptop and serial cable.
Just like the RMAC, the NetGuardian 864A performs these 2 key remote access functions. - Alarm collection
Both the RMAC and the 864A have 64 discrete alarm inputs.
With the 864A, alarm detail is encoded into every outbound SNMP trap sent to your SNMP manager, so you're never stuck guessing what a generic "major alarm" actually means. - Generator and battery programs
With a combination of alarm inputs, control outputs, and built-in intelligence, an RTU is capable of automatically reacting to critical site threats. One excellent use for this function is during a site power failure. Generator fuel and battery voltages instantly become critical information, and a bit of planning and the RTU will help you extract maximum run time from the power you have available.
The NetGuardian 864A can perform these automatic, intelligent reactions. In the 864A, pre-programmed reactions to specific alarm combinations are known as "Derived Controls". - Site environment control
Similarly, a high-quality RTU can help you keep the environment at your site within the ideal range.
Using control relay outputs you can activate primary and backup HVAC systems, fans, vents, and other environmental controls. You can also deactivate these systems when they are not needed, reducing power consumption at your site. Control relays can be activated manually or in response to pre-programmed environmental levels (temperature, humidity, etc.).
Equipped with alarm inputs, control relay outputs, and intelligence, the NetGuardian 864A can perform intelligent site environment control. - Site security and building access control
Cost-effective RTUs offer value beyond basic equipment monitoring and control functions. They can also offer visual site surveillance using IP cameras and intelligently control door access to the site.
The 864A can be ordered with SiteMON IP cameras to provide visual surveillance. With attached Entry Control Units (ECUs), the 864A can also control 1-16 doors with keypads and/or proximity card readers. Electronic access control eliminates the hassles associated with lost keys, rekeying locks, and babysitting contractors for routine installs and maintenance.
| Feature | RMAC | NetGuardian 864A |
| Discretes | 64 | 64 |
| Analogs | 4 | 8 |
| Control Relays | 8 | 8 |
| Ethernet Ports | 8 | 5 |
| Serial Ports | 8 | 8 |
| T1/E1 transport option | Yes | Yes |
| Scripting for alarm filtering or automated event response | Yes | Yes |
Contact Us to Discuss Your RMAC Migration Options
Do you mostly use the core features on your RMAC? If so, then the NetGuardian 864A will serve as a 100% replacement.
If you're in need of specific features, we also have the right solution for you. We can offer custom in-house developed monitoring applications, which gives you the opportunity to take advantage of our vertical integration to achieve a solution that fully aligns with your needs.
Get in touch with us to discuss your existing monitoring system and how we can make it more efficient.
Morgana Siggins
Morgana Siggins is a marketing writer, content creator, and documentation specialist at DPS Telecom. She has created over 200 blog articles and videos sharing her years of experience in the remote monitoring industry.
