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Reserve Your Seat TodayNOTE: The capabilities described in this archived announcement have been enhanced even further in newer models of the NetGuardian 832A. Please take a look at the latest iteration, the NetGuardian 832A G5 with SNMPv3 and enhanced security.
The NetGuardian 832A G4 update adds support for SNMP v2c and the SNMP INFORM message type; dual NICs; high speed serial ports; customizable alarm severity levels; global support for reporting to dual SNMP managers; plus many under-the-hood improvements.
The NetGuardian 832A G4 is a powerful, RoHS 5 compliant, compact, LAN-based alarm collector that provides network managers with remote visibility of their IP network elements. With 32 ping alarms, 32 discrete alarms, 8 analog inputs, and 8 controls, this versatile unit is the ideal network monitoring solution.
If an element fails to respond to successive pings, or if anything goes wrong with the environmental controls, the NetGuardian 832A will notify personnels using a variety of methods with an accompanying detail status message. The Notification types that are available include SNMP Traps, alphanumeric pager, numeric pager, text message, TCP text, T/Mon, and E-mail. The unit also locally stores up to 100 events in its event log so that technicians can see the event history without having to interrupt NMS staff. In addition to network and environmental alarms and controls, the NetGuardian also acts as a terminal server for 8 serial ports, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated circuits and the recurring monthly costs associated with such transports.
The NetGuardian 832A is easy to install, with industry standard connectors for all serial and LAN ports, alarm, analog, and control wiring. Hinged back panels with all wire wrap or pluggable connections are also available for other installation options. The unit mounts quickly in either 19" or 23" equipment racks while occupying only one rack unit of space.
Provisioning of the NetGuardian 832A can be easily accomplished using a web browser or TTY terminal. This can be done on site, using the front panel craft port, or remotely via LAN (TELNET) or dial-up modem. The entire configuration is saved on the NetGuardian 832A where it remains secure through power outages in non-volatile RAM. Additional options include a built in sensor for the power supply, dual power feeds, and integrated temperature and battery sensors.
NetGuardian 832A G4 Back Panel Interfaces From Top Left To Bottom Right.
A number of new features set this NetGuardian apart from previous versions:
The NetGuardian 832A G4's 8 serial ports can now run up to 110K. This means that you can use your NetGuardian 832A G4 to get data faster, as well as access a larger variety of devices (some modern devices can only run at 110K). The NetGuardian 832A G4's serial ports are RJ45 connectors using the YOST standard (see above diagram), so it is now even easier to connect straight-through or swapover cables.
We have added a secondary NIC, which permits the NetGuardian 832A G4 to connect to two separate networks. In this era of increased security measures and diverse network topology, an increasing number of deployments require a second network interface. It is important to note, from a security and segmentation point of view, that both LANs can access the NetGuardian 832A G4, but they can't access each other. SNMP Traps, FTP, Web browsing and Telnet can be accessed from either NIC. Each LAN has its own status LEDs to facilitate setup and operation.
The integrated 4-Port Network Hub provides functionality for the NetGuardian SiteCAM giving you full visual site surveillance.
The NetGuardian firmware was also enhanced to support SNMP v2c. The NetGuardian 832A G4 can still be configured to use SNMP v1 so it will work well in your network, no matter what your Monitoring framework. The NetGuardian SNMP v2c implementation also supports the INFORM command, so SNMP traps can be positively acknowledged from the master. IF the master doesn't acknowledge receipt of the INFORM, the NetGuardian 832A G4 will resend the alarm until the master acknowledges. This reduces the likelihood of missing an alarm, since the SNMP protocol does not guarantee deliverability.
The NetGuardian 832A G4 also supports a second global SNMP manager, so it is easier than every to support a more secure redundant master architecture.
The NetGuardian 832A G4 is RoHS 5 approved, for overseas clients requiring RoHS compliant units.
Interested about the NetGuardian 832A G4? Peruse through the available product summary for the NetGuardian 832A G4, or find information such as the full specificaiton, ordering options, and more at the NetGuardian 832A's product page.
RTU Monitoring.RTU.
A remote telemetry unit (RTU) is a device that is used to monitor and manage equipment remotely. Its main purpose is to collect alarms from sensors and connected devices, so that the remote equipment and/or site can be clearly pictured or represented.
The applications of an RTU is endless as there is always a need for remote monitoring. As an example, an offshore oil rig which is quite remote in its location may need to be monitored so that any problematic events that occurs can be taken care of immediately. In order to monitor the offshore oil rig, the owners of that oil rig might hire someone to be stationed at the oil rig. This solution endangers the life of that employee because of its remote location and also the types of problems that can occur on an oil rig. The employee would expect to be paid accordingly as well because of the nature of the job. Going with this solution would cost the owners of the oil rig a considerable amount of funds and if something goes wrong then the cost increases significantly. A better approach would be to use an RTU such as the NetGuardian 832A to remotely monitor the oil rig instead of paying someone to put their life in danger. The response time of an electronic device like an RTU will usually be way ahead of a regular person. Instead of waiting for the employee to respond to the situation and then notify the correct personal of the situation. An RTU can immediately respond and notify personnel because of its monitoring capabilities. An RTU like the NetGuardian 832A can monitor up to 32 discrete alarms, 32 ping alarms, and 8 analog alarms. These discrete alarms alarms can be used to monitor doors and things that can be on or off, while analog alarms can be used to monitor temperature or pressure gauges. Ping alarms are able to determine if something is offline or online through a network ping. Needless to say, an RTU seems to be the best solution when a remote needs to be monitored remotely.
Monitoring.
An RTU can monitor a multitude of alarms and alarm type. An RTU such as NetGuardian 832A is able to monitor 32 discrete, 32 ping, and 8 analog alarms. That's awesome but what does that really mean? How can it be visualized or explained in a way that can be easily understood for someone that might not be familiar with how a remote monitoring system is configured. That's what this little post aims to achieve.
A monitoring system is built to monitor, or keep track of, something. This something can be environmental like temperature, humidity, or air quality. It can be a closed or opened door. Even determining if something is offline or online. All of these can be monitored or kept track of. In order to achieve these monitoring capabilities, the system will usually deploy sensors. There are a ton of sensors made for detecting numerous parameters, some are specialized while others will consolidate multiple sensors into one. For example, temperature sensors are for detecting temperature and humidity is for detecting humidity. Most times, sensors aren't needed. A light-switch is usually on or off and a door is either closed or open. Same thing with a networked equipment, it is either reachable or not on a connection.
So, a monitoring system is built to monitor. Simple. At the most basic, here's an overview of a monitoring system set up: a monitoring system consists of; the subject that is to be monitored, methods to monitor the subject, a way to report or notify of the statuses regarding the monitoring of the subject. Here's an example using the NetGuardian 832A. The NetGuardian 832A can handle 32 discrete alarms. This means that the NetGuardian 832A can monitor 32 doors, in this example, and it can determine if each individual door is open or closed. It can then notify, report, the statuses doors to a master device or security guard or wherever it is intended to go to.
