Improving Remote Site Communications Using Wireless Technologies Eric Swanson
Presentation Abstract M2M communications have grown dramatically in the last 10 years, and M2M technologies are trying to keep pace with expanding site communications and helping define the Internet of Things. This presentation will discuss how to utilize wireless technologies such as Bluetooth to ultimately improve the awareness and effectiveness of remote sites and technicians, including the monitoring, management, and control of power, security, and environmental equipment and conditions. Westell will also discuss how to use wireless technology to improve and validate maintenance activities. 2
Agenda Remote Site Monitoring Overview Remote Site Wireless Backhaul Remote Site Wireless Sensors Wireless Remote management Conclusion 3
Remote Site Monitoring Overview 4
Remote Site Monitoring Overview Remote Site Monitoring provides a comprehensive method to collect telemetry from a sites key assets Power Commercial power, generators, batteries, rectifiers Environmental Temperature, humidity, HVAC, water, smoke Security: Access management and control, surveillance, warning lights Communication: DAS, microwave, small cell management, local loop Network Operations Center Backhaul Remote Site Commercial Power / Transfer Switch Generator / Fuel Cell Battery Plant Fuel Levels HVAC / Environment Hazardous Gas Detection Water Detection Smoke Detection Surveillance Cameras Alarms Copper Theft Detection Access Control DAS Base Station Microwave Antenna / RET / MCPA Power Environmental Security Communication Local Loop Equipment / Backhaul Circuits
Remote Site Wireless Backhaul 6
Remote Site Wireless Backhaul Network Operations Center Backhaul Power Environmental Security Communications Equipment 7
Why Remote Site Wireless Backhaul? Site monitor data can be backhauled using local carriers Cellular network Readily available in nearly all markets, no need to build a WAN new network Enables site monitor data to be decoupled from customer data Less expensive as compared to a separate wired backhaul solution Enables Remote Site Monitor equipment to powered by a separate backed up power system Cost prohibitive when using a wired backhaul solution Challenges of using wireless technology Lack of cell coverage Speed Remote needs to support 2G/3G for markets that haven t adopted LTE Monthly Cellular service fees 8
Remote Site Wireless Sensors 9
Remote Site Wireless Sensors Network Operations Center Backhaul Power Environmental Security Communications Equipment 10
Why Remote Site Wireless Sensors? Many sensors are installed an extended distance from the Remote Cameras Fuel tanks Temperature Wireless sensors reduce installation costs Eliminates the need to run cables through conduit Eliminates the need to dig and bury the cable/conduit Eliminates the need to lease property for cable run Easy to upgrade and expand as your site grows Wireless sensors reduce exposure to damaging impacts of power surges When wired sensors are located an extended distance from the Remote a ground potential difference can exist which increases the exposure to surge damage 11
Common Wireless Technologies WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n) Unlicensed 2.4GHz band Built in protocol to avoid collisions between overlapping channels and other technologies Built in security Medium power requirement Max data rate is 54Mbp/s Nominal range is 100 meters Typically used for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) BlueTooth (IEEE 802.15.1) Unlicensed 2.4GHz band Built in protocol to avoid collisions between overlapping channels and other technologies Built in security Low power requirement Max data rate is 1Mb/s Nominal range is 10 meters Typically used for cordless applications in smart phones, tablets, keyboards, etc. 12
Common Wireless Technologies ZigBee (IEEE 805.15.4) IEEE 805.15.4 defines the Physical and MAC layers but not the upper layers ZigBee defines the Network and Application layer Unlicensed 2.4GHz band worldwide, 900MHz US, 868MHz Europe Built in security Low power requirement Max data rate is 250kb/s Nominal range is 100 meters Typically used for monitoring and control of networks Proprietary There are numerous variations on the above implemented by manufactures as a proprietary solution 13
Wireless Sensors Common wireless sensors support Temperature Voltage & current Contact closure Fuel Direct cable replacement solutions enable use of existing wired sensors RS-232/RS-485 to wireless adapters Ethernet to wireless adapters 14
Wireless Remote Site Management 15
Wireless Remote Site Management Network Operations Center Backhaul Power Environmental Security Communications Equipment 16
Wireless Remote Site Management NOC users and technicians need 24x7 visibility for proper management of their site infrastructure Wireless access enables technicians to monitor and control asset from anywhere using a wireless device Smartphone/tablet Enables a comprehensive view of the monitored network using a graphical map 17
Wireless Remote Site Management NOC users and technicians need 24x7 visibility for proper management of their site infrastructure Wireless access enables technicians to monitor and control asset from anywhere using a wireless device Expedites response time by eliminating the need to visit the NOC Wireless access using a smartphone or tablet 18
Wireless Remote Site Management Using a mobile application, a technician could interrogate a Remote device during a maintenance visit. Examples of tasks that would be available are : Firmware Update Device (generator, DAS controller) configuration View active alarms (prior to performing repair task) View cleared alarms (after performing repair tasks) View current Key Performance Indicator (KPI) values at site Perform a control function using the mobile application (i.e. notify NOC personnel that a technician is on site, start generator, stop generator, adjust setpoints, adjust thresholds, etc) 19
Wireless Remote Technology - Summary Improves operational efficiency Easily enables decoupling of monitor data from customers data Simplifies installation by eliminating the need to run cables Improves network visibility and availability Enables asset monitoring in difficult to reach locations Cost effective way to power monitor system separate data equipment Numerous proven technologies to choose from Sensors available with wireless embedded wireless technology Adapters available to enable standard sensors to operate wirelessly Improves technician efficiency Provides the ability to locally monitor and control assets when a truck roll is inevitable 20
Questions? Eric Swanson Director, Product Line Management Email: swanson@westell.com Office +1-(630)-375-4215 For more information visit us at: www.westell.com 21
Thank You We Listen We Understand We Deliver 22