Multi-Building Alarm Echo to a Single Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) [Monday, September 20th, 2021]
I got a call recently about a six-building complex that, due to local fire ordinance, requires that the fire detection system in each building be linked back to just one conventional fire alarm control panel (FACP). See the two devices that, working together, will pull this off.
Rectifier Monitoring via SNMP & Alarm Dialer [Tuesday, September 7th, 2021]
I just had an interesting call with a DPS client who needs to monitor rectifier major alarms (2 per rectifier). This application has a few interesting elements (like local RTU processing of SNMP traps), so let's walk through it as a learning exercise now...
Top 5 Best Tower Companies [Wednesday, September 1st, 2021]
Based on our experience working with many different cell tower companies, I'm happy to share with you a list of some of the best tower site operators in the industry. Note that this list is limited to companies who operate in the United States - although many operate globally.
Monitor Your Remote Sites with General-Purpose Remotes as Physical Alarm Collectors [Thursday, August 19th, 2021]
In contrast to integrated monitoring, you can choose to install a physical alarm collector that is a general-purpose remote. That is, it's not produced by or aligned with any other manufacturer. It's built by a dedicated team to be the best possible monitoring device you can buy.
RTU Temperature Sensor Evolution & 2021 Buying Guide [Wednesday, August 4th, 2021]
There's no more common sensor on our RTUs than temperature sensors. In fact, the majority of our builds have one built right on the board to give you a good ambient reading of the temperature in your site. I recently had an email exchange with a DPS client. He had questions about the specific architectures and I/O we use for measuring temperature. I think that conversation will be useful for you as you research your options for remote site temperature measurement.
How to Buy an HVAC Controller in 2021 [Friday, July 30th, 2021]
There was perhaps a time when you could shrug off moderate inefficiencies in your HVAC setup. Perhaps you'd use a simple thermostat that offered "good enough" performance. Maybe you would run your lead HVAC into the ground without rotating the lag unit into the lead role. You can't do that in 2021...
Monitor Your Digitize Prism LX via CAPS IV CAD Protocol [Friday, June 25th, 2021]
Do you monitor multiplex, telegraph (McCullough) codes, digital dialer, polling radio, or serial input alarm signals? If you do, you might well be doing it with the Digitize System 3505 Prism LX (or its predecessor). Learn how DPS improved our T/Mon master station to poll this new device via LAN instead of the serial method of the older model.
Telecom Hut Monitoring: How to Choose and Buy an RTU [Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021]
You have telecom huts to monitor in order to keep your service online. Each of those remote buildings contains thousands (or perhaps millions) of dollars of your valuable telecommunications equipment. Companies and government agencies frequently call me and ask what RTU they need. Here are the key steps you should follow...
Network Management Software Buyer's Guide [Monday, June 21st, 2021]
Any good network management software will put your alarm events on a list display. The best software will have other intuitive views, like geographic maps or logical network diagrams. Let's take a look at the key components you need to consider before making a purchase decision for your company.
How to Remotely Monitor & Control Conductive Concrete (Snow Melt) at Bus Stops [Friday, June 11th, 2021]
What a trip! I just recently returned from a two-week-long romp to perform field trials for two DPS clients, both in the public-transit space: one large metro railway and one transit bus operator. After the first segment ended, I spent 5 more days in an urban center in America's heartland. The goal? Monitor and remotely control snow-melt systems at downtown bus stops.
Choose Battery Sensors that Won't Short-Circuit Your Battery Posts [Thursday, June 10th, 2021]
Let's take a look at the typical causes of battery shorting, the risk of downtime/fires/explosions, and what we can do from a design perspective to minimize risk...
How DPS Maps Radio Strength in Railroads and Subways [Friday, June 4th, 2021]
For this project, the goal was to map the radio strength across a major rail network. This included both below-ground and above-ground sections.
Buying Remote Monitoring? Why In-Person Engineering Visits Matter [Monday, May 17th, 2021]
It's expensive for sales engineers to sit in airports, on planes, and in cars. In the Internet Age, you can have a video chat that closely mimics an in-person visit. Unfortunately, there's really no substitute for having an engineer come out to your site for an in-person visit. Learn about the 5 important benefits you'll get from a vendor site visit.
How to Monitor Your Generator Propane Tanks at Telecommunications Sites [Monday, April 12th, 2021]
"Don't I have to drain my propane tank to install a sensor for monitoring?" In most cases, you actually don't. Let's talk about propane monitoring for mission-critical business & government facilities.
How to Monitor Your Telecom Batteries 7x24x365 [Sunday, March 28th, 2021]
Let's walk through the reasons for high-quality battery monitoring. We'll look at the the inherent difficulties. We'll also review one possible solution that walks the line between "ineffective" and "too expensive to justify"...
Top 6 Network Monitoring Tips and Tricks [Tuesday, March 16th, 2021]
After buying a network monitoring device, setting it up properly makes a huge difference in how efficient your system will be. Learn some tips and tricks for an effective monitoring system.
Are Free Network Monitoring Master Stations Bad? [Monday, March 15th, 2021]
Everybody loves freebies, right? Of course, but sometimes free software that you can find online can be too good to be true. Network monitoring master stations are no different.
What to Consider When Selecting a Network Monitoring System [Thursday, March 11th, 2021]
In this article, we'll look into the main considerations to keep in mind before you select a monitoring system for your network.
How to Manage Colocation Sites for Networks That Can't Move to Cloud [Tuesday, March 9th, 2021]
Learn how a remote monitoring system will allow you to keep an eye on your colocation sites from whatever you are.
How to Monitor Physical Threats in Your Data Center [Thursday, March 4th, 2021]
Learn how physical threats in your data center can be mitigated by monitoring strategies.
Top 6 Features Your Network Monitoring Software Should Have [Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021]
There are many monitoring software options in the market. But you need to look for all the must-have functionality that will help you achieve your business goals.
Efficient Remote Monitoring Solution For HVACR Systems [Thursday, February 25th, 2021]
Learn how commercial businesses can reduce energy consumption and increase network efficiency while deploying a reliable, cost-efficient HVACR monitoring solution.
How to Improve Genset Availability with Battery Monitoring [Wednesday, February 24th, 2021]
If your batteries can't start your Genset when a commercial power failure happens, then you'll be looking at expensive downtime. Learn how that can be avoided with a monitoring system.
Stop Network Outages Before They Happen [Monday, February 22nd, 2021]
Let's talk about how network alarm monitoring is a necessary tool to efficiently prevent outages and enhance your network performance.
How to Optimize Your Network Data Collection with SCADA [Friday, February 19th, 2021]
SCADA systems give you reliable remote site information that will ultimately improve your bottom line. Learn how to optimize your data collection with efficient SCADA elements.
UPS SNMP Monitoring [Wednesday, February 17th, 2021]
UPS SNMP monitoring is crucial for proactive maintenance, reliable uptime, and upgrading your power system to handle extended outages. Learn how you can manage your batteries with SNMP.
How to Manage Multiple Remote Networks [Friday, February 12th, 2021]
Managing multiple remote sites across a large area is a challenge. But, one you can overcome when you are able to remote monitor and control your network. Learn how to achieve this visibility.
How DPS Monitoring Solution Maximizes Propane Vaporization for Generators [Wednesday, February 10th, 2021]
Learn how RTUs can help remotely monitor and maintain an equal amount of propane in all your tanks, facilitating vaporization.
How DPS Improved the Radio System Reliability of a Law Enforcement Agency [Tuesday, February 9th, 2021]
Learn how DPS designed a monitoring system that allowed a law enforcement agency to improve their radio system reliability.
How to Transition From RMAC Monitoring Devices [Friday, February 5th, 2021]
Learn what you can make to have a smooth migration from RMAC devices and which RTU to invest in for this purpose.
Best Practices to UPS Monitoring and Control [Thursday, February 4th, 2021]
A UPS monitoring system will allow you to make sure your batteries are always available. But, your system needs to follow the industry's best practices to ensure reliability.
Vertical Farming: Remote Monitoring and Control Automation [Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021]
Learn how remote monitoring and control systems allow you to eliminate issues and enhance your vertical farming productivity.
How to Choose a Network Monitoring Tool [Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021]
Learn what to look for in a network monitoring device so you can choose between all the tools available in the market.
How DPS Solved a Snowmelt Problem [Wednesday, January 27th, 2021]
Investing in a snowmelt system can make or break your operations if you live in snowy/icy climates. However, as with any other piece of critical gear, monitoring its performance seems to always be an afterthought...
How to Monitor Your Standby Batteries [Tuesday, January 19th, 2021]
Learn the benefits of monitoring your standby batteries, what you should keep an eye on, and the difference that a competent battery monitoring device can make for your network.
Top 10 Key Features Of The Best Remote Power Controller [Monday, January 18th, 2021]
An efficient remote power controller allows you to remotely reboot your gear and reduce network downtime. Learn which features you should look for in a power controller.
How T/Mon SLIM Can Help You Monitor Your Small Network [Friday, January 15th, 2021]
T/Mon SLIM allows small networks to enjoy the benefits of a centralized alarm monitoring system. Learn how.
What Are The Benefits of DPS RTUs For Your Network [Thursday, January 14th, 2021]
There are many reasons why DPS RTUs are one of the best investments you can make. Let's take a look at some of the benefits our RTUs will provide for your network.
Monitor ASCO Power Meters With T/Mon [Wednesday, January 6th, 2021]
The T/Mon master station allows you to efficiently monitor your ASCO power meters. Learn how to set up and configure your meters on the T/Mon.
What To Do When Your Remote Monitoring System Fails? [Tuesday, January 5th, 2021]
What to do when your monitoring system fails? Leaving the security of your network to chance is not a possibility. There's a solution to avoid flying blind if your monitoring devices fail.
How To Set Up The Cisco Transport Controller Module in T/Mon [Wednesday, December 16th, 2020]
In this article, you'll learn how to monitor a Cisco Transport Controller (and other similar Cisco equipment) using a T/Mon device module.
How T/Mon Helps You Replace Your Old RTUs [Monday, December 14th, 2020]
With the T/Mon master station, you can replace your old RTUs in a cost-effective way. Learn how.
How to Create SNMP Device Module on T/Mon [Wednesday, December 9th, 2020]
If you have an SNMP device, monitoring it with the T/Mon can be easily done - all you need to do is create an SNMP device module. Learn how to do it.
How To Choose an RTU For Your Enclosure Site [Monday, December 7th, 2020]
Finding the perfect RTU for monitoring your enclosure sites shouldn't be a gamble. Learn to assess your network monitoring needs and review all the criteria to consider when shopping for an RTU.
Why You Should Add Network Monitoring to Your 2021 Budget [Thursday, December 3rd, 2020]
Including network monitoring in your 2021 budget is more important than ever. Learn why.
How to Wire and Configure Current Sensors [Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020]
If you have one of our NetGuardian RTUs, you can configure sensors to be able to monitor current. Learn how to properly wire and configure current sensors using your NetGuardian.
How Remote Auto-Dialers Notifies Issues In Your Network [Monday, November 30th, 2020]
Auto-dialers can be efficient monitoring devices. Learn how to choose the best one for your network.
How Surge Suppressors Protect Your Equipment From Damage [Tuesday, November 24th, 2020]
It's almost impossible to avoid power surges, but surge suppression can ease their impact on your network. Learn how surge suppressors can protect your investment in monitoring solutions.
How to Install The 10 Most Important Sensor Types [Thursday, November 19th, 2020]
Knowing how to set up sensors for the first time is the first step to achieve monitoring efficiency. Learn how to install and configure the 10 most important sensor types.
How To Send Contact Closures Over Ethernet [Tuesday, November 17th, 2020]
Learn how RTUs allow the transmission of digital contact closures to a remote point using Ethernet.
How to Power Cycle Your NetGuardian 832A on Ping Alarm [Wednesday, November 11th, 2020]
Learn how to configure your RTU so it will power cycle every 30 minutes when a failed ping attempt happens.
The Top 10 Features Of An Efficient Outside Plant RTU [Tuesday, November 10th, 2020]
If your company has outside plant sites, then choosing an efficient RTU is critical to maintaining network uptime. Learn the 10 most important features of outside plant RTUs.
The T/Mon LNX ASCII Processor [Wednesday, November 4th, 2020]
If you have an ASCII network and are planning to deploy the T/Mon, or need to know if T/Mon is a good option for you, read on and learn how you can set up the T/Mon ASCII processor.
How to Configure T/Mon Event Forwarding via SNMP [Monday, November 2nd, 2020]
The T/Mon is a popular choice of a remote monitoring master station in SNMP networks. One of the first steps when using T/Mon is to configure Event Forwarding via SNMP. Learn how you can do this.
How to Set Up Server Shutdown on a NetGuardian 832A G5 RTU [Tuesday, October 27th, 2020]
Learn how to configure the Server Shutdown feature on your NetGuardian 832A G5 RTU.
How to Use SNMP Get Requests for Analogs [Monday, October 26th, 2020]
Learn the step-by-step on how you can use SNMP Get Requests to capture analogs in the T/Mon.
How To Protect Your Gear At Mountaintop Sites [Thursday, October 22nd, 2020]
Learn how network alarm monitoring can play an important role in protecting equipment located at mountaintop remote sites.
What Efficient Network Monitoring Alerts Should Look Like [Tuesday, October 20th, 2020]
Your remote monitoring system is not effective if it can't give you actionable alerts. Learn what an efficient alert is and what it isn't.
How to Remote Monitor Your Physical Server Network [Monday, October 19th, 2020]
Learn how an efficient remote monitoring system can keep your servers up and running at all times.
Is Your Remote Monitoring Data Safe? [Friday, October 16th, 2020]
Monitoring systems collect real-time information and allow you to remotely control equipment. It's vital that you keep it safe from ill-intended people.
The Basics of Pinging Network Elements [Wednesday, October 14th, 2020]
If a network device has been silent for a long time, it's critical to check on its status. That's where pinging network elements come into play.
Top 10 Features That Modern SCADA Systems Have [Tuesday, October 13th, 2020]
If you're planning to deploy a SCADA system, you want to get the most out of your investment. For that, it's critical to know which features to look for in order to get an efficient SCADA system.
The Basics of Battery Temperature Monitoring [Friday, October 2nd, 2020]
Your backup battery may be the difference between the uptime of your network and costly downtime. So having a system that can monitor the temperature inside your batteries is critical.
Top 6 Features Of An Efficient Cold Chain Monitoring System [Tuesday, September 29th, 2020]
Learn the top six features an efficient cold chain monitoring system should have.
We Answered The Top 10 Questions About Remote Monitoring [Friday, September 25th, 2020]
Take a look at the answers for the most frequently asked questions about remote monitoring systems.
How To Implement SNMP Monitoring [Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020]
Learn the industry's best practices when it comes to implementing SNMP monitoring.
Why You Should Replace Legacy Monitoring Devices [Wednesday, September 16th, 2020]
Network issues due to legacy monitoring devices are bound to happen. But many companies still keep their outdated gear. Learn why you should replace your legacy monitoring system.
How To Monitor The Temperature In Your Server Room [Tuesday, September 15th, 2020]
Find out how you can properly keep tabs on the temperature in your server room with a competent remote monitoring system.
Why Invest In Remote Monitoring Solutions From DPS? [Friday, September 11th, 2020]
Are you evaluating your options for remote monitoring systems providers? Learn why DPS monitoring solutions will be a valuable investment to your network.
How Does Network Visibility Prevent Network Outages? [Thursday, September 10th, 2020]
Efficient monitoring systems that provide visibility over remote networks are critical to prevent outages. Learn how network visibility avoids network outages.
How Does T/Mon Allow You To Quickly Respond To Alarms? [Thursday, September 3rd, 2020]
T/Mon is a central master station with powerful alarming features that let you quickly acknowledge and respond to issues in your remote network. Learn some of the T/Mon's features and alarming best practices.
Avoid Using Insecure Communication Protocols [Tuesday, September 1st, 2020]
Insecure protocols, like Telnet and SNMPv1/v2c, allow hackers to easily have access to your data. Learn to recognize the dangers of insecure communication protocols in your network, and what to do to protect your information.
Can a SCADA System Optimize Solar PV Plants? [Thursday, August 27th, 2020]
If you have solar plants, you know that monitoring the amount of energy produced is a must. That's where a SCADA system comes in. Learn how a SCADA system can optimize your solar PV plants.
How SCADA Systems Help The Pharmaceutical Industry [Monday, August 24th, 2020]
Learn how SCADA systems can a valuable resource for the pharmaceutical industry.
How to Setup Your NetGuardian Using Your Phone [Thursday, August 20th, 2020]
Learn the step-by-step on how you can set up your NetGuardian RTU for the first time through your phone.
Top 8 Mistakes To Avoid When Planning Your SCADA System [Tuesday, August 18th, 2020]
SCADA systems can improve your network's level of reliability, performance, and security. Learn what to avoid when planning your SCADA deployment so you can have an efficient system.
Top 6 Ways Remote Monitoring Systems Can Prevent Data Loss [Friday, August 14th, 2020]
Data loss is a serious issue to all organizations. But, the remote monitoring systems have important capabilities to help you protect your information.
Working From Home During COVID-19: How to Monitor Alarms [Tuesday, August 11th, 2020]
Many companies need to adapt to the measures being taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have a mission-critical network, you need to ensure that your techs are able to efficiently monitor alarms from home.
SCADA Transmission: Radio Vs Cellular [Thursday, August 6th, 2020]
There are many ways that data can be transmitted in a SCADA system. Two common methods are radio and cellular communications. Learn their pros and cons.
How Monitoring Systems Improve Airplane Safety [Tuesday, August 4th, 2020]
Remote monitoring airplanes can guarantee aircraft engine integrity and, ultimately, the safety of passengers. Learn how this is possible.
How Monitoring Systems Help Optimize Electrical Distribution [Thursday, July 30th, 2020]
Electrical distribution networks can be optimized with an efficient remote monitoring and control system. Learn how monitoring systems help utility companies.
SCADA Systems: Pros and Cons For The Oil Industry [Tuesday, July 28th, 2020]
If you work in the oil and gas industry, SCADA can be valuable to you. But, before jumping to a purchase, you need to know the pros and cons of SCADA systems.
How to Troubleshoot Your SCADA System [Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020]
The uptime for any kind of system won't be always at 100%. So, it's critical to know how to troubleshoot your SCADA system. Learn some ways to locate and solve your SCADA system problems.
What is a SNMP GetBulk Request? [Monday, July 20th, 2020]
All the SNMP versions support Get, GetNext and Set. However, an additional message type called GetBulk is also supported in earlier SNMP versions. Learn what GetBulk is and how it works.
How IoT Makes Your Remote Monitoring System More Efficient [Friday, July 17th, 2020]
Let's talk about how IoT can help you enhance your remote monitoring system performance.
InterMapper: Review Your RTU Options [Tuesday, July 14th, 2020]
Are you planning to use InterMapper? If so, RTUs can be valuable to your remote monitoring. Review your RTUs options and make an informed decision.
Remote Monitoring Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) [Wednesday, July 8th, 2020]
With in-depth insights about your VSWR, you can protect the strength of your infrastructure's connectivity. Learn the basics of remote monitoring VSWR.
SNMP Vs NetFlow [Monday, July 6th, 2020]
SNMP and NetFlow offer different ways to monitor your network traffic. But, between these two protocols, which is better?
DNP3 Vs Modbus [Friday, July 3rd, 2020]
In a SCADA system, protocols allow devices to communicate. Two of the most common protocols are DNP3 and Modbus. Take a look at both of them and compare their functionality.
What is RMON? [Tuesday, June 30th, 2020]
A common network management tool is SNMP along with RMON. In order to properly use these tools to optimize your network performance, you first need to know their nuts and bolts.
Why Use SCADA For Irrigation Systems [Thursday, June 25th, 2020]
If you have an irrigation system, a SCADA network can save you from headaches, lost revenue, and broken equipment. But that's not all. Learn how your irrigation system can benefit from SCADA.
Why You Need a Customized SCADA System [Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020]
Different from off-the-shelf options, custom SCADA systems address unique needs. Take a look at some benefits you can get from investing in a customized SCADA solution.
What Is SCADA Protocol And Communication Transport? [Thursday, June 18th, 2020]
SCADA system operations rely on the real-time exchange of data between all its components. So, it's critical that you understand the fundamentals of SCADA protocols and communication transport methods.
How to Test Your NetGuardian [Wednesday, June 17th, 2020]
Setting up your equipment correctly is a critical step in monitoring your network. if your equipment works, but is misconfigured, it's only as good as a paperweight. In this article I'll cover a handful of different ways to test some of the features on your NetGuardian, so you can make sure you have it configured correctly.
Differences Between SNMP and Syslog [Tuesday, June 16th, 2020]
SNMP and Syslog are used for remote network monitoring, but they use different functionalities. Learning about both protocols can help you decide which makes more sense for your application.
How to Clean The Fans In Your Monitoring Master Station [Thursday, June 11th, 2020]
Regular cleaning of the fans in your monitoring master station hardware is a must to make sure that it will continue to function optimally. Learn how you can clean the fans in your T/Mon.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a SCADA System [Tuesday, June 9th, 2020]
It's vital to remember all the important aspects of SCADA systems during your planning stage. Keep in mind these ten key-points in order to optimize your long-term SCADA strategy.
Why You Should Analyze Your Alarm Data [Friday, June 5th, 2020]
Do you have a SCADA system and are trying to determine the root cause of issues with your processes or are trying to improve your network productivity? Then comparing your alarms over time can be really revealing.
How to Configure NetGuardian Notifications (Part II) [Friday, June 5th, 2020]
One of the most powerful and necessary functions in network monitoring is the sending of notifications. These will alert you when a condition changes, or when a threshold is reached. This in turn allows you to respond to the change quickly and effectively, as the notification will inform you which alarm has gone active.
How To Configure NetGuardian Analogs in T/Mon [Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020]
Sensors allow us to monitor things beyond simple binary on-off events. Events such as temperature, humidity, airflow, etc. that the T/Mon can then process and provide trend graphs over time.
