Modern telecommunications networks, both large and small, invest in SNMP, or simple network monitoring protocol, effectively streamlining what was once an arduous, time-consuming - and expensive - process. Using SNMP, companies can monitor each of their widespread physical locations in real-time. This helps generate remarkable cost savings through preventative and appropriate maintenance and repair responses aimed at achieving 100% uptime.

Although SNMP devices do streamline alarm monitoring, without the right tools, implementing the protocol may not be simple. The revenue-generating equipment and remote terminal units (RTUs) installed across a telecommunications network are unlikely to be uniform. Made by different manufacturers, in different decades, they speak a variety of languages.

SNMP network monitoring tools allow companies to translate these various "languages" or protocols and gather all the critical information into a single user interface. Department managers are able to see their entire network in the same place, even remote unmanned sites. Managers can then allocate maintenance and repair resources where they'll be most effective. These tools can prevent up to tens of millions of dollars in asset damage, network outages, and service-license agreement penalties. The cost savings alone makes a strong case for implementing effective SNMP monitoring.

These tools can prevent up to tens of millions of dollars in asset damage, network outages, and service-license agreement penalties.

Types of SNMP Network Monitoring Tools

There are a number of SNMP tools used to monitor telecommunications networks. Some of the primary tools include Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Master Stations, and SNMP Monitoring Software. Let's consider the importance of each of these SNMP network monitoring tools.

Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)

Remote terminal units, or RTUs, are small monitoring devices installed on location at telecommunications towers and other sites across the network. These devices collect data from a series of analog and digital sensors. RTUs gather information such as temperature, generator, water, fuel, or battery levels. Then, RTUs transmit the data to a more centralized location where your SNMP manager is installed.

Ideally, all the RTUs in a network will communicate using SNMP. However, it's rare to find a network which doesn't have at least some RTUs speaking a different language. This is usually because they were installed prior to SNMP implementation. Rather than upgrade each outdated RTU or install external SNMP translators at every site, you can use a master station which automatically converts other languages into SNMP.

Rather than upgrade each outdated RTU or install external SNMP translators at every site, you can use a master station which automatically converts other languages into SNMP.

There are too many different types of RTUs to recommend a one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find RTUs for your network is to create a list of site-specific requirements. Then choose the right selection of RTUs that match your needs. It's important to pay attention to qualities like the number of discretes and analogs, which should help you include all of the alarm conditions you wish to monitor.

In addition, pay attention to the transport method your RTUs use. Most rely entirely on LAN and some on fiber in situations where a site is on a fiber ring. Older technologies include serial or dial-up. While, cellular is becoming more common, as well as satellite for highly remote sites out of cellular range.

There are a few key benefits of RTUs, including their ability to:

• Report critical alarms for your system's seamless processing.
• Be built-to-order with dual network interface cards (NICs) to connect to multiple networks.
• Be designed specifically to suit your application. Includes an option for Small Site RTUs for smaller capacity sites needing fewer inputs and outputs.

Master Station

A Master Station collects data from numerous RTUs for display or transmission to a top-level SNMP manager. This integrated, centralized multi-protocol alarm master supports both SNMP and other non-SNMP RTUs. It displays data from multiple sources all on one screen.

Telecommunications companies benefit in many ways from using a multi-protocol master station whenever their network requires it. These master stations:

• Unify disparate inputs, allowing managers to make decisions by looking at their entire network via a single display.
• Prolong the working lifespan of legacy equipment by integrating it successfully with newer SNMP hardware.
• Allow companies to phase in legacy upgrades over several quarters, or even years, depending on the scale. This spreads the expense out across multiple budget cycles, without destroying your budget.

SNMP Monitoring Software

SNMP provides multi-protocol support for monitoring devices across your network. In addition, SNMP monitoring software offers several impressive benefits for companies: It can:

• Help you with critical alarm sorting and analysis.
• Send test traps to alert of system changes or problems for quicker response time.
• Read Management Information Base (MIBs) which contain a hierarchical list of SNMP parameters in a convenient "tree" format. Acts as a temporary SNMP manager to help you diagnose problems with incoming traps from your devices.

Each stage of remote monitoring is essential for telecommunications companies seeking to manage widespread infrastructure. RTUs keep an eye on remote unmanned locations, recording and transmitting alarm data. While master stations collect and synthesize data from many RTUs to one or more computers. This enables multi-user and multi-location access to centralized data. Finally, with SNMP monitoring software, you'll be able to better understand and actively manage alerts through automated, alarm processing.

Why Implement SNMP?

SNMP software and tools offer a valuable method of collecting and organizing details concerning your network devices. Selecting tools that support the various moving parts of your system - including different protocols and software is crucial. Because SNMP has become an industry standard, you can't really avoid working with it. So, you need to choose the best SNMP equipment possible.

Solid SNMP offerings will help you make proactive decisions regarding maintenance and repair to keep you free of costly mistakes like equipment failure, network outages, and SLA penalties.

Also, solid SNMP offerings will help you make proactive decisions regarding maintenance and repair to keep you free of costly mistakes like equipment failure, network outages, and SLA penalties. That's why finding the right SNMP network monitoring tools for your operation comes down to choosing a proven industry leader you can trust.

At DPS Telecom, we've been producing SNMP network monitoring tools for telecommunications companies since the beginning of SNMP. Our knowledgeable staff of experts will gladly work with you to find the appropriate remote monitoring equipment for your needs. To learn more, get a quote today.

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