If you’re setting-up or upgrading a private wireless network with remote tower sites, incorporating a Smart DC Power Distribution panel is a smart call. Smart DC Distribution Panels provide you with remote monitoring and control over your DC-powered devices. This feature is unique to the ICT range supplied by Helios, and can help you:
In this article, we’ll look at the popularity of private wireless networks, the challenge of maintaining those networks and how Smart DC Power Distribution Panels provide an answer to those challenges.
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Automation and the rise of Critical Wireless Networks
Reliable communications has always been important for large-scale operations, but as we move towards industry 4.0 and industrial automation, access to reliable wireless voice and data communication is becoming a non-negotiable.Public networks might be great for just that: the public, but for business with critical operations they can fall short in a number of areas. They don’t always offer the remote coverage, security or reliability required. The answer for an increasing number of businesses is to design in their own private network, which they control.The kinds of businesses investing in private wireless networks today include mining operations, emergency services, utilities, factories, warehouses, ports, airports, and anywhere reliable voice or data communications are critical.The challenge with maintaining critical wireless networks
Wireless communication networks – whether fixed wireless, mobile wireless , LTE/4G/5G or wireline – all require a range of network devices to operate effectively at multiple sites, often in remote locations.If a device such as a microwave radio, routers or a network switch locks up because a power surge or mains failure , parts of the network can go down. The fix might be as simple as doing a power cycle on the component, traditionally requires a technician to visit a remote network tower site and diagnose the problem.For remote sites this can mean helicopter rides or long drives. All to find out the problem was as simple as doing a power-cycle (basically, turning it on and off again), or the technician doesn’t have what’s needed on-hand to fix the issue, and needs to make an expensive and time-consuming return trip.In the meantime, your network (and your operation) is either down or relying on a finite backup DC power supply.Monitor and Control Remotely with Smart DC Power Distribution Panels
The DC Distribution Panels are an important part of a communications site design. They allow you to connect to a DC power supply and distribute that power to multiple devices. However, that’s where they stop.Smart DC Distribution Panels, like those provided by Helios, take your design to a new level. These panels plug into a TCP/IP ethernet connection to provide remote monitoring and control. Yes the NOC team can carry out the initial troubleshooting in the office looking at real time information and controlling the loads connected to Smart Distribution Panels.With the right Smart DC power solution you can:
Turning an electronic device off and on. Power cycling can be done manually by pressing the on/off button or remotely via the network. By doing remotely you free up technical resources therefore decreasing operational expenditure.
The IP/Ping WatchDog function replaces a human who would have to travel several km (or hours) to the site just to flip the power switch off and on. With the “IP WatchDog”, the device is power-cycled without human intervention. Often, end users don’t even notice that something was not working.
Shed-non critical loads to preserve back-up battery in order to prolong power to priority loads.
Monitoring and alarm reporting of each output for pinpointing of issues with connected loads. Alarms can be sent to multiple email accounts.
Popular Range of Smart DC Distribution Panels
Essential, the smart panels keep your finger on the pulse of your network anywhere, anytime. You can monitor and control from your computer or smartphone using a standard browser. There is no special software required.By monitoring and controlling DC power loads remotely you are able to deal with many problems faster, and with little to no extra cost or downtime. Additionally, you can focus your resources and people towards real issues that require attention (rather than performing simple power-cycles). The result is a more robust, more cost-efficient wireless network that you can trust with mission-critical operations.Helios provide a wide-range of ICT Smart DC Distribution Panels , and we can help you find the one that fits your needs. We can also make a number of customisations if you require them. Check out our brochure of custom-made DC Distribution panels and find out what can be done when you have the right products and technical expertise in DC Power Conversion Solutions. DC Power Systems with integrated Smart DC Distribution are also available in case you have space limitations and a small amount of loads.
DC Power Systems with Integrated Smart Distribution
For technical support about our off the shelf products and customised power conversion solutions, get in touch today.
