GPRS PLUS is the ideal solution when it is necessary to integrate field devices without physical interface and / or firmware into modern remote control centers, able to use the technologies made available by mobile telephone networks, replacing obsolete media (ex. dedicated lines) and making out-dated RTUs and PLCs ready for smart cities.
Advantages of a continuous connection
Continuous connection offers the following advantages:
➔ avoids delay in notification of alarms / anomalies;
➔ simplifies the exchange of data for storing statistical values and for the timely identification of inefficiencies in the operation of the telecontrolled network.
The evolution of modern remote control systems causes a continuous growth of the need to have connections of this type. A permanent connection tends to be more expensive, but the cost of this solution is constantly contracting. On the other hand, the continuous reduction of investment necessary for the supply and installation of a remote station implies a considerable increase of the RTU park connected to a modern remote control system (if once a system with some tens of RTUs was considered relevant, today the same system counts hundreds of RTUs), with a consequent meaning in the significance of optimizing communication costs.
Available solutions
Available “permanent” connections are various:
➔ Radio (installation cost, limited possibility of geographical network expansion)
➔ ADSL (limited availability, time of request)
➔ Satellite (cost, environmental impact antenna)
➔ GPRS
ID&A-GPRS solution: System architecture
Solution for remote control on GPRS network proposed by ID&A provides the use of commercial GPRS modems on the peripheral side, equipped with a specialized firmware. This allows the connection also to RTUs not prepared for GPRS and the use of standard SIM (public IP).
Summary
ID&A-GPRS solution is:
| ECONOMIC: (less than 5 Euro/month for every RTU) |
| EFFICIENT: (Updated every minute – regardless number of RTU) |
| RELIABLE: (connection is always ready and won’t be influenced by traffic peaks like GSM) |
| VERSATILE: (every device with RS 232 port can be connected) |