NetGuardian

The NetGuardian line from DPS Telecom are Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) that specialize in collecting and delivering alarm inputs from connected devices to manager (or "master") devices. Such alarm transmissions are typically delivered to SNMP-based managers and/or the vendor's own TMon Remote Alarm Monitoring System. NetGuardians that support SNMP deliveries can do so to up to two SNMP managers simultaneously, with support for v1 and v2c traps and v2c informs.

NetGuardians support the collection and reporting of multiple types of alarm inputs, including Discrete (yes/no, on/off) alarms, such as breaches of secure doors, the operating status of critical gear, and major environmental alarms such as flood or fire; Analog alarms, with the ability to test a range of values (such as temperature thresholds), and ping alarms. Additionally, the units include serial ports facilitating remote access/control of serial-accessible network devices such as switches or PBXs. Most units can be managed over the LAN via a Windows-based utility, and several additionally include a multi-port, built-in 10BaseT Ethernet hub for connectivity to and communications with LAN gear.

Multiple NetGuardians are offered by the vendor, each with their own collection of features and support for various alarm types, communication transports, and notification mechanisms. Currently available in the product line are:

- NetGuardian E16: A stand-alone RTU with support for 16 control relays and 16 discrete alarm inputs. The E16 includes a single DB9 port and a 10BaseT Ethernet port; as well as an RJ45-based RS-232 port. Unlike the other NetGuardians, the E16 delivers alarms only via DCPx (not SNMP).

- NetGuardian LT: With support for 2 or 4 discrete alarm inputs, in addition to an integrated analog temperature sensor and an optional external analog temperature sensor.

- NetGuardian 216/216T: With support for 16 discrete alarms (expandable to 160 in the 216T), 2/7 analog alarms, 2 control relays, and 32 ping alarms (216T). The 216 delivers alarms via SNMP/DCP, with the 216T adding the ability to deliver direct E-mail notifications (or pager notifications via E-mail). Both support LAN (single 10BaseT in the 216, 7 10BaseT ports in the 216T) and serial communications; with the 216T additionally boasting support for a T1/Frame Relay connection. A 216T upgrade is also available that adds 4 serial ports to the device, facilitating remote configuration/access to serially-controlled devices.

- NetGuardian 216F: The newest RTU in the product line. The 216F features 16 discrete alarms, 8 analog inputs, and a pair of control relays. A 7 port Ethernet switch is built in, as is Fiber connectivity via a 1000BaseT SFP interface.

- NetGuardian 480: With 80 discrete alarm inputs (no analog), 4 control relays, and a serial port. The 480 delivers alarm notifications via TL1, SNMP, or DCP; but does not support direct E-mail notifications.

- NetGuardian 16S: 32 discrete alarm inputs (expandable to 176), 8 analog, 8 controls, and 32 ping alarms. The primary distinction in the 16S is the addition of 16 serial ports (RJ45 RS-232) for terminal server operation, as well as a pair of discrete NICs.

- NetGuardian 832A G4/G5: 32 discrete alarm inputs (expandable to 176 via the attachment of up to three 48-point DX Expansion Units), 8 analog, 8 controls, 32 ping alarms, and 8 serial ports. This model also boasts a pair of discrete NICs, as well as RoHS 5 certification. (RoHS certification is also listed as supported in the 480 and 216). The G5 version of the 832A adds support for SNMPv3 and also supports a wireless option (GSM/CDMA).

- NetGuardian 864A: Similar to the 832A but with double the alarm points (64, expandable to 256 via the addition of up to three DX 64 expansion units). The 864A additionally increases the RAM and flash memory of the device, a move that the vendor states additionally enable it to accommodate features including SNMPv3 support.

Note that not all described features may be available in all described models. Visit the DPS Telecom Web site for further details.