Wireless SCADA Solutions
Many municipalities are electing to replace traditional phone line communications with wireless communications systems. There are a variety of reasons for this change including cost savings, reliability, greater versatility, and faster speeds. ACS offers options to municipalities looking to improve their SCADA communications and operations.
Radio Communications
ACS installs both licensed and unlicensed radio communications systems. A licensed system communicates via a radio frequency that is registered with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) which guarantees exclusive rights to a frequency in a given area. A frequency license can be obtained through ACS. Unlicensed systems are also available and typically they are 900 MHz spread spectrum. Communications over radio are up to ten times faster than phone lines which allows for greater versatility. A radio communications system consists of radios mounted inside RTU panels at each site with antennas to transmit the data. Two antenna types are a yagi directional antenna which transmits data in a specific direction and a low profile omni-directional antenna which transmits data at 360 degrees.
- System Pays for Itself Over an Average of 6 Years.
- Speeds 10 Times Faster Than Conventional Leased Phone Lines Which Allows Greater Versatility.
- More Ease and Reliability with Less Data Fails and Maintenance.
- Less Downtime for Service.
- Eliminate the Rising Costs of the Phone Company.
- Affordable Viability Survey Available with Full Report.
- Licensed or Unlicensed Systems Available.
- Helps Reduce the Cost of Telephone Lines.
Cellular Communications
Another wireless option is a cellular communications network. This network is more cost effective and reliable. It also utilizes technology and a network infrastructure that is relied upon by both individuals and public safety entities such as police and fire departments. A cellular communications system consists of a cellular modem mounted in the RTU enclosure and a small unobtrusive antenna that sends the signal to the cellular network. The signal is then received by the master, similar to how a text message is sent and received.