Service Node
Communications Maintenance and Installation tool for GPRS/UMTS M2M Deployments
The ETM Service Node is an application designed to enhance communications reliability or operate as a data retrieval system for M2M applications using GSM/GPRS/UMTS technologies.
The key functions of service node are;
- Confirmation of correct installation
- Monitoring Communication Status and reporting by exception
- Re-configuring units in the field “over the air”
- Data retrieval/forwarding
User Interface & Reports
Users can access the system through the Remote Device Manager’s web interface, with each user having a unique username and password. There are two levels of users. Normal users, that use the system as a tool to attain information relating to overall communications status, or details of specifi c remote units as required. Administrators, that have the right to defi ne; new remote units, confi guration settings and parameters.
In addition to the Web interface the users can have specifi c reports provided by email/FTP which summarise overall performance and/or provide details relating to units which have unsatisfactory communications status.
The communications integrity of each unit is continuously monitored using data sent to the Service Node. If a unit has issue such as poor signal strength, the problem may be attended to during a planned service visit, thereby avoiding critical data being lost. GPRS allows this functionality to operate effectively by enabling frequent (up to once per hour) transmission of communications integrity data to the Service Node cost effectively.
Installation - At installation Service Node can load the correct configuration and confirm adequate signal strength
Re-configuration - Should remote units require reconfiguration Service Node can send and confirm re-configuration of nominated remote units
Monitoring - Service Node monitors the communications status of remote units and provides; condition and exception reports, plus alarms and repair suggestions
Data Retrieval/Forwarding - The service node can act as a data retrieval service, receiving data from the remote units and forwarding (using FTP) the data to a designated IP address.
Communications Methods
The service node supports several ways of communicating with the remote units, where the most cost-efficient method is used for each particular task.
- TCP/IP
- UDP/IP
- GSM data call
- SMS
Terminal
The service node can be applied to many GPRS &/or UMTS devices however, we recommend the ETM9570/9580 or ETM9910/9920 terminal.
The ETM9570/9580 or ETM9910/9920 terminals are able to “push” data to multiple IP addresses allowing one path for data and another to be directed to the service node to allow for the flow of communications integrity information.
SIM
Ideally any SIM utlised would be provisioned for SMS, CSD and IP communications. A SIM residing within a VPN with a fixed IP address provides the greatest fl exibility in relation to two way communications which is required to allow for reconfi guration. Note that reconfi guration can be achieved without a fi xed IP SIM by updating the unit once the terminal has delivered its data and the socket remains open.
Service Node Installation
The service node may be set up in a number of ways depending on the application. A VPN can be used but is not required and hardware may vary from a single server through to clusters of servers depending on redundancy and load balancing requirements.
ETM can host the Service Node or it can be installed within the clients infrastructure.
