Guardian Manual 001-5006-000 Rev 0
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2
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE AND NETWORK PLANNING
This section briefly discusses network architecture (including basic network types),
interfacing modems and DTE, data protocols for efficient channel operation, addressing, and
repeaters.
Guardian is designed to replace wire lines in SCADA, telemetry and control applications. The RS-232 serial port
allows direct connection to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). A SCADA
system is defined as one or more centralized control sites used to monitor and control remote field devices over
wide areas. For example, a regional utility may monitor and control networks over an entire metropolitan area.
Industry sectors with SCADA systems include energy utilities, water and wastewater utilities, and environmental
groups.
The Guardian is intended for use in the Industrial Monitoring and SCADA market. The range of the Guardian is
dependent on terrain, RF (radio frequency) path obstacles, and antenna system design. This section provides tips
for selecting an appropriate site, choosing an antenna system, and reducing the chance of harmful interference.
2.1
SINGLE COVERAGE AREA
In a network topology with only a single coverage area (all units can talk to one another directly), there are several
common system configurations.
The most common is for one unit to be designated as a master and the rest designated as remotes. Another
system configuration is Report-by-Exception.
2.2
NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
2.2.1
POINT-TO-POINT
A point-to-point network is the most simple of all networks, and may be used for connecting a pair of PC's, a host
computer and a terminal, a SCADA polling master and one remote, or a wide variety of other networking
applications.
Figure 2-1 – Point-to-Point Network
