Check out our White Paper Series!
A complete library of helpful advice and survival guides for every aspect of system monitoring and control.
1-800-693-0351
Have a specific question? Ask our team of expert engineers and get a specific answer!
Sign up for the next DPS Factory Training!
Whether you're new to our equipment or you've used it for years, DPS factory training is the best way to get more from your monitoring.
Reserve Your Seat TodayWhen evaluating remote monitoring systems, the choice often comes down to engineering philosophy. DPS Telecom's NetGuardian series emphasizes custom engineering, multi-protocol integration, and direct access to US-based engineers. The Schneider Electric SCADAPack x70 offers programmable automation controller capabilities, edge computing features, and integration within Schneider's EcoStruxure ecosystem.
At DPS Telecom, we've worked with over 1,500 organizations managing remote sites across telecom, utility, and transportation sectors. The right platform depends on whether you need tailored solutions with extensive protocol support or standardized industrial automation with edge computing capabilities.
The core hardware reveals platforms designed with distinct operational goals. Our NetGuardian 832A G6 delivers 32 discrete inputs, 8 analog inputs, 8 Form C control relays, and 8 RS-232 serial ports in a 1RU rack-mount chassis. This configuration suits telecommunications and utility environments with dense alarm-monitoring requirements. The Schneider SCADAPack 474 provides 20 digital inputs, 12 analog inputs (including 8 high-resolution 24-bit channels), and 12 digital outputs, optimizing for precision measurement and process control.
| Specification | DPS Telecom NetGuardian 832A G6 | Schneider SCADAPack 474/474i |
|---|---|---|
| Discrete/Digital Inputs | 32 (expandable to 176) | 20 (expandable via modules) |
| Analog Inputs | 8 (±92 VDC or 4-20 mA) | 12 (4 x 12-bit + 8 x 24-bit isolated) |
| Control Outputs | 8 Form C relays (60 VDC/120 VAC) | 12 Form A relays (2A @ 30 Vdc) |
| Serial Ports | 8 RS-232 + 1 RS-485 | 4 RS-232/RS-485 + 1 RS-232 modem port |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 (dual NIC, 10/100BaseT) | 4 (10/100 Mbps, 470i/474i models) |
| Operating Temp | -30°C to 70°C | -40°C to 70°C |
| Power Input | -48 VDC (-40 to -56 V); optional -24 VDC | 12-30 Vdc |
| Power Consumption | ~9.6 W (200 mA @ 48 V) | 6 W (474i model) |
| Form Factor | 1RU, 19"/23" rack-mount | DIN-rail or panel-mount, compact enclosure |
| MTBF | 60 years | Not published |
| Hazardous Area Rating | Not standard | Class I Div 2; ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 |
| NEBS Certification | Level 3 certified | Not applicable |
The SCADAPack x70 wins on low-temperature tolerance and carries hazardous area certifications (Class I Division 2, ATEX, and IECEx Zone 2) for oil and gas installations. Our NetGuardian counters with NEBS Level 3 certification, the telecommunications industry standard, a 60-year MTBF, and substantially more serial ports for connecting legacy field equipment. The native -48 VDC power input matches telecom site infrastructure without external converters, eliminating additional failure points.
Protocol breadth represents a key differentiator between these platforms, with each designed for different network environments. Our T/Mon alarm master station supports over 30 protocols simultaneously, including SNMP v1/v2c/v3, DNP3, Modbus (ASCII/RTU/TCP), TL1, E2A, TABS, TBOS, and legacy formats from manufacturers like Lucent, Nortel, NEC, and Pulsecom. This protocol mediation capability allows T/Mon to ingest alarms from diverse equipment types and present them in a unified view.
The SCADAPack x70 focuses on a modern protocol set optimized for industrial automation: DNP3 Level 4 with Secure Authentication v2, Modbus RTU/TCP, and IEC 60870-5-104 (telecontrol protocol for power system automation). The 470i/474i edge models add MQTT, Sparkplug B, OPC UA, and REST APIs through Node-RED for IoT and cloud integration.
Our integration philosophy centers on coexistence with existing infrastructure. Rather than offering only standardized off-the-shelf products, we work directly with clients to design custom-fit solutions. NetGuardian RTUs can serve as terminal servers, providing reach-through access to serial-only field devices over LAN. This approach can help extend the operational life of existing equipment. The SCADAPack x70 integrates within Schneider's EcoStruxure ecosystem, sharing IEC 61131-3 code with Modicon M340/M580 PLCs. Organizations already invested in Schneider infrastructure may benefit from this integration. Those running mixed-vendor environments may find our broader protocol support helpful.
Pricing transparency represents one of our strongest advantages. We publish clear pricing guidance: basic RTUs start around $700, mid-range units around $1,100, and fully customized deployments typically run $2,000-$5,000 per site. Schneider Electric does not publicly disclose SCADAPack x70 pricing, routing all sales through distributors. Secondary market data suggests individual SCADAPack 575 units list around $3,500.
The deeper cost story lies beyond hardware:
| Cost Factor | DPS Telecom | Schneider SCADAPack x70 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware (per unit) | $700-$5,000 | ~$1,500-$4,000+ (estimated) |
| Configuration Software | Free (web browser-based) | RemoteConnect (free download) |
| Custom Engineering (NRE) | $0 for qualifying orders (11+ units) | Not offered for hardware |
| Technical Support | Free for life, 24/7 emergency included | Regional; extended warranty 1-7% surcharge |
| Firmware Updates | Free for life | Included with active support |
| Training | Free factory training available | $350/person through distributors |
| Product Longevity | Units run 15-20+ years; models maintained | 300-series discontinued after ~15 years |
| Upgrade Credit | 30% trade-in on previous DPS units | None published |
| Trial Program | 30-day free loaner; money-back guarantee | Not standard |
The no-NRE custom engineering is particularly significant. When organizations need protocol modifications, non-standard I/O configurations, or custom form factors, large vendors typically charge tens of thousands in non-recurring engineering fees. We absorb these costs for qualifying orders. One client from PNM Electric Services described our approach: "It was a breath of fresh air to see a company able to actually take and make projects from the drawing board to the final product and be so self-contained."
Support quality can be an important factor in SCADA remote monitoring, where unresolved alarms may cascade into service outages affecting critical infrastructure. Our support model provides free lifetime support delivered by US-based engineers in Fresno, California, who designed and built the equipment. There are no phone trees, no voicemail, and no hold queues. When issues require deeper investigation, the engineering department is in the same facility.
Client testimonials often highlight this approach:
"DPS has been the best customer and tech support vendor I have worked with in the last twenty-five years I have been in the industry." - P.J. Renehan, Project Manager, Motorola
"We have about 160 deployed at this time, some have been deployed since '99, and I would say we might have a 1% failure rate." - Billy Young, Consolidated Communications
"Your multiple phone calls to see if there was any support we needed, were above and beyond what we expected." - Mark Henry, Consolidated Communications
"NetGuardian does what it says it can do, and actually a lot more... Most companies claim a lot more than what they can do, but DPS is just the opposite." - M. Renne, Heritage Communications
Schneider Electric operates a different support model built around region-based teams, community forums, and a distributor network. This structure serves a company of Schneider's scale (€36B+ revenue) across multiple product lines and industries. Extended warranty options are available at 1-7% of net purchase order value, and specialized SCADAPack training is offered at $350 per person through partners.
Industry best practice guidance from NorCal Controls underscores why this matters: "It's important when choosing a vendor to prioritize responsiveness, reliability, and dependability for prompt issue resolution and consistent progress."
The SCADAPack x70 offers formal cybersecurity certifications including IEC 62443 SL1 compliance, Achilles Level 2 testing, DNP3 Secure Authentication v2, and role-based access control (RBAC) with LDAP and Active Directory integration. According to Schneider, the SCADAPack is the first RTU to offer RBAC, which may be relevant for organizations subject to NERC CIP or similar regulatory frameworks.
CISA has issued vulnerability advisories for SCADAPack x70 and RemoteConnect, including CVE-2022-26507 (CVSS 9.8) and CVE-2024-12703 (CVSS 8.5). These advisories primarily affect the engineering workstation. Our architecture features SNMPv3 encryption, HTTPS/SSL, and RADIUS authentication.
The SCADAPack 470i/474i's Linux-based edge computing platform supports C/C++, Python, Node-RED, Docker containers, and IoT protocols like MQTT and OPC UA. For organizations pursuing IT/OT convergence or needing on-device analytics, this capability has no DPS equivalent. For remote monitoring applications focused primarily on detecting alarms, reporting conditions, and enabling remote control, organizations may prefer simpler architectures.
We manufacture hundreds of product variations per year from our vertically integrated facility in Fresno, where sheet metal cutting, circuit board fabrication, firmware development, and final assembly all happen under one roof. Our "80/20" philosophy states that 80% of most clients' needs are covered with products we've already deployed, while we specialize in developing that last 20% to make it a perfect fit. This translates to RTUs precisely matched to site requirements. A lead telecom technician at an electric utility captured it well: "The thing I liked was that DPS was going to make it fit our needs. They were going to make their stuff fit ours."
Schneider's SCADAPack x70 offers extensive software customization through IEC 61131-3 programming and edge containers, but the hardware itself follows standard form factors. Physical modifications are not available through Schneider's production process.
Product longevity is another consideration. Clients report units deployed since 1999 still operating with approximately 1% failure rates. We maintain manufacturing capability for older models for 15+ years and offer pin-compatible replacements when components change. Schneider's SCADAPack 300 series reached End of Commercialization in June 2023 after serving clients for approximately 15-20 years. Organizations using the 300 series may need to migrate to the x70 platform, which may involve updating logic programs.
Note: Schneider Electric specifications and capabilities referenced in this comparison are based on publicly available product documentation and may not reflect the full range of available configurations. Some details may have changed since this information was compiled.
The choice between DPS Telecom and Schneider Electric SCADAPack x70 ultimately depends on operational priorities. For organizations needing advanced process control, IEC 61131-3 programming, hazardous area deployment, or edge computing, the SCADAPack x70 is a capable platform backed by a global enterprise.
For remote monitoring applications in telecommunications infrastructure, utility networks, transportation systems, and government facilities, we offer custom engineering at no NRE cost, multi-protocol support, long product lifecycles, and direct access to our engineering team.
Our 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee allow you to evaluate the platform without commitment. Transparent pricing eliminates the need for distributor negotiations.
We understand that choosing the right RTU platform is a significant decision. Our application engineers are available to discuss your specific requirements and help you evaluate whether our NetGuardian series or another solution best fits your needs. We offer 30-day free trials with no obligation, allowing you to test our equipment in your actual environment before making a commitment.
Contact DPS Telecom at 1-800-693-0351 or visit dpstele.com to speak with an engineer about your network monitoring requirements.
Andrew Erickson
Andrew Erickson is an Application Engineer at DPS Telecom, a manufacturer of semi-custom remote alarm monitoring systems based in Fresno, California. Andrew brings more than 19 years of experience building site monitoring solutions, developing intuitive user interfaces and documentation, and opt...
