The Basics of Using a Temperature Display for Remote Monitoring

What's the total value of the IT equipment in your server rooms, data centers, and remote sites? What would happen to your network, and your bottom line, if you were to lose critical functions due to overheating? How interested would you be in having the technology to prevent these kinds of outages?

Leaving your expensive and mission-critical IT gear unmonitored without a temperature display is a disaster waiting to happen. It's a common misconception to think these kinds of network emergencies won't ever happen to you, but unfortunately, no one is ever that lucky.

Fortunately the solution is simple. By choosing the right network monitoring system, you can give yourself the protection to prevent these crippling outages from temperature and other environmental threats. However, you can't just choose any monitoring system - you have to choose the right one.

A good remote telemetry unit (RTU) will protect your mission-critical gear from temperature threats.

How do I choose the right monitoring system?
There are some key features you must look for in order to be adequately protected. Too many monitoring solutions don't see the big picture, and leave out critical features you need. Don't get caught with the wrong system, remember these key features when picking out your monitoring technology:

• Live analog monitoring - when it comes to your temperature display, you can't afford to skimp on detail. Basic discrete sensors can only let you know when the temperature has risen above a certain point. Analog sensors can provide you with much more. These sensors output at a continuous rate (4-20mA), which means you can see the precise temperature any time of day and receive alerts with a meaningful amount of detail.
• 24/7 alert capabilities - Network emergencies don't keep standard business hours, and neither should your monitoring system. Without the ability to send SNMP traps and alert notifications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you're leaving yourself vulnerable to missing a critical threat. Look for a system that can notify you even if you're away from your desk (for example, via email, SMS text message, or pages). Even if you have a 7x24 NOC, having the power to receive alerts outside of the office gives you true flexibility.
• Escalation lists - No monitoring system is truly effective without the right backup plan. In the even the first person notified of a threat isn't able to respond - because they're too busy or distracted - someone else must be notified ASAP. A good monitoring solution will provide you with an escalation list, which will allow you to program backup people to notify.
• Easy-to-use Graphical User Interface - Setting up and configuring your monitoring system shouldn't give you a headache or cause confusion among your employees. Look for a solution that gives you an intuitive and user-friendly graphical interface. This will make managing your alarms easy and convenient. Ideally your monitoring interface will be web-based, so you'll have the flexibility to manage your alarms from any web browser on any computer.
• Industrial-grade durability - No monitoring system is completely without a rugged design. The last piece of gear to fail should be your monitoring equipment, so don't leave yourself vulnerable with a poorly built system. Don't settle for anything less than industrial-grade hardware that's built to last.

Where do I find such a high-quality monitoring solution?
Monitoring your valuable equipment is a serious job - and you need a serious solution. The first, and most important, step in making the right choice is making sure you have the information you need to get the perfect solution. That's why I recommend taking a few minutes to read the free Network Alarm Monitoring Fundamentals White Paper.

Download your free Network Alarm Monitoring Fundamentals White Paper!

This free guide will get you started on the right path to choosing the best system for your needs - so you don't pay for a cheap system or for extra features you don't really need. With this White Paper you'll learn...

• What equipment you must monitor
• How to design an alarm system to meet your current and future needs
• How to minimize transition costs

After you've armed yourself with the information to make the right choice, contact the DPS Telecom monitoring experts. These experts can answer your questions, help you find and design the perfect fit solution for you, or even provide you with a free Return-on-Investment (ROI) analysis - so you can see just how much you can save.

Don't leave your network vulnerable any longer - call (1-800-693-0351) or email (sales@dpstele.com) the DPS experts to get started protecting your network, and your bottom line, today.

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