Does Your Temp Sensor Have These 5 Must-Have Features?

How much is your network uptime worth to you? Have you spent thousands, maybe even millions, of dollars on your network? Thinking about catastrophic equipment damage is tough, but protecting and monitoring your valuable equipment doesn't have to be.

The diagram above shows a TempDefender IT device that will monitor temperature in a server room, data center, or remote network site, so you always know the status of your valuable equipment.

Your IT equipment generates a ton of heat, so don't wait until the day your server room, data center, or other IT environment overheats to start protecting your equipment. Using a temp sensor to monitor your valuable equipment doesn't have to be a hassle - and it certainly doesn't have to be expensive. Choosing the right monitoring solution is a key part to maintaining your network uptime. Here are the 5 must-have features of any temp sensor:

1. Analog sensor support - When choosing the right monitoring solution you'll come across two different types of temp sensors: discrete and analog. Discrete sensors operate like a thermostat: you set a specific point and if the temperature rises above that point, you receive an alarm. Discrete sensors are great for pointing out there's a change, but don't provide much detail beyond that. For example, you want to know when the temperature in your server room rises above 84 degrees. You'll receive an alarm when the temperature exceeds 84 degrees - but you won't know if it's only 85 degrees or 185 degrees.
   That's where the power of analog sensors comes in. Analog sensors output at a continuous rate (4-20mA) and provide you with precise temperature readings. For example, your network has multiple server rooms and you want to know when the temperature rises above 84 degrees. Two of your server rooms send alarm notifications of rising temperature: one is at 104 degrees and the other is at 86 degrees. Having this detailed information gives you the power to prioritize dispatching your technicians. Being limited to only discrete sensors doesn't give you everything you need, so look for temp sensors that also support analog sensors.
2. Multiple alert methods - An effective monitoring solution will provide you with 24/7 alert notifications. Having a system that only sends alerts to a master station won't do you any good if it's 2am and you're at home sleeping. That's why you need more versatility with your alerts. Your temp sensor should be capable of alerting you in multiple ways (pages, email, SMS text messages, etc). Even if you have a 7x24 network operations center having multiple alert methods gives you true flexibility - so you're never in the dark.
3. User-friendly - Your monitoring system should be simple from the bottom up. You don't need the hassle and frustration of trying to install complicated hardware. Nor do you need to waste precious time and resources trying to setup your alarms on a needlessly complicated interface. Network monitoring doesn't have to be a hassle, so find solutions that feature plug 'n' play design with easy-to-use graphical interfaces - so you can start monitoring in minutes without the headache.
4. SNMP compatible - If you're looking to integrate a temp sensor into your current network then it's crucial that your temp sensor be compatible with your SNMP manager. It's too expensive and too time consuming to overhaul your entire network or infrastructure just to install a temperature sensor - so find the right solution that can seamlessly integrate into your current network.
5. Rugged durability - Quality is everything - you can't afford to cut corners with your valuable equipment. Cheaply built temp sensors can't withstand the rigors of your IT environment. Look for hardware that's industrial-grade, because the best temp sensor in the world is worthless if it lacks reliability.

Where can I find the right temp sensor?
Protecting the value of your business and the uptime of your network doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Simple solutions exist to provide you with the network security you need.

After reading the about the 5 key features you know many temp sensors just won't cut it. Many solutions fail because they don't have what it takes to get the job done right. Limited features leave you in the same, or even worse, position as having no temp sensor at all. Systems with weak features provide you with a false sense of security about your valuable network - so you'll be even more exposed to critical outages and severe damage.

That's why it's crucial you choose the right temp sensor. The right solution takes away the stress of dealing with a network emergency. Imagine just how much easier your job would be if you were always alerted the instant there was a problem. Imagine how many emergencies you could prevent by just having the right information at the right time. That's why choosing the right system is so important, because by preventing just one outage, it'll pay for itself several times over.

The TempDefender IT temp sensor.

You've decided you need the best you can get, so that's why I recommend the TempDefender IT. This device is easily mounted and compact, saving your valuable rack space. This device gives you flexible alert methods, rugged industrial-grade hardware, analog sensor support, easy setup and configuration, and comes with world-class 7x24 tech support. The TempDefender IT is simply the right temp sensor solution for your network.

Don't leave your expensive equipment at risk any longer - call (1-800-693-0351) or email (sales@dpstele.com) the specialists at DPS Telecom to get started protecting your network today.