Using Cellular Automation
Cellular automation is the concept of providing remote terminal units (RTU) with cellular connectivity to access data in hard-to-reach locations. Cellular connectivity provides fast and easy access to monitor and control business-critical Solutions at remote sites. This flexibility, however, also requires a level of responsibility that requires enhanced security requirements as well. In some cases, this is new ground for many users, as data security is something that many customers did not focus on in the past since they were using direct circuit connectionsvia modem banks.
These types of connections did not require the same stringent security standards that a cellular connection over an IP networking does. Therefore, as customers migrate toward IP networking and data security is mandated, sourcing and implementing new technologies to support the increasing security demands becomes necessary.
In addition to addressing more stringent security requirements, industrial users face the complexity of having multiple devices to manage and implement for an effective remote monitoring and control solution over IP. The challenge facing many customers is that, on top of their existing RTUs, they must also figure out which of many products they will require. It may be necessary to have a device for cellular connectivity, a Modbus gateway and a security (VPN) device, which is costly to deploy and complicated to administer and maintain.
A cellular automation solution dramatically simplifies this task by integrating automation, routing, security and cellular technologies into one hardened package. A built-in Modbus gateway easily interfaces with existing RTUs and PLCs and provides real-time access to data from pumps, valves, reclosers, transformers, capacitor banks and meters.
refer to:http://pipelineandgasjournal.com/using-cellular-automation-monitor-and-control-assets