Remote power access using optical overhead channels

The benefits of remote power monitoring are well understood especially for the larger DC power plants. This is reflected by the fact that most, if not all, unmanned offices, are equipped with at least one intelligent power monitor/controller (PSMC) that provides remote access to detailed information such as power alarms and plant history. In turn, the ability to perform remote diagnostics often helps to avoid, or postpone, the call-out of maintenance personnel. In contrast, the deployment of PSMCs for smaller applications, particularly fiber regeneration (regen) sites, has been very slow to happen. This paper explains the main reasons for this and also discusses efforts to provide remote access to regen sites. Efforts included working with transmission engineers of a long distance provider and a supplier of the SONET equipment to demonstrate remote communications using an overhead channel. Tests were performed with actual transmission equipment in a lab simulating regen sites (nodes) and terminals (ends). Using another environment, tests evaluated the system performance with 20 PSMCs sharing the same channel. Transmission equipment such as wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment has similar capability albeit through different mechanisms, and is discussed briefly. Finally, a strategy is recommended for companies when planning their future deployment of transmission equipment with a goal of providing remote access to power equipment.