CA2264987C - Method and apparatus for providing network infrastructure information for a network control center - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for providing network infrastructure information for a network control center Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2264987C CA2264987C CA002264987A CA2264987A CA2264987C CA 2264987 C CA2264987 C CA 2264987C CA 002264987 A CA002264987 A CA 002264987A CA 2264987 A CA2264987 A CA 2264987A CA 2264987 C CA2264987 C CA 2264987C
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- data
- telecommunication equipment
- battery
- collecting
- status information
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0062—Provisions for network management
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/08—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
- H04L43/0805—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability
- H04L43/0817—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability by checking functioning
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- H04L69/40—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass for recovering from a failure of a protocol instance or entity, e.g. service redundancy protocols, protocol state redundancy or protocol service redirection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0062—Provisions for network management
- H04Q3/0075—Fault management techniques
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
- H04L41/06—Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
Abstract
This infrastructure computer and program uses information supplied by sensors to calculate the operational characteristics of back up systems located at central offices during times of crisis such as the loss of commercial power, or some other natural or man-made disaster. The sensors transmit the battery float voltage, power requirements, temperature of critical telecommunication equipment components, average telecommunication equipment temperature, and the amount of fuel available for backup generators provides data to an infrastructure management computer program. The computer program accesses databases containing known information such as the power curves for the backup generators, and battery discharge curves for the battery string. The infrastructure management computer program calculates the battery hour reserve, the fuel hour reserve, and thermal reserves to more accurately predict the operational status of the central office for improved disaster planning.
Description
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Method And Apparatus For Providing Network
Infrastructure Information For A Network Control Center
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to systems for monitoring, tracking, updating and managing
information pertaining to telecommunication network infrastructures.
Description of the Prior Art
Almost all telecommunication equipment contains integral alarms in the circuits
indicating a failure of service. The extent and type of alarms vary with the manufacturer,
but generally alarms draw attention to equipment that has failed or is about to fail, and
directs the technician to the defective equipment.
Many telecommunication networks contain central ofï¬ces that house the
telecommunication equipment linking customer premises equipment to the public
switched telephone network. These central ofï¬ces typically contain alarm systems to aid
in alerting operators of the equipment to problems. The alarms are usually segregated
into major and minor categories to show the seriousness of the trouble and transmit either
audible or visual alarms, or both to operations personnel.
In unattended central ofï¬ces, telemetering equipment transmits the alarms to
attended control centers. These attended control centers are typically equipped with
computers for monitoring and managing problems and in some cases are capable of
diagnosing the cause of the problem.
One of the most serious problems that can adversely impact the operation of a
telephone central ofï¬ce is the loss of commercial power. As a result, central ofï¬ces are
usually equipped with backup power systems that may include battery strings and/or
backup generators. Such backup power systems must provide sufï¬cient power to operate
the telecommunication equipment and the supporting equipment including the cooling
systems.
Many central ofï¬ces operate equipment requiring both alternating current (AC)
and direct current (DC). Rectifiers convert part of the AC commercial power to DC for
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supplying the equipment requiring DC current. During commercial power failure, the
DC current is usually supplied by battery plants. For those central offices operating
equipment requiring AC current, many central ofï¬ces employ backup generators or DC
to AC converters (inverters) that provide AC current from the DC battery plant and AC to
DC converters for maintaining the battery chain in a charged state.
The management of the backup power operations is extremely complex. When
commercial power fails at a central ofï¬ce, the power load placed on the backup systems
changes as environmental factors change. For example, if a central ofï¬ce has both one or
more battery backup systems and one or more emergency generating systems, the backup
generator(s) can periodically recharge the batteries as well as provide power to other
equipment in the central office. When fuel supplies for the backup generator(s) are
exhausted, the central ofï¬ce will lose its cooling system(s). Once the cooling system(s)
are lost, the telecommunication equipment will operate until its battery back up system is
unable to supply sufï¬cient power for the telecommunication equipment or until the
telecommunication equipment over heats.
Other factors such as weather and amount of calls handled by the central ofï¬ce
requiring peripherals to constantly go on line and off line, affect the power demands of
the central ofï¬ce.
Monitoring service interruptions such as loss of commercial power from crisis
centers is extremely important. Network management becomes even more complex
when one or more natural disasters such as ï¬res, ï¬oods, earthquakes, hurricanes and ice
storms causes the loss of commercial power to numerous central ofï¬ces.
Figure l discloses a prior art system for monitoring and managing a central office
backup system. Loss of commercial power at a central ofï¬ce 10 generates alarm signals
12 to a center power module 14. The center power module 14 alerts a subject matter
expert, i. e. , a (technician skilled to solve that particular problem) 16, and manually
obtains or gathers raw data regarding the battery voltage, central ofï¬ce power load, fuel
supply, fuel consumption rate (i. e., an individual responsible for network management),
and telecommunication equipment status.
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The central power module 14 also alerts the crisis control commander (CCC) 18
who receives the raw data verbally from the subject matter expert 16. The crisis control
commander 18 manually calculates the battery hour reserve and fuel hour reserve by
examining battery discharge tables (charts) and backup generator performance charts.
The crisis control commander 18 verbally communicates the infrastructure data to the
regional network operations (RNOC) center 20. The regional network operations center
20 verbally or electronically sends the infrastructure data to the network operations center
22. Unfortunately, the calculation of reserve battery life and fuel hours reserves change
constantly due to the changing power demands. Current methods of calculating these
reserves also require manual calculations that are subject to human error, and are not
representative of real time events.
There exists a need to automatically calculate this information and provide real
time transmission of this information to the crisis commanders to facilitate optimum
network management. A need also exists for the real time transmission of this data to
other employees monitoring the crisis and possibly to governmental disaster agencies,
public relations employees, and customers.
Summary
The present invention provides a technique for providing network infrastructure
information to a network control center that relies on sensor information to calculate the
operational characteristics of back up power systems for central ofï¬ces during times of
crisis such as the loss of commercial power, or some other natural or man-made disaster
for use by a crisis manager or management team. Three vital components are required by
the crisis management team when a problem occurs: the battery hour reserve (battery
life), the fuel hour reserve (fuel quantity for the backup generators), and thermal reserve
(amount of time before the telecommunication equipment temperature reaches full duplex
failure).
A variety of sensors sense to the battery ï¬oat voltage, power requirements,
temperature of critical telecommunication equipment components, average
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telecommunication equipment temperature, and the amount of fuel available for backup
generators to provide such data to an infrastructure management computer processor.
This processor accesses databases containing known information such as the fuel
consumption of the backup generators, electrical power demand of the
telecommunication equipment and cooling systems, and battery ï¬oat voltages. The
infrastructure management computer program calculates the battery hoursâ reserves, the
fuel hours reserves and more accurately predict the operational status of the central office
for improved disaster planning.
The infrastructure management computer processor is usually located at a
network operations center, regional operations center or a crisis operations center. The
processor can provide this operational status of the central office and its backup systems
network wide by transmitting the information generated in the infrastructure
management computer program via a secure network employing Intranet channels or via
an encrypted transmission over Internet channels. The information is presented to users
in a graphical user interface providing real time or close to real time status on the
infrastructure.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting operation of a
telecommunication equipment, comprising the steps of: collecting temperature data from
the telecommunication equipment; collecting backup battery reserve power data for the
telecommunication equipment; collecting electrical power demand data of the
telecommunication; and transmitting the temperature data, backup battery reserve power
data, and electrical power demand data to a server capable of processing the data and
calculating battery hours reserves, battery discharge rates and generating the battery
hours reserves and battery discharge rates output data.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the
operation of the telecommunication equipment, comprising the steps of: collecting
temperature data from the telecommunication equipment; collecting battery reserve
power data from a battery string supporting the telecommunication equipment; collecting
battery discharge rates from the battery string; collecting electrical power demand data of
the telecommunication equipment; collecting fuel supply data from fuel quantity for at
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4a
least one backup generator; collecting fuel consumption data from the fuel consumption
rate of the at least one backup generator; and transmitting the temperature data, the
battery reserve power data, the battery discharge rates data, the electric power demand
data, the fuel supply data, and the fuel consumption data to a server capable of
calculating battery hours reserves and fuel hours reserves from the collected data.
Description of the Drawings
The summary of the invention, as well as the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which are included by way of example, and not by way of
limitation with regard to the claimed invention.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the current scheme for managing network
infrastructure information.
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram for managing network infrastructure
information.
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the transmission of data necessary to
manage network infrastructure information.
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the transmission of data necessary to
manage network infrastructure information.
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Figure 5 illustrates the alarm signal ï¬ow and reforrnating of infrastructure data
sent from the central ofï¬ce to the regional network center and network operations center.
Figure 6 illustrates a computer screen graphical user interface for presenting
network infrastructure information to the user.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
This invention discloses a network wide system for monitoring and managing
telecommunication equipment centers housing switching and routing equipment
including the ability to manage electronically these centers from a crisis center. Figure 2
illustrates a block diagram for an automated management system providing an
infrastructure management computer program for handling crisis problems relating to the
communication network infrastructure. The central ofï¬ce 10 contains electronic sensors
(described in greater detail in Fig. 3) for providing information relating to the fuel
quantity, battery cell voltage, temperature of critical telecommunication equipment
components, average temperature of the telecommunication equipment, current load,
power load, and telecommunication equipment status. This sensor information is
provided to a controller 24 and stored in a database 26. This information is also sent via
one or more charmels of the Intranet 28 (private communication channel) or by an
encrypted transmission on one or more channels of the Intranet 28, the public switching
telephone network (PSTN) or some other communication charmel such as wireless
transmission, to the network operations center 22 and a regional network operations
center 20 on a regular periodic basis, this providing real time or near real time
information regarding the backup power systems located at the central office 10.
The backup power systems status information is stored in databases located at the
central office 10, the network operations center 22, and the regional network operations
center 20. When alarms 12 are tripped at the central ofï¬ce 10, alert messages are sent by
the central office 10 to the power module 14. The power module 14 alerts the subject
matter expert 16 who is either located at the central office or capable of being contacted
by telephone or beeper. The subject matter expert 16 is relieved of data collection duties
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and can concentrate efforts on solving the problem. As the alarms 12 are sent to the
regional network operations center 20, the regional network operations server transmits
an out of limits autopage 30 (i. e., a graphical display screen) to a preselected group of
users typically including the crisis control commander 18.
Once the crisis control commander 18 is alerted, the commander can establish
communications with the subject matter expert 16, the power module 14 or other
individuals electronically. The crisis information page located on the Intranet 28
provides the real time or near real time transmission of information so that all the
individuals connected can monitor the crisis situation. In addition, authorized individuals
such as public relations representatives, executives, or governmental disaster agencies
can view the information 32.
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for the transmission of the data
necessary to manage network infrastructure information. At the central ofï¬ce, a series of
sensors 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 provide data on a periodic basis to an
infrastructure management computer 50 for further calculation of information needed by
the central ofï¬ce crisis management. The basis for reporting of data can be continuous,
providing real time status, or periodic providing data at intervals as short as five to ten
minutes or as long as an hour.
Sensor 34 provides the telecommunication equipment status condition 52 such as
the commercial power failed and the backup generator also failed to come on line.
Sensor 36 provides the commercial power interruption status 54. When commercial
power is interrupted, an alarm 12 is sent by the commercial power sensor 36 to the
infrastructure management computer 50. The telecommunication equipment status
condition 52 changes as commercial power is restored or other aspects of the
communication infrastructure fail.
One key aspect of proper operation of telecommunication equipment is operation
within very speciï¬c temperature ranges. For example, above 80°C, most communication
equipment experience service degradation. Above 90°C, most communication equipment
suffer full-duplex failure that can affect telecommunication traffic on a regional basis or
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cause a loss to the entire central ofï¬ce (e. g., causes a fire). At least one sensor 38 and
preferably a plurality of sensors, are strategically placed within the central office for
monitoring the temperature of critical components 56. As temperatures at these strategic
locations change, the critical spot temperature change rate 58 is calculated. Additional
sensors 40 provide temperature averaging 60 throughout the central office and from the
average temperature, a change in average 62 temperature can be calculated. The sensors
38 and 40 provide a more accurate temperature measurement of the entire central ofï¬ce
instead of relying on a centrally located thermostat that might be located in a hot or cold
spot within the central ofï¬ce.
The thermal reserve, the time before the telecommunication equipment suffers
full duplex failure, varies between the types and operating components of the
telecommunication equipment. Many variables inï¬uence the temperature that causes full
duplex failure including room temperature, rate of temperature increase, humidity, air
ï¬ow in the central office and outside air temperature. Therefore, thermal reserve is an
approximate temperature fail time and focus is instead placed on the telecommunication
equipment status condition 52 such as percentage of blocked calls, service impairment,
and component failure.
Sensor 42 provides the level of ï¬ael quantity 64 for the backup generators.
Veeder Root sensors are one type of electronic sensor for providing fuel quantity to the
infrastructure management computer 50. Sensor 44 provides the power demand 66 of the
backup generators. The fuel consumption rate 68 is calculated from data collected
indicative of the power demand thus providing the ï¬iel hour reserves (amount of time
remaining before fuel is exhausted). Fuel hour reserve is a function of the fuel storage in
gallons divided by the consumption rate in gallons per hour. The consumption rate is a
function of backup generator loads, the size and type of the backup generator, the age
(since the last major overhaul) and overall maintenance condition of the backup
generator.
Sensor 46 provides the electrical load 70 of the central ofï¬ce including the
lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), power to the
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telecommunication equipment, and peripheral devices. The battery ï¬oat voltage 72 is
usually a known value but sensors 48 provide the actual charge of the battery string. The
actual charge might differ from the battery ï¬oat voltage due to the age of the battery
string as well as recent use. From the electrical load and the available battery string
voltage, the battery cell discharge rates 74 can be calculated. These values are calculated
by acc_essing the known cell discharge curves for the particular battery string. From these
values, the battery hour reserve 106 can be calculated, providing the battery string life
based on the current electrical load. As the electrical load changes, the battery string life
can increase or decrease.
The battery hour reserve uses an algorithm to determine a given battery stringâs
reserve time based upon an electrical current load (discharge amperes), string voltage,
temperature the manufacturer and type of cell, number of cells in the battery string, and
the cell voltage at which discharge is considered complete.
Also affecting the battery hour reserve 106 is the operational status of the backup
generator, which if lost, can signiï¬cantly decrease the battery string life. Conversely, if
the backup generator is operational, it can extend the battery string life by recharging the
battery string and providing electrical power to the central office until fuel supplies are
exhausted.
The telecommunication equipment status condition 52, commercial power
interruption alarm 12, critical spot and average temperature rates 58 and 60, changes in
critical spot and average temperatures 58 and 62, fuel reserve (fuel quantity) 64, power
demand 66, fuel hour reserve 104, electrical load 70, battery ï¬oat voltage 72, and battery
hour reserve 106 provide the input data to the infrastructure management computer 50.
This data is stored in databases and the infrastructure management computer 50 is
capable of accessing other databases such as the battery discharge curves and power
ratings for the various backup generators. This data varies as to make, model, and age of
the equipment.
The infrastructure management computer 50 can be located in the central ofï¬ce,
but is typically located in the network operations center, the regional operations center or
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some other secure facility. The information provided by the program is transmitted over
a secure communication network such as an Intranet or encrypted and sent over the
Internet. The information is displayed to the user in a user friendly, graphical user
interface 92.
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the transmission of data necessary to
manage network infrastructure information. The infrastructure management computer 50
(see Fig. 3) monitors the power line current for loss of AC 78. The power load 70 and
battery status 80 is continually monitored and the data is transmitted to the controller 82.
When commercial power is lost, the batteries come on line and their discharge rates are
monitored 74. The controller 82 also monitors the sensors providing information on the
telecommunication equipment temperature 56, the central ofï¬ce temperature 96, the fuel
ï¬ow (fuel consumption rate) 68 to the backup generators and the fuel quantity 64. This
data is transmitted by the controller 82 over the secure Intranet or Internet 28 to a storage
location at the regional network operations center 20 or the network operations center 22.
The battery hour reserve and fuel hour reserve is calculated and the resulting output is
transmitted to the graphical user interface 76 of Fig. 3 for the infrastructure management
computer 50. Data can also be stored at the central ofï¬ce or another secured facility 84.
In Figure 5, the central office 10 periodically generates signals containing data
relating to the operation of the central ofï¬ce 10. Depending upon the type of data, those
signals are sent daily, hourly, in realâtime, or is some other predetermined reference
period. When the central ofï¬ce 10 experiences a problem an alarm signal 12 is
generated. In some instance, the alarms 12 are minor and indicate that a particular piece
of equipment needs repair, overhaul or replacement. Other alarm signals 12 indicate
serious problems or the potential for serious consequences if action is not immediately
taken.
When such a problem arises, alarm signals 12 are generated at the central office
10 and transmitted along with the normal flow of data being sent from the central ofï¬ce
to the regional network operation center 20 and the network operations center 22.
Serious problems generating alarm signals 12 requiring immediate action include
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10
activities that might affect operation of the telecommunication equipment, such as loss of
commercial AC power, loss of cooling systems, fire, or certain equipment failures.
Without immediate action, the loss of cooling systems or interruption of commercial AC
power can seriously impact service the level of service provided by the
telecommunication equipment and can in some circumstances lead to the loss of the
entire central office including the telecommunication equipment and routing or switching
equipment and possibly loss of telecommunication service in a region of the country.
In normal operation, central ofï¬ce status information data is transmitted from the
central ofï¬ce 10 to the regional network operations center 20 and the network operations
center 22. Minor alarms 12 are also sent and their resolution can be incorporated into
scheduled repair and resolution. When no alarms are triggered, the normal data stream
86 is sent and periodically stored at the regional operations center 20 or the network
operations center 22. The normal data stream 86 routinely updates 88 the regional
network operation center and network operation centers graphical user interfaces (GUIS)
76.
However, when serious alarms are generated, such as loss of commercial AC
power, the problem triggers an alarm signal 12, and an alert massage 12 is sent to the
regional network operations center 20 and the network operations center 22. The alert
data stream message 12, causes the infrastructure management computer 50 to send alert
update messages 90 that initializes the autopage feature 30, activates the webpage 92,
and updates the webpage 94. The infrastructure management computer 50 formats and
updates the crisis information 96 providing real time or almost real time data regarding
the supporting backup infrastructure and generates a user-friendly, graphical user
interface (GUI) 76 for the data. The graphical user interface 76 is illustrated in Figure 6.
The infrastructure management computer 50 typically comprises a server or a
personal computer capable of Internet or Intranet connectivity and uses a computer
readable medium employing a plurality of data structures. The ï¬rst data ï¬eld contains
data representing the location of the central office and stores this data in a memory
address in the medium. The second data field contains data representing battery hours
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ll
reserved and stores the data in a separate region having a distinct memory address in the
medium. The third data ï¬eld contains data representing fuel hours reserved stored in
another separate region having a distinct memory address in the medium. The fourth data
ï¬eld contains data representing temperature of the central ofï¬ce and is stored in a distinct
memory address in the medium. An index stored in an index region of the memory
addresses provides relationship information indicating the relationship between the ï¬rst
data ï¬eld and the second, third, and fourth data ï¬elds, where during a predetermined data
processing operation on the ï¬rst data ï¬eld, the index is examined and the ï¬rst, second,
third and fourth data ï¬elds are displayed in a graphical user interface.
The infrastructure computer program has a ï¬fth data ï¬eld containing data
representing telecommunication equipment condition temperature of the central office
and stores this information in a distinct memory address in the medium. The sixth data
ï¬eld contains information regarding the change in telecommunication equipment
temperature of the central ofï¬ce and stores the information in a distinct memory address.
The index stored in the index region of the memory addresses provides the relationship
information between the ï¬fth and six memory addresses and other memory addresses.
Other data ï¬elds also contain information regarding the fuel supplies, battery discharge
rates and battery power. This information is stored for a short period of time and then
deleted to prevent the data history of a central ofï¬ce from overwhelming the memory
capacity in the server. When an emergency does occur, the infrastructure program can
collect and store all the data relating to the problem for analysis at a later date.
The infrastructure management computer program provides the data to users in a
graphical user interface illustrated in Figure 6. The graphical user interface displays the
central ofï¬ce name 98 and comments 100 regarding the problem experienced by the
central ofï¬ce. Also displayed are the start date of the problem 102, the average
temperature of the central ofï¬ce 10, the fuel hour reserve 104, the battery hour reserve
106. The fuel hour reserve 104 and the battery hour reserve 106 are displayed in a gauge
format. With color indicators on the gauges indicating those values that are in the
acceptable range (green), danger range (yellow), and failure range (red) 108. For both
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12
gauges 120 and 122, the user can input start 110, stop 1 12 and reset 114 commands.
Below the gauges 120 and 122, the initial battery hour reserves 116 and initial fuel hours
reserves 118 are provided and displayed.
Below the display of the average temperature for the central office 60 is the
temperature increase rate 62. Also, provided below the telecommunication equipment
condition 124 is the telecommunication equipment status condition 126. For the battery
hours reserve available 106, the fuel hours reserve available 104, the temperature increase
rate 62 and the telecommunication equipment status condition 126, are last update times
128 for the displayed information.
While exemplary systems and methods embodying the present invention are
shown by way of example, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not
limited to these embodiments. Modiï¬cations may be made by those skilled in the art,
particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, each of the elements of the
aforementioned embodiments may be utilized alone or in combination with elements of
the other embodiments.
Claims (11)
1. A method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting operation of a telecommunication equipment, comprising the steps of:
collecting temperature data from the telecommunication equipment;
collecting backup battery reserve power data for the telecommunication equipment;
collecting electrical power demand data of the telecommunication; and transmitting the temperature data, backup battery reserve power data, and electrical power demand data to a server capable of processing the data and calculating battery hours reserves, battery discharge rates and generating the battery hours reserves and battery discharge rates output data.
collecting temperature data from the telecommunication equipment;
collecting backup battery reserve power data for the telecommunication equipment;
collecting electrical power demand data of the telecommunication; and transmitting the temperature data, backup battery reserve power data, and electrical power demand data to a server capable of processing the data and calculating battery hours reserves, battery discharge rates and generating the battery hours reserves and battery discharge rates output data.
2. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
collecting spot temperature data from critical spots in the telecommunication equipment; and transmitting the spot temperature data to the server and generating output data from the calculation of estimated failure time.
collecting spot temperature data from critical spots in the telecommunication equipment; and transmitting the spot temperature data to the server and generating output data from the calculation of estimated failure time.
3. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying the output data in a graphical user interface.
4. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
collecting interruption of commercial power data to the telecommunication equipment;
transmitting the interruption of commercial power data to the server; and generating output data indicating loss of commercial power to the telecommunication equipment.
collecting interruption of commercial power data to the telecommunication equipment;
transmitting the interruption of commercial power data to the server; and generating output data indicating loss of commercial power to the telecommunication equipment.
5. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 1, where at least one Internet channel is used to facilitate transmission of the data.
6. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 1, where at least one Intranet channel is used to facilitate transmission of the data.
7. A method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment, comprising the steps of:
collecting temperature data from the telecommunication equipment;
collecting battery reserve power data from a battery string supporting the telecommunication equipment;
collecting battery discharge rates from the battery string;
collecting electrical power demand data of the telecommunication equipment;
collecting fuel supply data from fuel quantity for at least one backup generator;
collecting fuel consumption data from the fuel consumption rate of the at least one backup generator; and transmitting the temperature data, the battery reserve power data, the battery discharge rates data, the electric power demand data, the fuel supply data, and the fuel consumption data to a server capable of calculating battery hours reserves and fuel hours reserves from the collected data.
collecting temperature data from the telecommunication equipment;
collecting battery reserve power data from a battery string supporting the telecommunication equipment;
collecting battery discharge rates from the battery string;
collecting electrical power demand data of the telecommunication equipment;
collecting fuel supply data from fuel quantity for at least one backup generator;
collecting fuel consumption data from the fuel consumption rate of the at least one backup generator; and transmitting the temperature data, the battery reserve power data, the battery discharge rates data, the electric power demand data, the fuel supply data, and the fuel consumption data to a server capable of calculating battery hours reserves and fuel hours reserves from the collected data.
8. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:
collecting spot temperature data from critical spots in the telecommunication equipment; and transmitting the spot temperature data to the server and generating output data from calculating estimated full duplex failure time.
collecting spot temperature data from critical spots in the telecommunication equipment; and transmitting the spot temperature data to the server and generating output data from calculating estimated full duplex failure time.
9. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:
collecting recharging data from the recharging of the battery string from current generated by at least one backup generator; and transmitting the recharging data to the server and generating output from the calculation of the battery hours reserves when the battery string is recharging from current supplied by the at least one backup generator and the battery discharge rates data.
collecting recharging data from the recharging of the battery string from current generated by at least one backup generator; and transmitting the recharging data to the server and generating output from the calculation of the battery hours reserves when the battery string is recharging from current supplied by the at least one backup generator and the battery discharge rates data.
10. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 7, where Internet channels are used to facilitate transmission of the data.
11. The method for generating automated infrastructure status information supporting the operation of the telecommunication equipment of claim 7, where Intranet channels are used to facilitate transmission of the data.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/039,115 | 1998-03-13 | ||
US09/039,115 US6067030A (en) | 1998-03-13 | 1998-03-13 | Method and apparatus for providing network infrastructure information for a network control center |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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CA2264987A1 CA2264987A1 (en) | 1999-09-13 |
CA2264987C true CA2264987C (en) | 2003-01-14 |
Family
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CA002264987A Expired - Fee Related CA2264987C (en) | 1998-03-13 | 1999-03-08 | Method and apparatus for providing network infrastructure information for a network control center |
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US (1) | US6067030A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0942612A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3138257B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2264987C (en) |
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-
1999
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- 1999-03-12 EP EP99301903A patent/EP0942612A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-03-15 JP JP11067980A patent/JP3138257B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP0942612A2 (en) | 1999-09-15 |
US6067030A (en) | 2000-05-23 |
JPH11341155A (en) | 1999-12-10 |
JP3138257B2 (en) | 2001-02-26 |
EP0942612A3 (en) | 2000-07-05 |
CA2264987A1 (en) | 1999-09-13 |
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