Remote Monitoring and Operation of Central Office Power Rooms

The appearance and utilization of microprocessors in central office power equipment has the potential to cause major changes in the way power equipment is operated and maintained. This paper looks at the ways in which this technology could be applied to existing offices and equipment and discusses the potential impact on the operating telephone companies. The paper reviews the hardware configuration and functions that could be used to mechanize many of the monitoring and control procedures associated with power room equipment and alarms. Further, it covers the overall system integration that must be considered in implementing total office mechanization, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and relative costs of centralized and distributed processing systems. The application of any new system must, of course, be based upon a clear understanding of the benefits that such a system might bring. This paper takes a look at those areas of operation and maintenance that might be affected by the total mechanization of the power room; e.g., trouble call-outs, vehicle costs, routine maintenance, and energy. As such, the paper presents a foundation for the future development of economical mechanized power systems and products.