With the introduction of modern IP telephone systems, the operation of analog cable modems is history, as this technology is no longer supported. The circuit-switched data (CSD) service, which was once developed in the 1990s for the GSM mobile communications standard in order to be able to transmit data as tones over a telephone line in mobile networks as well, also no longer represents the state of the art. Examples of applications for this technology, which is inefficient from today's point of view, are transmission tasks with low data volumes such as the remote reading of meter readings or the transmission of signals from heating systems, fire detectors and alarm systems to the corresponding operations centers of gatekeepers, service readiness centers and fire alarm control centers.
Among European mobile communications providers, this slow transmission method is considered to be a discontinued model and will only be provided under existing contracts. By the end of 2022, CSD services will finally be switched off. Nevertheless, many installations and older machine-to-machine (M2M) applications based on CSD still exist, especially in plant automation and building control systems. In many cases, completely replacing the functioning technology immediately would require considerable effort and expense. "This poses major problems for operators," says Philipp Siweck, Technical Consultant at IoTmaxx, from his consulting interviews. "Our customers are looking for a way to replace the CSD modems currently in use without having to change the actual system."

CSD replacement in switchgear construction

Thomas Terner from Chemnitz-based Zasa Elektro works in switchgear and control system construction. He is often faced with the task of modernizing existing communication and remote maintenance equipment and is familiar with the problem: "CSD connections are just as unsupported by modern communication networks as analog cable modems. In order to continue using the existing infrastructure, a solution is needed to continue communications via analog modems or CSD data calls in a different way." IoTmaxx's GW4100 CSD over IP gateway replaces the previous solutions 1:1, with an integrated serial interface that simulates a classic modem and continues to ensure communication without changing the existing systems. "The user can continue to use his existing communication infrastructure and only needs to install CSD over IP gateways from IoTmaxx in place of the previous modems. In this way, he can continue to communicate with the systems in the field via data call," Philipp Siweck explains the solution concept. "The installation and commissioning of the IoTmaxx solution was really exceptionally simple. The CSD replacement set already includes all the required cables for the serial interface. This means that everything is ready for immediate use," says Thomas Terner.
The advantage of the solution: Apart from replacing the modems previously used in the existing system, no additional adaptation of the existing components is required. If the mobile communications gateway is used with a SIM card, SMS can also be sent via this connection if required. A virtual telephone number is assigned to each GW4100 gateway to identify the communication participants. "This is really a well thought-out solution from IoTmaxx," confirms Thomas Terner. "We removed the old CSD modem, connected the new IoTmaxx gateway and immediately the communication runs over the IP connection - great, this was certainly not our last joint project."

Gateways for every IIoT application

The programmable IIoT mobile gateways collect, process and transmit information from industrial machines and systems in various industries. The devices make sensor data such as temperature, humidity, vibrations, switching states and much more available for processing for various applications. The IoTmaxx gateways enable the connection of different systems. They are tailored to secure applications in medium-sized industrial environments and, with their interface and protocol diversity, offer all the necessary options for wired and wireless Industrie 4.0 applications. Ethernet, USB, RS232, RS485, CAN bus and 1-Wire are available as physical interfaces. An SD card slot rounds off the interface options. Whether you need a ready-made solution or an individual customization, please contact us. Philipp Siweck will be happy to advise you.

Author
Christian Lelonek, Managing Director of IoTmaxx