RTU stands for Remote Terminal Units, are devices used in industrial automation and control systems to monitor and control remote equipment and processes. RTU plays a crucial role in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

RTUs are typically located in remote or hazardous environments, where they collect data from sensors and devices, and transmit it to a central control system for monitoring and analysis. They also receive commands from the central control system and control the connected devices and equipment accordingly.

The remote terminal unit is sometimes known as the remote telemetry unit or remote telecontrol unit.

Functions

Some key functions of RTUs include:

1. Data Acquisition: RTUs collect data from various sensors, meters, and devices such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters, and switches.

2. Signal Processing: RTUs process the acquired data, performing calculations, filtering, and data transformation as required.

3. Communication: RTUs establish communication links, typically through wired or wireless networks, to transmit data to the central control system and receive commands.

4. Control: Based on the instructions received from the central control system, RTUs actively control devices and equipment connected to them, such as opening or closing valves, adjusting setpoints, or starting/stopping processes.

5. Alarm Monitoring: RTUs monitor alarm conditions and generate notifications or alerts when predefined thresholds or abnormal conditions are detected.

Overall, RTUs serve as the interface between the field devices and the central control system, enabling efficient monitoring and control of industrial processes across geographically dispersed locations.

Benefits

The benefits of deploying RTUs include improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced control of industrial equipment. For example, RTUs can be used to track and monitor energy usage, optimize equipment performance, and detect malfunctioning equipment before it causes severe damage.

Application Industry

RTU is widely used in various automation control fields, such as electric power, water conservancy, petroleum, chemical, transportation, and metallurgy industries.

In the electric power industry, RTU is extensively applied in areas like substations and distribution automation systems to achieve remote monitoring and control of power systems.

In the water conservancy industry, RTU finds wide applications in hydrological measurement, hydrological forecasting, hydrological monitoring, etc., enabling remote monitoring and control of water conservancy systems.

In the petroleum industry, RTU is widely used in oilfield automation control systems to achieve remote monitoring and control of oilfield production processes.

RTU for Water Level Monitoring

RTUs can definitely be used for water level monitoring and integrating IP cameras. In such applications, the RTU collects data from water level sensors placed in bodies of water, such as rivers, reservoirs, or tanks. It then transmits this data to a central server or cloud platform for monitoring and analysis. Additionally, an IP camera can be connected to the RTU, allowing real-time video surveillance of the water area. This combination of water level monitoring and IP camera integration helps track water levels and provides visual monitoring for safety, security, and analysis purposes.

Here is field application pictures from one of our customer.

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Difference between RTU and DTU

RTU is generally used for applications related to monitoring, control, and data acquisition. It supports telemetry, telegraphy, telecontrol, and remote operations. Typically, it integrates analog and digital inputs and outputs, PWM control, counters, RS232 and RS485 interfaces, and also functions as a wireless router.

DTU refers to a wireless transparent transmission device. It is specifically used to convert serial data to IP data or vice versa and transmit it through a wireless communication network. It acts as a wireless terminal equipment.

Relevant articles:

1. How to transfer the data from RTU to IoT router?

The post What is a Remote Terminal Units (RTU)? appeared first on Bivocom.

• (1) Routing mode: Communication between different network segments

 End to End communication:

The two end devices establish a direct VXLAN tunnel, through which all data traffic is transmitted. The subnets on both devices form a unified Layer 2 subnet.

Multiterminal forward communication:

The objective is to establish a VXLAN tunnel between Device A and Device B, while simultaneously enabling Device C to also establish a VXLAN tunnel with Device B. This configuration facilitates the formation of a unified layer 2 subnet for the devices within subnets under both Device A and Device C, requiring potential data forwarding through multiple tunnels to reach its intended destination.

• (2) Bridge mode: Communicates with a Network Segment

 End to End communication:

The two end devices establish a direct VXLAN tunnel, through which all data traffic is transmitted. The subnets on both devices form a unified Layer 2 subnet.

Multiterminal forward communication:

Establish a VXLAN tunnel between Device A and Device B, while also configuring a VXLAN tunnel between Device C and Device B. This configuration enables the subnet devices under both Device A and Device C to form a unified layer 2 subnet, with data potentially being forwarded through multiple tunnels in order to reach its intended destination.

2. Settings of VXLAN

• VTEP Name: VTEP name and virtual NIC device name; Example: vxlan0-n
• VTEP IP: Virtual network adapter device IPaddr;
• VNI: The unique identifier of the tunnel must be the same as the VNI of the peer device. The VNI rules must be unique;
• Local IP: The WAN IP address of the local VTEP;
• Remote IP: WAN IP address of the peer VTEP;
• Port: UDP port number used by the VXLAN. The default UDP port number is 8472;
• Remote Network: Specifies the subnet of the peer VTEP;
• Bridge: The default mode is route mode. Select Bridge mode to enable.

3. Example of VXLAN

End to End communication:

Device A settings:

Device B settings:

Test Result:

Ping subdevice of device A (192.168.2.139) from subdevice of device B (192.168.3.243)

Ping the subdevice of device B (192.168.3.243) from the subdevice of device A (192.168.2.139)

Multiterminal forward communication:

Device B settings:

Device A settings:

For Device A, also need to add new Static Routes of vxlan1(VTEP Name), add the Host IP of Device C. Here we set 192.168.3.0/255.255.255.0/0.0.0.0/0.

Device C settings:

For Device C, also need to add new Static Routes of vxlan2(VTEP Name), add the Host IP of Device A. Here we set 192.168.2.0/255.255.255.0/0.0.0.0/0.

Test Result:

Ping the subdevice of device C (192.168.3.243) from the subdevice of device A (192.168.2.139)

Ping the subdevice of device A (192.168.2.139) from subdevice of device C (192.168.3.243)

Relevant Resources：

1. What is  VALAN? And its role in IoT？

The post How to Setup VXLAN? appeared first on Bivocom.

VXLAN, which stands for Virtual Extensible LAN, is a network virtualization technology that allows the creation of virtualized Layer 2 networks over an existing Layer 3 infrastructure. It was developed to address the scalability limitations of traditional VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) in large-scale data center environments.

VXLAN encapsulates Layer 2 Ethernet frames within Layer 3 UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packets, enabling the extension of Layer 2 segments across Layer 3 boundaries. This allows for the creation of logical networks or overlays that can span multiple physical network devices, data centers, or even geographical locations.

          Key features and benefits of VX include:

• (1) Scalability:

VXLAN uses a 24-bit segment identifier called the VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI), which allows for up to 16 million unique virtual networks, compared to the limited 4,096 VLANs in traditional Ethernet networks.

• (2) Multi-tenancy:

VXLAN enables the isolation and segmentation of network traffic for different tenants or applications, providing enhanced security and flexibility in multi-tenant environments.

• (3) Network virtualization:

By decoupling the logical network from the underlying physical infrastructure, VXLAN facilitates the creation of virtual networks that can be provisioned, managed, and migrated independently of the physical network.

• (4) Overcoming Layer 2 domain limitations:

VXLAN extends Layer 2 connectivity across Layer 3 boundaries, enabling the seamless movement of virtual machines (VMs) and workloads between different physical hosts data centers without the need for manual reconfiguration.

• (5) Compatibility:

VXLAN is designed to work with existing IP networks and leverages standard networking protocols such as UDP and IP, making it compatible with a wide range of networking equipment and software.

VXLAN has gained popularity in modern data center architectures, particularly in cloud computing and virtualized environments, where flexible and scalable network virtualization is essential to support the dynamic nature of workloads and applications.

2. Communication mode of VXLAN

      (1) Routing mode: Communication between different network segments

• End to End communication:

The two end devices establish a direct VXLAN tunnel, through which all data traffic is transmitted. The subnets on both devices form a unified Layer 2 subnet.

• Multiterminal forward communication:

The objective is to establish a VXLAN tunnel between Device A and Device B, while simultaneously enabling Device C to also establish a VXLAN tunnel with Device B. This configuration facilitates the formation of a unified layer 2 subnet for the devices within subnets under both Device A and Device C, requiring potential data forwarding through multiple tunnels to reach its intended destination.

       (2) Bridge mode: Communicates with a Network Segment

• End to End communication:

The two end devices establish a direct VXLAN tunnel, through which all data traffic is transmitted. The subnets on both devices form a unified Layer 2 subnet.

• Multiterminal forward communication:

Establish a VXLAN tunnel between Device A and Device B, while also configuring a VXLAN tunnel between Device C and Device B. This configuration enables the subnet devices under both Device A and Device C to form a unified layer 2 subnet, with data potentially being forwarded through multiple tunnels in order to reach its intended destination.

3. VXLAN vs VLAN

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) and VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) are both network technologies used to segment and isolate traffic within a network, but they operate at different layers of the networking stack and have distinct characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between VXLAN and VLAN:

• (1) Layer: VLAN operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, while VXLAN operates at Layer 3.

• (2) Scalability: VLANs are limited to 4,096 unique VLAN IDs due to the 12-bit VLAN identifier field in Ethernet frames. In contrast, VXLAN uses a 24-bit VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI), allowing for a much larger number virtual networks (over 16 million).

• (3) Encapsulation: VLAN tags are added to Ethernet frames by modifying the 802.1Q header, which adds a 4-byte VLAN tag. VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames within UDP packets, adding a 50-byte VXLAN header.

• (4) Addressing: VLANs use VLAN IDs to identify and separate traffic, typically assigned statically or through protocols like VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). VXLAN uses VNI values to identify virtual networks, and these values are dynamically assigned.

• (5) Spanning multiple Layer 3 domains: VLANs are limited to a single Layer 3 domain, requiring additional mechanisms like VLAN trunks or Layer 3 routing to extend them across multiple domains. VXLAN, on the other hand, can span multiple Layer 3 domains, enabling more flexible network designs and easier scalability.

• (6) Overlays: VXLAN is often used as an overlay network technology, allowing virtual networks to created and extended over an existing physical network infrastructure. VLANs, on the other hand, are typically used within a single physical network.

• (7) Multitenancy: VXLAN provides better support for multitenancy scenarios, where multiple customers or organizations share the same physical infrastructure while maintaining isolation. VXLAN’s larger address space allows for more granular segmentation and separation of traffic.

Overall, VXLAN designed to address the limitations of VLANs in terms of scalability, flexibility, and multitenancy. It is commonly used virtualized and cloud environments where there is a need for large-scale network segmentation and overlay networks.

4. VXLAN vs VPN

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) are both technologies used in networking, but they serve different purposes.

• (1) VXLAN:

VXLAN is a network virtualization technology that allows the creation of virtual Layer 2 networks over an existing Layer 3 infrastructure. It extends Layer 2 segments across Layer 3 boundaries by encapsulating Ethernet frames within IP packets. VXLAN is primarily used in data center environments to enable network virtualization and facilitate the creation of overlay networks. It helps overcome the limitations traditional VLANs by providing scalability, flexibility, and multi-tenancy support.

• (2) VPN:

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection established over a public network, typically the internet, that allows users access a private network remotely. VPNs provide encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between the user’s device and the private network.

      Key features of VPNs include:

• (1) Secure remote access:

VPNs allow users to securely connect to a private network from remote locations, such as home or public Wi-Fi networks, by encrypt their traffic and establishing a secure tunnel.

• (2) Privacy and anonymity:

By encrypting data and masking the user’s IP address, VPNs provide privacy and anonymity, making it difficult for third parties to monitor or track online activities.

• (3)Site-to-site connectivity:

VPNs can also be used establish secure connections between different networks, such as branch offices or multiple data centers, creating a virtual private network over the public internet.

In summary, VXLAN is a technology for network virtualization and overlay networks within data center environments, while VPN is a technology for secure remote access and site-to-site connectivity over public networks like the internet.

5. What role will VXLAN play in IoT?

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) is primarily a network virtualization technology used in data centers to provide overlay networks. While VXLAN itself is not directly tied to IoT (Internet of Things), it can play a role in supporting IoT deployments in certain scenarios.

Here are a few ways VXLAN can be relevant to IoT:

• (1) Scalability:

IoT devices generate massive amounts of data, and as the number of devices increases, traditional network architectures may struggle to handle the scale. VXLAN can help address this challenge by providing a scalable overlay network that allows for efficient communication between IoT devices and gateways.

• (2) Segmentation and Isolation:

In IoT deployments, it’s often necessary to segment and isolate different types of devices or groups devices for security, performance, or management reasons. It enables the creation of virtual networks overlays, allowing for logical separation of IoT devices while sharing the same physical infrastructure.

• (3) Multitenancy:

In scenarios where multiple organizations or tenants share the same IoT infrastructure, it can facilitate multitenancy by providing isolated virtual networks for each tenant. This allows for secure and independent operation of IoT services for different entities on a shared infrastructure.

• (4) Mobility and Flexibility:

IoT devices can be mobile or deployed in dynamic environments. VXLAN’s overlay network approach can provide flexibility and mobility support by decoupling the logical network from the underlying physical infrastructure. This allows IoT devices to move across different physical locations or networks without requiring reconfiguration of the underlying network infrastructure.

It’s important to note that while VXLAN can offer benefits in certain IoT use cases, there are other networking technologies and protocols specifically designed for IoT, such as MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) and CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol), which focus on lightweight messaging and resource-constrained devices. The choice of networking technology in an IoT deployment depends on various factors, including the specific requirements, scale, and constraints of the IoT solution.

Relevant Article:

1. How to enable MQTT broker?
2. How to connect Bivocom IoT Router to Ubidots via MQTT?
3. How to set up MQTT on industrial cellular router?

The post What is VXLAN? And its role in IoT? appeared first on Bivocom.

What is MIPS?

MIPS or Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipelined Stages, is a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) architecture developed by MIPS Technologies, Inc. MIPS processors are used in a variety of applications, including networking equipment, digital signal processing, and embedded systems.

Like other RISC architectures, MIPS processors use a simplified instruction set to reduce the number of clock cycles required to execute instructions. This allows MIPS processors to achieve higher performance than traditional complex instruction set computing (CISC) architectures while using less power.

MIPS processors have been widely used in the past for desktop computers, servers, and video game consoles. However, they have since been mostly replaced by other architectures such as x86 and ARM in those markets. Nonetheless, MIPS remains popular in certain specialized areas where its strengths in embedded systems and signal processing are valued.

What is ARM?

ARM or Advanced RISC Machines, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in the development of microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. ARM processors are widely used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other embedded systems. The ARM architecture is based on a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) approach, which aims to simplify the processor design and improve performance by reducing the number of instructions executed per cycle. This allows ARM processors to consume less power, generate less heat, and offer better performance than traditional processors based on complex instruction set computing (CISC) architectures.

What is x86？

x86 is a family of instruction set architectures (ISAs) based on the Intel 8086 microprocessor and its successors. It is the most widely used ISA in personal computers, servers, and workstations.

The x86 architecture was introduced by Intel in 1978 with the release of the 8086 microprocessor, which was later succeeded by the 80286, 80386, and 80486 processors. These processors were used in early IBM-compatible personal computers and established the dominance of the x86 architecture in the PC market.

Today, x86 processors are produced by a number of manufacturers, including Intel, AMD, and VIA Technologies. They are used in a wide range of computing devices, from desktop and laptop computers to servers and supercomputers.

The x86 architecture has evolved over the years, adding new instructions and features while maintaining backward compatibility with older software. Today’s x86 processors can execute both 32-bit and 64-bit code, as well as virtualization instructions that allow multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on the same hardware.

What are the differences between MIPS, ARM, and x86?

MIPS, x86, and ARM are all different types of computer processor architectures. Here are some key differences between them:

1. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): MIPS, x86, and ARM processors have different instruction sets, which dictate how they execute commands. MIPS is a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, while x86 is a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) architecture. ARM processors use a hybrid of RISC and CISC concepts.
2. Endianness: MIPS and ARM processors are typically little-endian, meaning that the least significant byte of a word is stored at the lowest memory address. x86 processors can be either little-endian or big-endian.
3. Applications: MIPS was originally designed for embedded systems and has been used extensively in networking equipment, such as routers and switches. x86 processors are commonly found in desktop and laptop computers. ARM processors are used in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and low-power embedded systems.
4. Performance: MIPS processors tend to have high performance per watt, making them well-suited for embedded systems where power consumption is a concern. x86 processors are often used in high-performance desktops and servers. ARM processors are known for their low power consumption and efficiency, making them ideal for mobile devices.
5. Instruction Set Compatibility: x86 processors have a long history and are widely used, so many software programs are specifically written to run on x86 processors. This has led to a large compatibility advantage for x86 based systems, however, ARM and MIPS processors also have their own sets of compatible software.

Overall, each architecture has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of architecture ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the application being developed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of MIPS, ARM and x86?

MIPS, ARM, and x86 are different processor architectures used in modern computing devices. Each architecture has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which I will outline below:

MIPS: Advantages:

• Simple and easy to learn
• Reduced instruction set architecture (RISC) reduces complexity and increases performance
• Good for embedded systems and real-time applications

Disadvantages:

• Limited software support
• Not widely used outside of niche areas
• Less power efficient compared to newer architectures like ARM

ARM: Advantages:

• Power-efficient design makes it a popular choice for mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Wide range of software and hardware support
• Good balance between performance and power consumption

Disadvantages:

• More complex than MIPS
• Limited support for legacy software
• Difficult to program in assembly language

x86: Advantages:

• Widely used in personal computers and servers
• Extensive software support
• High performance and flexibility

Disadvantages:

• Complex instruction set architecture (CISC) can make it slower than RISC architectures like MIPS or ARM
• High power consumption compared to ARM
• Limited use in embedded systems and IoT devices due to its high power consumption and complexity.

Overall, the choice between MIPS, ARM, and x86 depends on the specific needs of an application and the resources available. ARM is often the preferred choice for mobile and IoT devices due to its power efficiency, while x86 remains the dominant architecture in personal computers and servers. MIPS is typically used in niche areas such as embedded systems and specialized applications.

MIPS, ARM, x86 for IoT routers

MIPS, ARM, and x86 are all viable options for IoT routers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some brief explanations of each:

1. MIPS: MIPS is a popular architecture choice for IoT devices due to its low power consumption and relatively simple instruction set. It is often used in embedded systems, including routers, where power efficiency is critical. However, the MIPS architecture is not as widely supported as some other architectures, and development tools and libraries may be more limited.
2. ARM: ARM is another popular architecture choice for IoT devices, offering a balance between power efficiency and performance. It is widely used throughout the industry and has a large ecosystem of development tools, libraries, and support resources available. ARM-based processors are found in a wide range of devices, including routers, smartphones, and tablets.
3. x86: x86 is a well-established architecture that is commonly used in desktop and server environments. It offers high performance and compatibility with many existing software applications but may not be as power-efficient as other architectures. However, with the rise of low-power Intel Atom processors, x86 has become a viable option for IoT devices, including routers.

Ultimately, the choice of architecture depends on the specific requirements of the IoT router project in question, including power consumption, performance, cost, and available development tools and resources.

The post Cons and Pros of MIPS, ARM and x86 in IIoT Industry appeared first on Bivocom.

Example: Below are questions from a customer who wants to upgrade its field RTU data to cloud by using a 4G IoT router.

I have a question to ask for solution:

Client has one device on site which connect 4G pulling data from remote site A, client wants to send the data to another site, site B which we will install Bivocom TR321 at the site. At site B, client wants to connect TR321 with their RTU which is connecting with another modem using fiber optic. In order to transmit the level data from site A to TR321 at site B and connect with the main control network which is fiber optic.

Do you have any suggestion of how to do this?

Site B TR321 will connect with RTU via RS232 or RS485 using serial interface. From site A to site B, which protocol would you suggest? And how can we transmit the data to RTU of customer via TR321

Solutions:

There are 2 work mode on 4g IoT router TR321 via RS232/RS485 serial port to RTU

1. RS232/RS485 transparent transmission

2. TR321/RS485 works as a master to collect data from RTU, and publish it to MQTT broker, then A site can subscrib.

For more info, this article will guide you how to acheive your goal.

1. How to get data from serial port of IoT router?

2. How to set up MQTT on IoT router?

The post How to Transfer the Data from RTU to IoT Router? appeared first on Bivocom.

Irrigation

The post Bivocom IoT and RFID Technology Empowers Irrigation appeared first on Bivocom.

Bivocom TY511 Water Level Monitor

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The post New RTU is coming appeared first on Bivocom.

The post 4G RTU for smart agriculture appeared first on Bivocom.