Hunter offers a new communications solution for Irrigation Management and Monitoring System (IMMS) central control: an Ethernet, or Local Area Network (LAN) com module. The ACC-COM-LAN looks like other ACC communications modules from the front, but features a standard network jack on the back for easy connection to a customer’s computer network.
Ethernet is already quite common. Many IMMS customers and prospects already have an existing communications channel at their fingertips. Their computers, printers and other devices already communicate with one another over what is often simply called, “the network”. In most cases, “the network” is actually an Ethernet system designed to move data around buildings, facilities and even entire cities over special cabling. Now, this can be used for IMMS irrigation control and monitoring. Plus, these systems offer many advantages over more traditional communications.
Ethernet is fast, reliable, and secure. It is maintained by the customer’s Information Technology department. There is no monthly charge and no licensing fee. The communications infrastructure is already in place in many institutional and governmental installations, and using it is often just a matter of asking permission.
How it works. Ethernet works on IP (internet protocol) addresses, and the ACC-COM-LAN uses a “fixed IP” assigned by the network administrator. The com module is also assigned a standard IMMS address for use by the central software, in the usual manner at the com module.
The LAN or Ethernet module can still also be used to reach additional controllers via UHF radio or hardwired cable. Controllers on the site can share the IP connection by adding ACC-COM-HWR to the other controllers, with appropriate radio or hardwire options (RADxxx or ACC-HWIM).
The controller with the ACC-COM-LAN installed can be up to 100 m (300 ft) from the Ethernet jack. Wiring is done with CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 cable (the actual standard is up to the network, and IMMS will not care which it is).
Customers who desire remote access to their IMMS control system may do so via remote desktop software if the administrators permit this. Most Ethernet systems allow direct outside access via the Internet, with appropriate security settings.
