Real-Time Weather Data Collection
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 The Challenge
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BEFORE
Previously, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the Federal Department that operates the U.S. National Weather Service, used banks of modems to collect weather information. The modems would dial out every 60 minutes to relay mission critical temperature data from serial-based gauges and sensors at sites across the North Eastern United States. This method was both costly and inefficient, since long distance charges were incurred by the remote dialing of the many modems, and the organization was forced to operate and maintain banks of modems.
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With an existing IP network, NOAA simply needed a solution, which would cost-effectively bring the remote data to a central PC. National Weather Service spokesperson Al Wissman said, "The aim of the project was to seamlessly integrate our serial-based weather instruments onto an existing IP network. Accessing high-resolution weather data in real-time was of paramount concern." The IP232 provided the solution.
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Precidia's Solution |
AFTER
NOAA deployed Precidia's IP232 modem device to collect accurate, real-time weather data. This helped them meet a Senate Directive to improve the timeliness and accuracy of weather reporting. Precidia offered NOAA an ideal, cost-effective solution for their needs. The IP232 modem device connects the RS232 weather forecasting equipment to the existing IP network, by initiating a point-to-point (PPP) dial-up connection via local Internet Service Providers (ISPs). By implementing the IP232, the weather service was able to fully utilize their existing network, eliminating costly long distance charges, while gaining access to accurate, real-time data to facilitate weather forecasting. The department also simplified the host infrastructure by eliminating the need to maintain banks of modems for remote data collection.
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Benefits |
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The NOAA has realized several key benefits by implementing Precidia's IP232:
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- Cost Savings
The department was able to eliminate long distance charges associated with the remote collection of data using modems. They were also able to eliminate service calls with remote configuration and diagnostics capabilities.
- Simplified Host Infrastructure
By implementing the IP232, the department is no longer required to maintain banks of modems.
- Access Mission Critical Data in Real-Time
The department was able to access accurate temperature data in real-time, facilitating improved weather forecasting.
- Extend the Life of Existing Serial Equipment
The department expanded the reporting capabilities of its existing weather equipment, without replacing it with newer products.
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Conclusion |
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Precidia's IP232 provided NOAA with a cost effective data collection solution, helping them to meet a Senate Directive for improved weather forecasting. The solution has been successfully piloted at five different NOAA laboratories across the North Eastern U.S., with wider deployment to follow over the next few months. The IP232 is the ideal solution for Government departments and larger organizations requiring access to serial devices in remote locations throughout the world, such as weather service, coast guard, oil & gas, and agricultural organizations.
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