Comander Perimeter Security System
Engineering and Installation Manual
Page 46 of 72
4 Upgrader's Guide
This section discusses how Comander units can be integrated into existing Geoquip
systems, both as replacements for existing units, and as upgrades.
4.1 Integrating Comander with Gthernet
As Geoquip's "Gthernet" product range is gradually deprecated, Comander units can
be used to replace and upgrade many of the Gthernet operations and features.
4.1.1 Replacing a Gthernet Basestation Unit with a Comander Rack
The Basestation Unit ("BU") is the heart of any Gthernet system, and a Comander
Rack can easily be configured and installed as a drop-in replacement for a Gthernet
BU. A Comander serial port can be used to connect a Datalog SMS, and the
Comander's RSTP network management system, connected to a Gthernet ring via SC
Fibre connections, seamlessly replaces the same functionality in a BU. The BU Audio
Output function is also available on the Comander Rack.
The main advantage of using a Comander Rack instead of a BU is the ease with which
the system can be configured, or the configuration changed when devices are added to
or removed from the system. Instead of manually editing text configuration files (such
as the "smsIP" file), Comander offers web-based configuration options, and automatic
detection of both local circuit information and information about circuits connected to
other devices, via the Collator function.
An additional advantage is that a Comander Rack can accommodate direct
connections from existing CentrAlert Marshalling Boxes, or other serial or Ethernet
devices which normally connect to a Gthernet Node. So as well as replacing the BU,
the same Comander Rack can also fulfil the functions of Gthernet nodes (including
those with LIM, SAM or MicrAlert units attached) in the Control Room - see following
section.
4.1.2 Replacing Gthernet Nodes with Comander Racks
Gthernet Nodes act as Ethernet switches, allowing the connection of alarm and relay
output devices to the Gthernet system via Ethernet ports. Nodes also provide Ethernet
links (including fibre connections) which can be linked using in a Ring topology.
Comander units can work as drop-in replacements for all of this functionality (with the
exception that each Comander has only two CAT5e Ethernet ports, while a Gthernet
Node has three).
Note, however, that while Gthernet Nodes are supplied in fence-
mountable IP65 hardened enclosures, Comander Racks are not,
and must be housed in a fully weatherproof building or cabinet.
4.2 Integrating Comander with existing CentrAlert, MicrAlert etc
If a perimeter detection system based on Geoquip's older CentrAlert or MicrAlert
systems is already installed, it may not be practical to replace the entire system with a
new one which uses Ethernet connections throughout. The Comander has been
carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with these legacy systems.
4.2.1 CentrAlert
The Comander Rack can operate as a drop-in replacement for a CentrAlert Rack unit,
though it offers a great deal of additional functionality. The Comander Rack can
connect to existing CentrAlert Marshalling Boxes and Relay Racks directly, using the
existing cables, with no adaptation required.
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