Comander Perimeter Security System
Engineering and Installation Manual
Page 47 of 72
Switching from CentrAlert to Comander also adds an Ethernet networking capability to
the system. This can be used to extend control and management using Ethernet-
based SMS computers (running Geolog Vision), and add Ethernet-controlled security
and alarm devices.
The Comander network can also be used to transport data from any Ethernet devices
into and around the system, including IP cameras, CCTV camera encoders, fire panels,
or access control systems.
If you have a CentrAlert system with multiple rack units, with one configured as Master
and connected to an SMS computer via a serial link, you can replace all the CentrAlert
rack units with Comander Racks, using the existing Marshalling Box cables and
connectors. (Note that legacy Marshalling Box cables should be connected to the
Rack sockets marked "X", NOT to the Rack sockets marked "=". If you are not sure
which type of cable you have, please contact Geoquip Technical Support.)
The Racks are then linked using Ethernet connections, rather than the old CentrAlert
serial connections – this not only provides much faster connection and integration with
other devices, but also provides fault-tolerant connections between the Racks.
In this scenario the Master CentrAlert Rack (ie the one which provides the serial data
connection to the SMS) would be replaced by a Comander Rack configured as the
SMS Collator.
4.3 SMS Compatibility
Comander works best when used in conjunction with Geoquip's Geolog Vision SMS
software, but it also works well with other SMS applications such as Datalog, and with
any other SMS which supports Geoquip's messaging protocols. Datalog computers
are normally connected to a Comander via an RS232 port, while Geolog Vision
computers connect via Ethernet.
Historically, SMS software such as Datalog or Geolog Vision required hardcoded
configuration for each annunciating device connected to it. The SMS would then
collate information from all these devices into a single list of circuits, which was then
mapped within the SMS configuration to alarm processing functions.
Comander systems can be set up in the same way, but a Comander Rack can also be
configured to collate the device and circuit information automatically, and annunciate
this information to the SMS directly. This means that the SMS only needs to
communicate with a single device, making configuration of the SMS software much
simpler.
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