Central system

The central system performs a number of important functions: it controls communications with base stations; it hosts a database that stores information about and from each telecell; and it is a web server that hosts the user interface. The software running on the central system includes:

The hardware specification of the central system is scalable according to IT requirements. An “entry level” server would comprise a single, non-redundant tower PC running Linux, with a single pair of non-hot swap mirrored disks and with a simple UPS of approx duration 15 mins.

However for larger systems and where higher levels of resilience are required other options are available, such as a redundant dual server configuration in which a second server acts as a ‘shadow’. The second server can be located remotely if required, for example to fit in with IT disaster recovery policy. Servers can be provided as rack mountable.

Reflecting this central role in the whole system, the central system should be situated ideally in a dedicated server or ‘comms’ room.

Central system to base stations

Base stations need to be connected back to the central system. These links can be one of several types and formed from standard communications capable of forming an IP based link, so for example ethernet, leased line, ADSL or 3G cellular modem are all valid possibilities. The choice depends mainly on the base station location and ease/cost of installation of a particular service.