Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know about remote management
We've gathered the most common questions about how street lighting remote management works, data security, communication technologies and the software.
What is a remote management system?
It's a system that enables remote monitoring and control, alarm detection, Class I energy metering and GPS geo-referencing of luminaires.
How does it work?
It comes in two modes: individual control (nodes on each luminaire) or by circuit (a controller in the cabinet). The nodes collect operating data and send it to the central system, which can be hosted on Smartmation's servers or the client's.
Is the data secure?
Yes. All communications are secure and encrypted with symmetric and asymmetric keys (the same level of security as online banking).
What's the advantage of having GPS in each node?
GPS prevents human configuration and maintenance errors by automatically locating each device.
What's the advantage of a Class I certified consumption meter?
It lets municipalities negotiate pay-per-actual-use with providers instead of flat rates, which is essential for reducing energy costs.
How do the nodes communicate with each other and with the central system?
They use IoT technologies: NB-IoT / CatM1 / 2G, 6LoWPAN, LoRaWAN and IEEE 802.15.4.
How many nodes can you connect per concentrator or gateway?
IEEE 802.15.4 supports 1,000 nodes; 6LoWPAN and LoRaWAN support 500 nodes; NB-IoT communicates directly, with no concentrator required.
What is neutral-loss protection?
The node protects the driver and the LEDs when, during electrical maintenance, the neutral comes loose, preventing the voltage from rising to a constant 380 VAC.
Once installed, can the nodes and gateways be updated remotely?
Yes, all Smartmation products can be updated when new software and firmware versions are released.
What happens if the central system or the cellular network goes down?
The luminaires keep operating autonomously thanks to an astronomical clock and a light sensor.
If the central system is down, is consumption data lost?
No. The nodes store up to 10 days of readings internally and sync once the connection is restored.
Do clients have to take out cellular data plans?
No. Smartmation manages and activates the plans as part of its end-to-end service.
With Smartmation hosting, where is the data stored?
Smartmation has contracted servers on Amazon (AWS) where the data is stored and protected.
Can I host my own data?
Yes. Smartmation installs and maintains the software on the client's infrastructure, at a differentiated cost.
Can I see the status of the infrastructure in real time?
Yes, which makes it easier to plan the preventive and corrective actions that reduce maintenance costs.
Does the software log user operations?
Yes, every operation performed by users is logged and can be reviewed.
Can access permissions be restricted?
Yes, the system assigns permissions by groups and users, limiting functionality according to each profile.
When is the cabinet controller used?
To remotely manage luminaires by circuit, including LED without a NEMA socket, ornamental or sodium-vapor fixtures.
Is a new cabinet required to add remote management?
In most cases it isn't, as long as the current enclosure has the appropriate space.