IP audio and control pioneer Barix has again flexed its IP muscle for a large utility
supplier, helping Swiss water and electricity supplier EWS Energie AG remotely
monitor its redundant fibre rings to ensure exceptional utility service for its customers
throughout Switzerland.
Based in Reinach, Switzerland, EWS leverages three fibre rings operating in unison
with 25 switches, all of which live in the company’s core IT network. All system
communication, along with all transformer and pump control operations, are
processed along these fibre rings.
As failures in utility service can happen in a split-second due to accidents, weather
events and other system failures, EWS turned to Barix to establish an independent
security solution to monitor performance across the fibre rings, and alert
administrators in the event of a failure or breakdown. The company chose the
Barionet 50 as an efficient, cost-effective and network-based monitoring solution that
could be implemented on a very short timeline. The complete solution was seamlessly
integrated to operate over the core EWS IT network. The IP network is provided by
barox-communication Ltd of Baden-Dattwil, Switzerland.
A key benefit tied to the quick deployment was the use of the Barix programming-
language ABCL, an openly programmable language that enabled company engineers
to write an application in a few simple steps. The application for EWS checks a web
server at regular intervals and leverages the IP protocol to confirm connection status
every five to 255 seconds.
As errors and failures happen, four specific error messages can be differentiated and
communicated to personnel, with a clear indication of the appropriate actions that
must be taken to resolve issues. As the Barionet 50 offers built-in relays, in urgent
cases the relay will automatically trigger a phone call over the internal telephone
system to the administrator. This Barionet application can be configured for two
different relay-conditions and supports. Furthermore, DNS-support and error-
qualification are included.
According to EWS officials, three benefits tipped the scales in favour of Barix over
competitive systems: stability, the simplicity of installation, and a very attractive price
point.
“The easy installation and the intelligibility were stunning with this device,’ said
Markus Steiger, a spokesperson for EWS. “The Barix solution was exactly what we
were looking for, and we fully trust in the robust design and reliability of the Barionet
50.”
Barix supplies simple and reliable solutions and components to systems integrators
and end users worldwide. The company moves high-quality audio across IP networks,
including background music distribution with dynamic advertising insertion for retail
shops, bars and hotels; public address solutions for schools and public spaces; and
intercom and entry systems for facility surveillance, protection and security are
among the many applications of Barix solutions. Barix also supports OEM projects for
a number of Global 500 listed companies serving many industries worldwide.
