New functionality enables service providers to remotely monitor status of energy storage and backup power operations

ATLANTA, September 17, 2024 – ATX Networks, a global leader in broadband access and media distribution solutions, will demonstrate the Areca™ Remote Monitoring Unit (RMU) at SCTE® TechExpo 2024, the annual cable industry event that runs September 24-26, in Atlanta, GA.

MSOs and other businesses that rely heavily on Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries to provide standby power for components and systems in their networks frequently cite the inability to monitor the health and status of this energy storage medium from network operation centers (NOCs) or other remote locations as a major shortcoming of lead-acid batteries.

“Technicians are largely in the dark when it comes to knowing the status or even the availability of lead-acid batteries located in remote locations, including headends, central offices and portions of wireline and wireless access networks,” said George Goncalves, Sr. Director of Areca Energy Storage Products at ATX. “Areca Hybrid Supercapacitors solve this shortcoming with the addition of remote monitoring capabilities that enable technicians to tap into the status of ATX energy storage systems located across their networks and receive alarms or notifications if standby power operations need attention.”

The information available through the Areca RMU includes the energy medium’s voltage, available current, charging status and other performance information, which can be accessed through an intuitive GUI that interfaces with the RMU over IP. The standalone device consumes one rack unit and can be mounted in a 19- or 23-inch rack or installed onto a standard DIN rail of a telecommunications rack.

A single device is capable of monitoring up to 15 Areca modules, with the RMU’s dashboard providing a summary of all monitored units, as well as the ability to monitor each module individually. The device supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and other network management and monitoring standards.

Areca hybrid supercapacitors offer unparalleled benefits in addition to remote monitoring, including increased reliability, longevity, cycle life, safety and environmental sustainability. By leveraging the power of Areca hybrid supercapacitor energy storage solutions, organizations can futureproof their backup power operations, minimize downtime, reduce energy costs and uphold their commitment to improving the sustainability of the planet.

Lead-acid batteries are prone to failures, rapid degrading, require frequent maintenance and have an average lifespan of three-to-five years. Areca energy storage modules require essentially no maintenance and can be discharged and charged more than 20,000 times over their 20-plus-year lifespan.

“Areca hybrid supercapacitors are largely a set-and-forget proposition,” added Goncalves. “The addition of our remote monitoring capabilities will provide an additional layer of peace of mind that backup power will be there whenever you need it.”

Visit ATX booth 1015 at this month’s TechExpo 2024 for a live demonstration of the technology. The Areca RMU is scheduled for commercial availability before the end of the year.

For more information, please visit www.atx.com.

About ATX Networks
ATX Networks is an innovation leader in broadband access, media distribution and sustainable energy storage. ATX’s market-leading and award-winning solutions are based on Agile Innovation design principles, enabling communications service providers to futureproof and evolve their networks in lockstep with market demand and in compliance with environmental standards. ATX partners with the world’s most innovative cable, satellite, fixed telecom, wireless and media broadcast service providers to improve people’s lives by enabling affordable and reliable broadband connectivity and media content for everyone, everywhere. For further information, visit ATX at www.atx.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.