The Cisco NM-AIC-64 Network Module expands the capabilities of Service Provider and Enterprise networks by providing remote alarm monitoring and control of non-IP devices.
The Cisco NM-AIC-64 is a network module that greatly expands the network monitoring and control capabilities of the Cisco Multi-service Access Routers or Integrated Services Routers. The AIC functions as an integrated entity, residing within the Cisco 26xx and 36xx routers to provide network alarm monitoring and remote control of network elements through contact closure. The AIC reduces service-provider and enterprise operating expenses by providing a flexible, low-cost integrated solution for migrating existing monitoring equipment onto a highly scalable IP-based solution from Cisco. The AIC facilitates a seamless solution, because it can be housed and configured in a Cisco IOS Router, greatly simplifying network layout and management, and thereby reducing the high cost of operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning (OAM&P). The AIC is supported starting with Cisco IOS 12.2 (2) XG & 12.2(8)T
Each AIC can monitor 64 network elements, and remotely control 16 network elements. More than one AIC can be installed per router. For example, a Cisco 366x with its six network-module slots can accommodate up to six AICs, giving the Cisco 366x the ability to monitor up to 384 network elements and remotely control 96 network elements, all in one highly compact chassis
The AIC Network Module supports 64 discrete alarm inputs, of which 8 of the last 64 alarm points are software configurable to accept either analog or discrete inputs. The AIC further supports 16 control relays to facilitate the remote control of network elements. Each of the 64 discrete alarm inputs can be activated via ground or negative battery input. The negative battery range is -36V to -72V. The analog alarm input can be configured to monitor either DC voltage or current. It can measure voltage from -60V to 60V or current from 0 to 20 mA. The control relays can be utilized to remotely control simple network devices. These alarm inputs are configured in Cisco IOS Software. Some reportable events include:
• Network element alarm states
• Building security/intrusion detection (opening and closing of doors and windows)
• Building environmental factors (temperature and humidity)
• Commercial power (A/C) and central-office (CO) (D/C) power readings
• Fire and smoke detection
• Equipment alarm
• Temperature threshold violation
• Voltage fluctuation
The AIC converts relay contact alarm signals to Transaction Language One (TL-1) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) message formats, providing TL-1 over Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and SNMP protocols. When an event occurs, such as a door alarm or an open gate, the AIC maps the simple discrete and analog alarms to preprogrammed intelligent messages and transports the messages to destinations in the IP network, typically to a Network Operations Center (NOC). Generated either in TL-1 or in SNMP, these messages are used by an Operations Support System (OSS). All the contact closure-related alarms are routed and reported through the existing OSS and the associated OSS networks. The AIC sends the TL-1 or SNMP messages to the OSS autonomously or in response to TL-1 or SNMP commands from the OSS. The option to utilize TL-1 or SNMP is defined by the user, and it is software configurable on the AIC.
CONNECTING THE CISCO NM-AIC-64 NETWORK MODULE TO THE NETWORK
The alarm and remote-control features of the AIC are accessed via four female small computer serial interface (SCSI) II (Micro DB-50) interfaces. A SCSI II (Micro DB-50) cable with male connectors is required to interface the female SCSI II interfaces on a AIC Network Module to a SCSI II-to-Telco-50 pin patch panel. Two different patch panels are available based on customer requirements (see Table 1). It is highly recommended that a patch panel be used in conjunction with the AIC.give examples of the two types of patch panels. SCSI cables and the recommended patch panels are not supplied with the network module; they are orderable separately as necessary. The recommended patch panels and cables are available either from Cisco Systems or Components Express.