Distributed multiprotocol acquisition network for environmental data

The acquisition and storage of large amount of data coming from distributed environmental sensors of different kind can be solved with the aid of a network between the acquisition subsystems, but problems can arise if they are not homogeneous. In this case the network should be as flexible as possible to ensure modularity and connectivity. In this work we describe the development and testing of a network based acquisition system. The network uses, where possible, commercial products, based on different standards, in order to increase the availability of its components, as well as its modularity. In addition it is completely independent from proprietary hardware and software products. In particular we tested an acquisition network based on multiple transmission protocol, like wireless and cabled RS232 and Fast Ethernet, which includes the acquisition, archiving and data analysis systems. Each acquisition subsystem can get time from satellite using GPS, and is able to monitor seismic activity, temperature, pressure, humidity and electromagnetic data. The sampling frequency and the dynamics of the acquired data can be matched to the characteristics of each probe. All the acquisition stations can use different platform as well as different operating systems. Tests have been performed to evaluate the capability of long acquisition periods and the fault tolerance of the whole system.