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Reserve Your Seat TodayCapRock Communications, a southwestern U.S. integrated communications provider (ICP), needed a practical way to send copies of critical site alarms to co-located equipment. Working with DPS Telecom engineering, CapRock approved a specification that became the Alarm Distribution Shelf (ADS), enabling simpler alarm distribution and faster troubleshooting workflows.
| Industry | Telecommunications (Integrated Communications Provider) |
|---|---|
| Company | CapRock Communications |
| Geography / Coverage | Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona; 7,500-mile fiber network |
| Primary Challenge | Distributing copies of existing alarms to co-located equipment |
| Solution Deployed | DPS Telecom Alarm Distribution Shelf (ADS), specified jointly through interviews and engineering review |
| Key Result | Relatively quick and easy integration; user-friendly operation backed by DPS Telecom support |
| Products Used | Alarm Distribution Shelf (ADS) |
CapRock Communications is an ICP delivering local, long-distance, Internet, data and private line services to business customers. The company operates a 7,500-mile fiber network across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona.
Earlier in the year, Miquel (Mike) Stewart, central office engineer for CapRock, described a specific operational need: send copies of CapRock alarm signals to co-located equipment.
In telecom facilities, alarm copying and distribution is often required when multiple systems or tenants need the same alarm indication, or when an alarm must be fanned out to additional devices without redesigning the original alarm source. The core requirement is straightforward: maintain alarm integrity while making the same alarm available where it is needed.
Through interviews and research, DPS Telecom engineers proposed a specification for an alarm distribution solution. CapRock Communications approved the design, and the Alarm Distribution Shelf (ADS) was created.
The ADS is designed for situations where you need to distribute alarm indications cleanly and consistently. By using purpose-built alarm distribution hardware instead of ad-hoc wiring changes, telecom teams can reduce uncertainty during turn-ups and simplify ongoing maintenance.
For organizations with broader site monitoring requirements beyond alarm copying, DPS Telecom typically recommends pairing an alarm distribution approach with centralized alarm management where appropriate. In many networks, that means combining alarm collection and distribution at the site with a DPS Telecom alarm master to improve visibility and escalation workflows. (CapRock's documented deployment in this story focuses on the ADS.)
CapRock described the integration of the custom-designed system as relatively quick and easy.
Stewart emphasized the value of DPS Telecom's guidance during the design decision process: "You guys talked us through a rather difficult stage where we had to make up our minds what we wanted to do, and then we implemented it, and you were an excellent source for help," said Stewart.
DPS Telecom's support model is built around helping engineers deploy monitoring and alarm distribution systems that match real-world central office requirements. CapRock's team highlighted the practicality of having experts available when questions came up during deployment and operations.
CapRock reported that the system was user friendly and did not present problems in implementation and operation. "Our DPS system is very user friendly. We have not had any problems implementing and operating this system," said Joey Todd, manager of inside plant engineering.
Stewart noted that the delivered solution met expectations: "Both products did exactly what you said they would do and how you said they would do it. The beautiful part about it is that there are no follow-ups. The sucker works," said Stewart.
CapRock also cited responsiveness from DPS Telecom support: "Every time we ended up having a problem with the unit, we'd make a quick phone call, and we'd have resolved our issues," said Project Manager Arnold Clemente.
When asked if they would make the same decision again, Allen R. Davidson, senior power systems engineer, said, "Yes, we're very pleased. Definitely pleased."
Alarm Distribution Shelf (ADS) - Alarm distribution hardware created from a CapRock-approved specification to provide copies of alarms to co-located equipment.
It means taking an existing alarm indication (for example, a discrete contact closure or similar alarm signal) and making additional identical outputs available so more than one system can receive the same alarm.
In co-location environments, multiple systems may need awareness of the same condition. Distributing alarm signals helps ensure the right equipment and teams receive the same alarm information.
The ADS addresses the distribution requirement: it helps route and replicate alarm signals where they are needed. Many telecom operators complement alarm distribution at the site with centralized alarm visibility and escalation as the network grows.
At minimum: which alarms must be copied, how many destinations must receive each alarm, how the signals will be terminated, and any operational requirements for troubleshooting and maintenance.
Do you have questions about the ADS? Give us a call at our toll-free number and talk to one of our specialists. They will help answer any questions you may have. If you are designing alarm distribution or improving central office monitoring, DPS Telecom can help you select the right approach for your requirements.
Get a Free Consultation or call DPS Telecom at 1-800-693-0351 to speak with an expert about your project.
