Year
1998
Abstract
The IAEA’s transition from analog to digital surveillance data has opened the door to more efficient and effective data collection via a variety of communications methods—particularly in the area of remote monitoring. The transmission of this electronic data requires a system capable of 1) continuous operation in all environments, 2) flexibility to adapt to different communications methods, and 3) an ability to collect and store large amounts of data from a variety of sensors. After reviewing lessons learned from initial remote monitoring field tests and the UN monitoring experiences in Iraq, the IAEA and Aquila jointly designed a communications server for remote monitoring applications. The server is capable of collecting data from a number of different sensors, including C&S and NDA systems, via standard computer interfaces; securely storing large quantities of data; and delivering this data through an automated process to IAEA Headquarters in Vienna or one of its field offices. The communications server is currently undergoing successful field tests in a number different countries. The server is also capable of an unattended mode of operations in areas where remote monitoring has not been implemented. This paper will discuss the advantages of this method of data collection and transmission and will examine the issues involved in securing this data.