SiteWatch consists of a sophisticated software application running on a range of processor hardware. It connects to site equipment through a range of external interfaces including serial, USB, LAN, analogue and digital inputs/outputs.

These allow SiteWatch to connect to the wide range of equipment types found in base sites.   This allows detailed data collection and analysis to be performed to a much greater level of detail and precision than has been previously possible. Some examples of connecting to a variety of equipment are detailed below. However, these are not exclusive and many other types of equipment can be monitored.  Requirements for specific connectivity can be examined on a case-by-case basis.

SiteWatch contains a networked software logic programme that is configured during installation to instruct it to perform various tasks when an event occurs in the equipment to which it is connected. The logic engine is highly sophisticated and can execute actions even if communication to the Network Management Centre is lost.  This can safeguard the integrity of the site and the installed equipment. If communication is still available, SiteWatch informs the NMC using a SNMP message. Most Network Management Systems are equipped to handle SNMP alarms and these are integrated in to the total network management hierarchy contained in the NMS.

As well as generating SNMP messages, SiteWatch can send alerts by SMS or email to a programmed number of respondents for immediate notification of site events. Any of the respondents can then connect to the SiteWatch system using a web browser using a variety of primary and backup communication paths to further analyse the prevailing situation at the site and instigate corrective action. Depending upon the type of event, SiteWatch could be capable of clearing the event by outputting commands to external equipment via serial or analogue outputs.

In addition to the reporting of events and alarms as they occur, SiteWatch can monitor key performance parameters over an extended period of time to warn of impending out-of-range values that could take the site off-air. A number of these situations are discussed in the following sections.