The data records are temporarily stored in the buffer until polled by the PC at on-demand or predefined intervals. Alarm notification comes in many forms, and each box will offer at least two or three variations. Buffer boxes have recently expanded to offer multiple serial and communications ports for connecting war-room equipment aside from the switch. Vendors are also incorporating environmental monitoring features into buffers. Omnitronix, rolled out an EventSensor buffer add-on box for just such environmental monitoring.
Vendors are also network-enabling buffer boxes.
The feature can lower long distance polling costs. And it can make connected remote equipment more secure against fraud and break-ins. The roundup features an assortment of buffers and alarm boxes. Some boast a range of capabilities. Others perform only one or two tasks.