Center-to-Field communication refers to the communication between a management system or center and multiple control or monitoring devices managed by that system or center. This type of communication typically involves roadside devices.
Examples of Center-to-Field include:
- A traffic signal management system located at a TMC communicating with traffic signal controllers at intersections.
- A traffic management system controlling Pan/Tilt/Zoom Closed Circuit Television cameras and changeable message signs.
- A transit management center polling transit vehicles for their current location.
Agency A and Agency B each have Transportation Management Centers located in their City Halls. The TMC controls the traffic signals throughout the city through Center-to-Field communication.
NTCIP has a Center-to-Field Standards Group that addresses the communication between a TMC and various field devices. This includes traffic signals, ramp meters, CCTVs, and dynamic message signs. Center-to-Field communications protocols include the actual field device communication, such as NTCIP 1203: Object Definitions for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). It also includes regional communication requirements such as transferring information over the internet (NTCIP 2202: Internet (TCP/IP and UDP/IP) Transport Profile). Transit Center-to-Field standards are discussed on the Transit Standards page.
