Introduction

This quick guide discusses the network settings available on the Irisys Vector units that you will need to configure correctly in order to pull count data and perform remote setup, validations, etc.

Some basic knowledge of network configuration is required, so speak to your IT department if you need assistance with any of this document.
In order to access these settings, you must first make an initial connection to the Vector unit; see separate section on Making a Setup Connection.

 

Network Settings

Once you are connected to your Vector, the network settings are accessed via the ‘Settings’ tab, then ‘Network’:

 

If connected to a Vector via an Estate Manager connection, make sure you select the ‘Live View’ option to make changes.
Always take extra care when remotely changing any of these settings – an incorrect setting could leave a Vector offline.

Note the help text available on the right of this tab, if required.

 

IP Settings

The Hostname is an alternative way of addressing a Vector rather than using the IP address. This functionality is network dependent and may not work in some locations.

The IP Address, Netmask and Gateway details are determined by the network that the Vector is connected to. In cases where the Vector is being connected to an existing network, the networks administrator will probably specify what settings are to be used.
To access a device using the hostname setting, the format is:         http://hostname.local
Some networks will require a different prefix for hostnames, so if '.local' doesn't work, try '.lan' '.bus' and '.home'

To use a DHCP assigned IP address, tick the ‘Enable DHCP’ checkbox. Again, the network administrator will need to specify whether to use a DHCP or a static IP address.

If a DHCP server is not available on the network, the Vector will default back to its last configured IP address.
If a devices IP address is unknown, and a hostname has not been configured or is not supported, the only way to communicate with that device will be to perform a full factory reset, or temporary network reset, on that device. See separate document for details of the reset procedures.

 

DNS Settings

The DNS (Domain Name System) settings are used by the Vector to resolve the IP addresses of any hostnames used. If the settings are incorrect, or they relate to an unreachable server address, the IP address resolving process will not succeed and the Vector will not be able to make a connection to a hostname. DNS settings are therefore required when connecting to a hostname for MQTT, HTTP Post, or an Outbound Connection.

If there are any preferred DNS servers on the same network as the Vector, enter their IP address(es) here. Up to three DNS server IP addresses can be entered, if required.

By default, the freely available Google DNS server details will be present: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. These can be changed if required or a third DNS server IP can simply be added. Note that the Google DNS servers may not be reachable on some networks, and in these cases, alternative DNS server settings will need to be made.

 

Server Port Setting

The Server Port number is used by the RIFT standalone setup tool software to communicate with a Vector. Access on the default port of 4505 is required for setup via the RIFT standalone app, but if not available, setup can be performed via onboard web setup software (if port 80 is available). Alternatively, the server port can be changed here to something else.

Changing this port number might be required if the IT department restricts access to port 4505, or it is used for something else already. Having different devices using different server ports also allows direct connection to all of them using the same IP address via a NAT.

Direct setup connection via the RIFT setup tool software will not be possible if the server port setting is changed, and the new value not known. Instead the web browser setup method must be used.
Note, if the server port is not known and the web setup access password is also changed to an unknown setting, then a factory reset of the device will be the only way to re-establish communication with that device. See also the Making a Setup Connection section for more details.

 

Saving

When making changes to any Network related settings, it is strongly recommended that the new settings are double checked before being clicking the ‘Save’ button.
When making changes remotely, take extra care not to save settings that will cause a device to go offline and, ultimately, be unreachable. Losing remote access to a device will require a specific site visit to rectify.

Additionally, when on site at time of initial installation, it is also recommended that any configured remote access is functioning correctly with the configured network settings before leaving site, in order to avoid a return to site.

Copyright © 2022 InfraRed Integrated Systems Limited

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission in writing from InfraRed Integrated Systems Limited.  This document gives only a general description of the products and except where expressly provided otherwise shall form no part of any contract. From time to time changes may be made in the products.