Operation Manual
Remote-i Net
Summary
Introduction..........................................................................................1
Installation............................................................................................2
Operation..............................................................................................3
Normal operation steps....................................................................................................................4
Basic Programming.................................................................................5
Local Addressing of Remote-i Net..................................................................................................5
Searching for a DHCP server on the local network....................................................................5
Reconfiguring the Remote-i Net for use without a DHCP server...............................................6
Remote-i Net Configuration Program..............................................................................................6
List of Remote-i Net devices found............................................................................................8
Identification of the selected device...........................................................................................8
Remote-i Server addressing......................................................................................................10
Saving of information...............................................................................................................11
Frequently Asked Questions...................................................................12
Technical Specifications.........................................................................15
Technical Assistance..............................................................................16
i
Remote-i Net
Introduction
Remote-i is the generic denomination of a family of equipment manufactured by Contronics which
allows communication (data downloading) between Guardus and a computer.
Contronics offers 4 different Remote-i models:
y Remote-i Serial
y Remote-i Modem
y Remote-i ISP
y Remote-i Net
The basic function of the family of Remote-i equipment is the same: to provide a means of
communication between Guardus and a remote computer for the downloading of data. The difference
between the models lies in the mechanism used to carry out this connection:
Model Method of Connection
Remote-i Serial
Uses an external modem and a telephone line dial-up in order
to connect directly with the remote computer.
Remote-i Modem
Evolution of the Serial model, bringing a built-in modem. The
connection is carried out in the same way, using a telephone
line dial-up.
Remote-i ISP
Evolution of the Modem model, designed specifically for use of
the Internet (via a provider) through a telephone line dial-up.
The remote computer also needs to be connected to the
Internet in order to receive the downloads.
Remote-i Net
Variation of the ISP model, to deal with situations where the
installation location already has a permanent connection to the
Internet. The principal advantage is that it doesn't need to use
a telephone line for connection to the remote computer.
In this manual only the Remote-i Net model will be dealt with.
Contronics 1
Remote-i Net
Installation
The installation of Remote-i Net is very simple, and it comes configured by the manufacturer to operate
on the majority of local networks without any additional configuration being required.
Prior to starting the installation, verify that the location where the Remote-i Net will be installed fulfills
the requirements necessary for physical connection:
y electrical AC socket supplying 110 or 220V
y local network access point
The power source provided with the Remote-i Net leaves the factory set to 220V. Verify that the voltage
available at the socket is correct. If not, move the selection switch to the correct voltage (220 or 110).
The physical Remote-i Net connections will be made at the back of the equipment, as shown in the
following figure:
2 Contronics
Figure 1 - Back of Remote-i Net.
Remote-i Net
Operation
The Remote-i Net operation is absolutely silent, and the signaling is carried out by 3 small colored lights
(LEDs) on the front panel of the equipment.
The visual signaling has the following set-up:
y COMMUNICATION, which indicates success or failure of the download process
y LINE, which shows the exchange of information between the Guardus and the remote computer
y POWER, which indicates that the equipment is switched on
During operation there may be a combined signaling, that is, depending on the situation the LEDs
identified as COMMUNICATION and LINE can flash together, indicating a situation different to the
basic information above. These situations will be dealt with in detail as follows.
Contronics 3
Figure 2 - Front panel.
Remote-i Net
Normal operation steps
The data download operation considered to be normal involves the following sequence of events:
1. after installation of the network cables and connection to the power source, the LED identified as
POWER should light up in green, whenever the Remote-i Net is switched on;
2. immediately after the Remote-i Net is switched on, the three LEDs will be lit, indicating that the
equipment is attempting to connect to the local network. After 3 seconds the LEDs identified as
COMMUNICATION and LINE should turn off, and only the POWER will be lit. This indicates
that the Remote-i Net is ready to operate on the local network;
3. the user places the Guardus on the metal receptacle mounted on the front of the Remote-i Net
and this carries out a rapid reading of its content. This reading is signaled by a very brief flashing
of LINE;
4. assuming that the data necessary for the download is correctly stored in the Guardus, the
Remote-i Net will respond by lighting up COMMUNICATION in red. This indicator will remain
unaltered during the entire download process, and the user shouldn't remove the Guardus from
the metal receptacle as this will interrupt the operation;
5. when the remote computer is connected to the Remote-i Net, the Guardus will immediately emit
a sound and light signal, indicating that the two parts have been synchronized and download of
data can commence;
6. the download process will proceed for a few seconds and may be accompanied by rapid flashing
of LINE;
7. at the end of the download process, the Guardus will again emit a sound and light signal
indicating that everything went well and the Remote-i Net will signal this with a color change of
COMMUNICATION from red to green;
8. the user removes the Guardus from the metal receptacle and waits for the LED identified as
COMMUNICATION to turn off, indicating the end of the download cycle.
The procedure described above assumes that everything occurred without problems. However, some
difficulties may arise during this process which will be immediately signaled by Remote-i Net through a
combined flashing of the COMMUNICATION and LINE LEDs.
In order to understand what Remote-i Net is trying to indicate with the light signals, read the section
'Frequently Asked Questions', on page 12.
4 Contronics
Remote-i Net
Basic Programming
The Remote-i Net comes configured by the factory ready to operate on most local networks without the
need for reprogramming. However, there are some situations which require different programming to
allow its connection to the user's local network.
Local Addressing of Remote-i Net
The factory setting for Remote-i Net assumes the following conditions for the local network:
y TCP/IP network protocol
y twisted pair network cable with RJ-45 connector
y access point which accepts a standard 10base-T (10 Mbits/s in twisted pair)
y DHCP server
The DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) server is a component of the local network which is
responsible for distributing IP addresses to the other machines. Each machine connected to the local
network when turned on, searches for the DHCP server and requests an IP address to initiate the work.
The DHCP server then verifies its list of available addresses, selects one of them and informs of the
address which each machine must utilize in order to be identified by the other machines on the network.
This centralized control facilitates and disciplines the distribution of addresses when the quantity of
machines connected to the same local network is very high (more than 10 machines).
Often, for small installations, a DHCP server is not required, and if that is the case for your installation,
the Remote-i Net will need to be reconfigured.
Searching for a DHCP server on the local network
The test to find out whether or not your local network has a DHCP server is very simple: it is just a matter
of turning on the Remote-i Net with the factory configuration. The 3 LEDs of the Remote-i Net will light
up while it searches for the DHCP server. If there is a DHCP server on the network, after 3 seconds two
LEDs will go off (COMMUNICATION and LINE), and only the POWER LED will remain on.
Alternatively, should the 3 LEDs remain on after 5 seconds, this means that the Remote-i Net did not
managed to find the DHCP server. The possible reasons are:
• faulty cable contact
• inappropriate network cable (it must be the same type used for computers)
• hub turned off
• DHCP server disconnected
After verifying the first three items and finding that the same signaling remains, one can assume with a
high degree of certainty that your local network does not have a DHCP server available. In this case your
Remote-i Net will need to be reconfigured.
Contronics 5
Remote-i Net
Reconfiguring the Remote-i Net for use without a DHCP server
The Remote-i Net leaves the factory programmed to find a DHCP server. If your network does not have
a DHCP server, it will be necessary to reconfigure the Remote-i Net
Before reconfiguring the Remote-i Net, you should obtain the following information from the person
responsible for your local network:
y free fixed IP address for the use of the Remote-i Net
y sub-network mask
y IP address of the local network router
Having obtained this information, use a “RiNetConfig” program to reconfigure your Remote-i Net. It is
available on the same menu as the PROGuard program.
Remote-i Net Configuration Program
The Remote-i Net configuration program is installed through the CommCenter installation procedure.
The application is available in the following folder: ..\Program Files\Contronics\Common Files\Remote-i
Net.
Once installed, the configuration program may be activated from the Programs menu, accessed by the
Windows® Start button
As it starts, the program will display its main screen:
6 Contronics
Figure 3 - Start Menu / Programs.
Figure 4 - Initial screen of the Remote-i Net configuration program.
Remote-i Net
Connect your Remote-i Net to the local network, turn on the power and the switch at the back of the
equipment. The LED identified as POWER should remain on.
Returning to the configuration program, press the "Update" button in order to scan the local network in
search of Remote-i Net devices. If a device of this type is found, it will appear on the list, as shown in the
figure below.
If more that one Remote-i Net is connected at the same time, they will be listed on the upper left part, but
only one of them may be programmed at a time.
Contronics 7
Figure 5 - Result of the scanning for a Remote-i Net.
Figure 6 - Scanning with more than one Remote-i Net on the local network.
Remote-i Net
List of Remote-i Net devices found
The list of devices found during the scanning of the local network appears on the upper left part of the
main screen.
On each line of the list a Remote-i Net series number and the IP address which it is using at the time are
shown.
Identification of the selected device
When one of the devices listed is selected, the configuration data contained in its memory will be shown,
grouped according to type of information. One of these groups is the unique identification of each device,
which is shown on the upper right part of the main screen.
Local addressing of the selected device
The selected device has a local network identification, composed of:
y IP address
y sub-network mask
y standard router address
These data may be obtained automatically by Remote-i Net when it is turned on (factory setting) or they
can be set. The automatic obtention is carried out with the assistance of a DHCP server, which is
normally available on medium and large local networks.
8 Contronics
Remote-i Net
The automatic identification is always recommended when the local network, where the Remote-i Net is
connected, has a DHCP server. For this, configure the Remote-i Net as shown in the following figure.
If your local network does not have a local DHCP server, find out from the person responsible for the
local network, the data needed to fill in the fields “IP address”, “Network mask” and “Standard router”.
Example of the local fixed addressing (the numbers may vary):
Contronics 9
Important Note
If the local network where the Remote-i Net will be installed doesn't have an active DHCP
server, consult the person responsible before filling in the local addressing gaps.
If the numbers are not correct, the Remote-i Net will not be able to operate. If there is a
conflict of IP addresses (same address for two machines on the local network) both the
Remote-i Net and the other machine which has the same address will be affected.
Remote-i Net
CommCenter addressing
The process of downloading the Guardus data involves not only the Remote-i Net, but also a program
known as CommCenter which remains installed on a remote machine and is always ready to receive and
process these data.
The Remote-i Net initially searches within the Guardus memory to check whether the computer address,
where the CommCenter program is, is stored. If it is stored, the connection begins.
When the reading of the Guardus internal memory does not bring the necessary address information for
the connection with the CommCenter, an option would be to use a program address in the memory of the
Remote-i Net itself.
The Remote-i Net leaves the factory without any CommCenter address programmed, as shown in the
following figure.
The Remote-i Net stores up to 4 different CommCenter addresses. The attempts to connect will always
occur in the specified order starting with the primary address. The number of ports used by the
CommCenter is normally 5120, referred to in the configuration program by the term "Standard".
To program one or more CommCenter address, enter with the information shown in the figure below:
The number may vary for your particular installation. The above figure serves only to illustrate how the
addresses may be formed.
10 Contronics
Remote-i Net
The number of the ports may also be altered, although this is not recommended. If it is really necessary to
change it, consult the person responsible for the CommCenter in your organization in order to find out the
correct number to be used.
Saving of information
All the information shown or edited on the main screen of the Remote-i Net configuration program
remains stored only inside each specific device. No information is recorded on the computer which is
being used for the configuration process.
The altered information will only be stored in the selected device when the button "Save" is pressed.
Before confirming this operation, carry out a complete check to see whether the data are correct, mainly
regarding the local addressing information.
Contronics 11
Remote-i Net
Frequently Asked Questions
The operation of Remote-i Net is very simple, but some difficulties may arise during the download
process which will be signaled by the equipment in the form of a combination of flashes of the
COMMUNICATION and LINE LEDs.
The following questions deal with such situations which do not follow the normal operation as described
on page 4.
1. POWER LED does not light up. What should be done?
his situation suggests that the equipment has not been properly supplied with power.
Verify the following
a. whether the electricity plug is firmly connected to the electricity socket
b. whether the voltage selection switch for the electricity input is correct for the supply in
your region (110V or 220V)
c. a.whether the electricity source is firmly connected to the Remote-i Net
d. whether the on-off switch is on (lever in upward position)
If these items are correct, and the electricity socket is receiving energy, and even so, the Remote-i
Net POWER LED does not light up, call Technical Assistance (see contact information on page 19)
and report the problem.
2. The Remote-i Net came on, but the 3 LEDs remained lit after the initial 3 seconds. What should
be done?
This situation shows that your local network does not have an active DHCP at this time. The
Remote-i Net leaves the factory configured to be used on a local network which has an active
DHCP server, and when it does not find the server, it waits indefinitely for the server to return to
operation. During this time the Remote-i Net remains inactive.
Proceed in the following way:
a. verify with the person responsible for the local network whether there is at least one DHCP
server available. Of there is, request verification that it is still active and whether the
location where the Remote-i Net is connected, is attended by this DHCP server;
b. if it is confirmed that the local network has no DHCP server available, ask the person
responsible for a fixed IP address available for use with the Remote-i Net. The procedure
to configure the Remote-i Net in order to use a fixed IP address, is described in the item
"Reconfiguring the Remote-i Net for use without a DHCP server" on page 6.
12 Contronics
Remote-i Net
3. The Guardus starts emitting a series of “bips” without the COMMUNICATION LED lighting
up. What has happened?
This is not a Remote-i Net but a Guardus signal. What it is trying to tell you is that the position in
which the Guardus was placed on the Remote-i Net metal receptacle caused a faulty contact. This
situation is temporary and soon after the end of the 9 “bips” sequence the Remote-i Net will try
again to connect with the Guardus. Just wait as everything will return to normal after a few
seconds.
4. The Guardus was placed on the Remote-i Net metal receptacle but the COMMUNICATION
LED began to flash orange and nothing happened. What is the Remote-i Net trying to signal
with this?
The Remote-i Net, upon detecting that a Guardus G or Guardus T was placed on the metal
receptacle, tries to read some internal information which gives the remote computer address which
should receive the data download. If these data are not recorded on the Guardus, the Remote-i Net
will try to find out whether they are programmed inside itself.
If the Remote-i Net still does not find sufficient information to attempt communication with the
remote computer, the COMMUNICATION LED will signal this by flashing orange immediately
after contact with Guardus. This signaling will remain while the Guardus is in contact with the
metal receptacle.
What should be done:
a. obtain the IP address and the number of the remote computer port which was programmed
to receive the Guardus downloads of your company. If you do not know how to obtain this
information, establish contact with the person responsible for your local network and give
the name of the remote computer you wish to use;
b. use this information (IP address and port number) to program the Remote-i Net as
described in the item “CommCenter addressing" on page 10, or
c. reprogram the Guardus so that it can start storing the IP address and the port number
To program Guardus G / Guardus T, use the application corresponding to each device. The
Guardus G, for example, is reprogrammed through PROGuard.
Contronics 13
Remote-i Net
5. The COMMUNICATION LED remained red for some time without flashing and now it is
flashing orange. What should be done?
This is an indication that something has gone wrong in the process of connection between the
Remote-i Net and the remote computer.
The most probably reasons for this signaling are:
a. faulty contact of the Remote-i Net network cable
b. the remote computer was switched off
c. the remote computer is no longer accessible on the local network
d. the CommCenter program, which waits for the remote computer downloads, was
disconnected
e. the connection between the Remote-i Net and the remote computer is experiencing traffic
problems, possibly on the Internet
Carry out a verification of each one of these items. If it is a temporary problem, just remove the
Guardus from the Remote-i Net metal receptacle until the COMMUNICATION LED goes off and
try again. A new attempt will be started as soon as the Guardus is replaced on the metal receptacle.
If the problem remains, enter into contact with the person responsible for your local network, so
that the source of the problem can be verified.
6. The COMMUNICATION LED is red without flashing. Is it OK to remove the Guardus from the
Remote-i Net metal receptacle?
No. While the COMMUNICATION LED is lit in red the Remote-i Net will be processing the
Guardus data download and should not be interrupted. Wait until this LED changes to green
(without flashing) or to orange (flashing) before removing the Guardus.
7. The COMMUNICATION LED is green without flashing. Is it OK to remove the Guardus from
the Remote-i Net metal receptacle?
Yes. When the COMMUNICATION LED remains green without flashing it means that the data
which were stored on the Guardus were downloaded onto the remote computer successfully. This
LED will only go off when the Guardus is removed from the metal receptacle.
8. I will use Remote-i Net only on an internal network, where my PC which runs CommCenter is in
the room next door. Which type of configuration do I need?
You need to configure the (Guardus G or Guardus T) using the corresponding application for it to
store the network address of the PC where the CommCenter program is running. If you do not know
the PC address, ask your network administrator.
The steps to program the wand are as follows:
a. Carry out a new download or open a previous download;
14 Contronics
Remote-i Net
b. In the 'Programing' guide, click on 'Reprogramming';
c. In the 'Remote' guide fill in the field 'destination IP ' with the IP of the computer where the
CommCenter will be installed;
d. Click on 'OK' and place the wand in contact with the download interface for the programming to be
saved. With this operation, every time that the wand is placed on the Remote-i Net the address of the
PC which is running the CommCenter program will be read and automatically accessed through your
local network.
9. If my company uses several wands, do I need to program them one by one with the address of
the PC which runs the CommCenter? Isn't there an easier way to do this?
Yes, there is. You can use an alternative method which consists of programming the PC address in the
actual Remote-i Net itself. So, when you place the wand on the Remote-i Net, it will try to read the PC
address which is stored in the wand. If it finds it, it will use this address read from the wand. If not, it will
use the address which is programmed inside itelf. The steps to program the network address of the PC
which is running the CommCenter in the Remote-i Net itself are the following:
a. Open the program RiNet_Config and click on 'Update';
b. Deselect the option 'Use DHCP server' if it is selected;
c. In “Devices” click on a Remote-i and fill in the fields 'IP Address', 'Network mask' and 'Standard
Router' (this information can be obtained from the network administrator);
d. Click on 'Save' to record these configurations.
10.Our company provides security services for many clients spread around the city and even in
other cities, but we want the data for all these clients to be concentrated at our company head
office.
How can the Remote-i Net be configured to do this?
Remote-i Net does not distinguish between geographical locations in relation to the PC which is running
the CommCenter, that is, as far as the Remote-i Net is concerned, it doesn't matter whether the PC is on
an internal or external network, the procedure is exactly the same (see queries above).
11.Do I need to carry out any special configuration at the head office of my company where the PC
which runs the CommCenter is located?
This depends on how the network where the PC is connected is organized. There are two distinct
possibilities which reflect almost all of the field installations:
a. Connection dedicated to the internet for a single PC (very rare nowadays)
b. Company internal network connected to the Internet through a router or firewall (most installations).
Contronics 15
Remote-i Net
In the first case, a special configuartion will not be necessary. The Remote-i Net needs only to know the
network (IP) addres of your PC. In the second case, it will be necessary to open what is called the
'executive route' in your router/firewall so that all external connections which arrive at your Internet
address via the 5120 port are directed only to the internal network address of the PC which is running the
CommCenter program.
12.If I open this 'executive route' of my router/firewall will I be compromising the security of my
internal network.
No, not all. The 'executive route' will work as if it were a direct connection between the Internet and the
CommCenter program. Every connection which arrives at the 5120 port (standard port of the
CommCenter program) will be diverted only to the PC which is running CommCenter, and to no other
computer.
Only the PC which you designate to receive the connection via the 5120 port will receive messages, the
rest of the network will not even be aware that a there is an incoming connection.
13.But if the CommCenter is offline, is my internal network at risk?
No. The CommCenter uses only the 5120 port and should it be offline, for any reason, the connections
which arrive at the 5120 port will simply be ignored, since there is no program 'receiving' that port. Since
only the PC where the CommCenter is installed has been configured to receive connections which enter
through the 5120 port, no computer on your internal network will be affected.
14.So, that means that I can have 50 clients spread around the country sending wand data to my
company without any of these clients needing to configure the router or firewall.
Exactly. Only the network where the PC which runs the CommCenter is installed needs to have an
'executive route' in its router/firewall Internet access. Your clients do not need to be concerned about any
of this, they just need to program the Internet address of your company head office so that the Remote-i
Nets spread nationwide can operate.
15.Can the Remote-i Net pose any threat to the security of the my client's internal network?
No, not at all. Remote-i Net can only communicate with CommCenter. If it is programmed with the
address of the PC which is running the CommCenter and the CommCenter is receiving at the 5120 port,
the two can communicate, if not, Remote-i Net will indicate an error and will remain silent, without
bothering anyone on your client's internal internet.
16.I have just received my Remote-i Net. Is there any fixed internet address which I can use in the
configuration of my Remote-i Net to check if it is really working?
Yes, there is. Contronic has the address 200.247.154.87 which can be used to test your Remote-i Net.
When a wand is placed on the Remote-i Net programmed with this addresss the wand download will be
carried out at Contronics Head Office in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. The data transferred to this address
will be discarded, since Contronics has no interest in knowning the content of the data downloaded from
its client's wands, but this is a simple and practical way to check whether your Remote-i Net is working
properly.
16 Contronics
Remote-i Net
17.Can I use this address to test the Remote-i Net whenever it is installed at my client's facility's?
Of course. Feel free to test it whenever you wish. Contronics has this address for that purpose, we only
request that it be used moderately, since there are thousands of Remote-i Nets spread worldwide, which
also use this address for tests.
18.Is there an easy way to find out the internet address of my company?
Yes, open the following address on your navegator (Internet Explorer, Firefox or other):
http://www.myipaddress.com . The window which appears gives the address of your network when
viewed on the internet.
Contronics 17
Remote-i Net
Technical Specifications
Characteristics Specifications
Cabinet aluminum body with black epoxy paint coating
Dimensions (H x W x L) 30 mm x 68 mm x 105 mm
Weight 315 g
Operation temperature -5° à +70° celsius
Humidity tolerance up to 95% without condensation
Power supply external source of 9 V / 500 mA
Communication Ethernet 10base-T, half-duplex
Signaling 3 LED indicators
Communication cable twisted pair CAT-5 or CAT-3, RJ-45 connector
18 Contronics
Remote-i Net
Technical Assistance
Before entering into contact with Technical Assistance check the following items:
y whether your Remote-i Net has power (POWER LED on)
y whether the Remote-i Net local network cable is properly connected
y whether the COMMUNICATION and LINE LEDs are off (without Guardus G or Guardus T)
y whether your local network is operating
y whether the remote computer (where the CommCenter is) is active
y whether the CommCenter program is active
y whether the Remote-i Net local network and the remote computer local network are
interconnected
y whether the situation observed is listed in the section "Frequently Asked Questions" (page 12)
If, even after verifying all of the items above, your Remote-i Net does not operate, establish contact with
Contronics Technical Assistance by telephone, e-mail or fax and report your problem. The contact
information is:
Contronics 19
Contronics Technical Assistance
Rua Lauro Linhares, 589 – 1° andar
88.036-002 Florianópolis – SC
Telephone: +55 (48) 2106-2233
Fax: +55 (48) 2106-2211
E-mail: support@contronics.com
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