Network Topologies - GE WattStation Installation And User Manual

IP Address – An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device
(e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for
communication.
Subnet Mask – The subnet mask determines how the IP address is divided into network and host
parts.
Default Gateway or LAN gateway – A node on a TCP/IP network that serves as an access point to
another network. A default gateway is the node on the computer network that network software
uses when an IP address does not match any other routes in the routing table.
DHCP – DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a communications protocol that lets
administrators centrally manage and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses
in a network.
DNS – Domain Name Server – A DNS server translates Internet domain and host names to IP
addresses.
Internet Port – Every service that you connect to on the Internet listens on a particular port. For
example the World Wide Web Service listens on port 80. Whenever you go to a website, your
browser is actually connecting to a particular computer on its port 80. Other services use other
ports.
Topology – In a network LAN the topology is the structure of nodes and how they connect to one
another.
Static IP Route – A static IP route is way or directing network traffic through a specific path or
gateway. In order to reach other networks it is sometimes necessary to configure specific routes
to override the default gateway path.
BMS – Building Management System – This is a computer-based control system installed in
buildings that controls and monitors the building's mechanical and electrical equipment such as
ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems.

5.3 Network Topologies

There are many different network topologies that the GE WattStation supports. This includes
wired Ethernet, WIFI and a dedicated Cellular router. It is important to understand the following
minimum requirements for all topologies.
- Dedicated Internet connection (If using the Cellular router option this is a dedicated
connection).
- LAN switch or WIFI Access Point
- DHCP or Static IP Address
- Wired Ethernet – Cat5 or greater wiring. LAN Switch port required for each unit if using
existing network
- WIFI Access Point(s) that support 802.11 b/g WIFI speeds
© GE All Rights Reserved
33