Videx PORTAL PLUS Application Note
Videx PORTAL PLUS Application Note

Videx PORTAL PLUS Application Note

Communication using 3g

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INTRODUCTION

This application note details cellular 3G connectivity between a Portal Plus EWS controller and PRO'S server-
client monitoring software. As an alternative to hardwired internet, 3G cellular data connectivity is readily
available across the UK with most providers claiming up to 90% coverage. The benefits over older 2G
communications is the large bandwidth available, allowing for higher speed data transfers, ideal for
monitoring access control or CCTV systems. The cost of 3G tariffs has reduced over time and price plans (fixed
or pay per MB) are now in line with hardwired broadband costs.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

3G Router (Pro Route H685P used in this guide)
3G enabled data SIM card (see SIM card notes)
Portal Plus EWS controller
Workstation or laptop

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

PRO'S CS Software (version 1.1.5.0 or later)

SIM CARD NOTES

Most SIM card data plans offered by providers do not have a real fixed IP address or provide a proper legacy
connection to the internet as standard. Generally these SIM cards have dynamically allocated IP addresses
hidden behind a NAT and therefore are not visible over the internet. A real fixed IP SIM card is required for
this guide (standard – not mini or micro).
Fixed IP NAT-free Sim cards are available on request from most telecom providers. This guide details use of an
Andrews & Arnold Ltd data SIM based on the three network (details can be found at
http://www.aa.net.uk/telecoms-mobile-data.html).
It is recommended to check that the area where the SIM card is to be used has sufficient 3G coverage. The
performance of the device is totally dependent on the location and strength of the signal in the operational
area.

PRO ROUTE H685 CONFIGURATION

Remove the 2 screws on the reverse side of the
router to gain access to the SIM card holder.
Slide the SIM card holder to the left to release,
and insert the SIM card.
Page 1 of 8
APPLICATION NOTE
PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G
It is highly recommended to setup a data
usage cap/plan with the SIM card
provider to prevent unnecessary high
billing charges.
www.videxuk.com
AN0015
29/03/2018

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Summary of Contents for Videx PORTAL PLUS

  • Page 1 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G INTRODUCTION This application note details cellular 3G connectivity between a Portal Plus EWS controller and PRO’S server- client monitoring software. As an alternative to hardwired internet, 3G cellular data connectivity is readily available across the UK with most providers claiming up to 90% coverage. The benefits over older 2G communications is the large bandwidth available, allowing for higher speed data transfers, ideal for monitoring access control or CCTV systems.
  • Page 2 APPLICATION NOTE AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G The unit is supplied with 2 magnetic mount antennas. Connect a Cellular Antenna to the Cell antenna port. If required you can connect the second antenna to the Aux antenna port, using this will not help with signal strength but may help with data throughput when the router is connected at 3G (HSPA+).
  • Page 3 APPLICATION NOTE AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G Once all settings have been entered, check the main router status page to check if the router has a connection to the internet. This can be confirmed by a blue flashing ‘Cell’ light on the front of the router. It should also be possible to browse the internet on the PC connected to the router making use of the 3G connection.
  • Page 4 APPLICATION NOTE AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G KEEP ALIVE ICMP check is recommended to be active to ensure a reliable, always on connection. Click ‘Network Settings’ and then ‘Cell ICMP Check’ Tick ‘Active’ and then enter two IP addresses for the router to ping. We recommend using Google’s Public DNS servers because we assume these should be available 24/7.
  • Page 5 AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G EWS CONTROLLER CONFIGURATION Portal Plus EWS controllers have a factory default IP address of 192.168.1.100. Set your PC network card to have a static IP address of 192.168.1.20 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 as shown.
  • Page 6 APPLICATION NOTE AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G PROS SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION Install the PRO’S CS software (client and server applications) on a PC connected to the internet. Using the client, connect to the server software using the default credentials (admin / admin).
  • Page 7 APPLICATION NOTE AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G Right click the recently added portal and select ‘Add controller’ followed by EWS2. The window as shown should appear. Enter the controller name and serial number followed by the ‘Save & Exit’ button.
  • Page 8 APPLICATION NOTE AN0015 PORTAL PLUS COMMUNICATION USING 3G APPENDICIES Appendix A – Setting network adapter to obtain automatic IP configuration. In Windows, browse to the control panel and select “Network and Sharing Center”. Within here click “Change adapter settings” and locate the network connection that will be used to hardwire in to the 3G router (usually labelled as “Local Area Connection”).

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