WattMetrics acquisition agents must have an 'always on' connection to the Internet. WattMetrics agents are 'plug and play', with no configuration necessary assuming standard local network conditions.
DHCP and 443
By default, agents expect to be on a local network that uses DHCP and allows standard outbound HTTPS Internet traffic (i.e. port 443). No dedicated IP address, firewall port, inbound traffic provisions or other special network considerations are necessary. Most residential, commercial and institutional networks are configured this way by default, so usually no configuration of the agent or the local network is necessary.
Use a Cable Tester
If the installer is making his or her own network cables, they must use a cable tester to verify the integrity of the cable before using it to connect an agent.
Test Internet Access
Before connecting the network cable to the agent, first use the cable with a laptop to confirm Internet accessibility. Make sure WiFi connections on the laptop are completely disabled and plug the network cable into the laptop. If you can browse the internet without being redirected to any login or other pages, then the agent will be able to access WattMetrics data services.
If data is not visible online after completing an installation, please be sure to perform this test before contacting WattMetrics (it will be the first thing we ask you to do anyway).
Network Extenders
Providing a hard-wired network connection to the agent is always the best solution. In cases where this is not practical, there are off-the-shelf network extenders available from any electronics supply source.
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Powerline network extenders are the second choice for network connectivity after a hard-wired connection. All network extenders are NOT created equal. WattMetrics recommends the Netgear 85Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit - XETB1001 or similar Netgear model for best results.
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Wireless network extenders are a third choice, if a hard-wired or powerline connection is not practical. The wireless extender is a radio installed near the agent to extend the reach of and provide wired access to an extisting WiFi network. All wireless network extenders are definitely NOT created equal. WattMetrics recommends Netgear Universal WN3000RP Wi-Fi Range Extender or similar Netgear model.
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Cellular network adapters are also an option in extreme cases when there is no local network available. Please contact WattMetrics if this is the only option for your project.
Static IP and Proxy Servers
It is not required for most networks, but WattMetrics agents can be configured to work with networks that use static IP addressing and/or proxy servers. To configure an agent with these settings, execute the steps outlined below.
1. Create a text file named "ipconfig.txt".
2. Add the following lines to the file:
Subnetmask=255.255.252.0
DefaultGateway=172.16.4.1
IpAddress=172.16.7.110
EnableDHCP=0
UseProxy=true
ProxyAddress=192.16.17.2
ProxyPort=80
3. Copy the ipconfig.txt file to a USB thumb drive.
4. Insert the USB drive into a USB port on the agent.
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Leave the drive inserted for at least 30 seconds.
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The values for the settings specified in the ipconfig.txt file will be read by the agent and changed.
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After changing its settings, the agent will write the current value for each setting back to the ipconfig.txt file as confirmation, preceded by a # character.
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If any of the settings failed to be set by the agent, there will be no confirmation value in ipconfig.txt for that setting. Check the spelling and format of the problem setting and try again.