Overview of the key setup steps
There are two key steps required to configure an encoder's communications settings
Configure the communications settings for LAN ports, cellular modem, Wi-Fi and USB LAN adapters
Provide the details of EdgeVis server and encoder account
Step 1 – Configure the communications settings
The EdgeVis Encoder/MiniCam/Video Router (EVVR) can utilise both internal and external communications devices - Please refer to the encoder’s hardware installation guide for details of internal options for each specific encoder model.
There are four main tasks to perform in this section:
Enable and disable communications methods
Configure the settings for each communications bearer
Select the communications bearers to use to connect to EdgeVis Server (both a primary and secondary)
Enable a firewall on the primary/secondary communications bearers
EdgeVis 8.6 New Feature - Wireguard VPN support
As of firmware 8.6+ we have added a framework to support VPNs within EdgeVis encoders, and have implemented Wireguard as the first supported VPN provider.
Please refer to the 8.6 release notes for further information.
Enable and disable comms methods
For security reasons, it is recommended to disable any comms method that are not required. Click the desired communications method and use the Enable/Disable this device menu item.
Configure each comms method’s settings
For each comms method that will be used, click on its entry to view its settings, and from there use the Edit configuration menu item to enter the settings.
| Cellular connections require an APN, username and password to connect to a mobile data network – either enter these manually or select from the list of common mobile operators. Advanced options include:
Comms Technology – certain modems can work in either GSM or CDMA mode |
Wi-Fi connection | It is possible to add the details of multiple Wi-Fi networks to the encoder (in priority order) and the encoder will automatically pick the highest priority network available.
Select Add Wi-Fi configuration to add a network to the encoder’s list. This will display a list of visible Wi-Fi networks, or a manual entry can be added. It is possible to set DHCP/static network setup on a per configuration basis.
Once added use the up/down arrows to move entries up and down the priority list. |
LAN connection | It is possible, on a per-LAN port basis, to set either DHCP (for connection to a larger network) or a static configuration (usually for direct-connection to a camera). |
Select the preferred server comms method
It is necessary to select the primary comms method that the encoder will use to connect to EdgeVis Server and stream content. A secondary method can also be specified for failover for periods when the primary bearer is unavailable.
It is possible to set a primary or secondary method directly from the Communication Settings page, or to use the Use for primary/secondary communication menu item on each method’s settings page.
Enable the firewall on the primary/secondary comms methods
The only services running on an encoder that are externally accessible are the encoder’s web configuration page and, if enabled, the SFTP recordings download service. The default setting is to allow access to these services on any communications method.
For security reasons, it is possible to remove access to these services on communications methods that have been configured as primary/secondary communications methods. Use the Firewall Settings menu item to block access to these services.
WARNING: You may immediately lose access to the web setup interface if you are currently configuring the unit through the primary/secondary comms method and you enable the firewall – this should be the last step you perform!
Step 2 - Enter the encoder’s EdgeVis settings
NOTE: Before the encoder can be connected to an EdgeVis Server, it requires an encoder account be created on EdgeVis Server. This step is typically undertaken by an administrator, and the details of encoder account management are covered in the EdgeVis Server Quick Start Guide.
To proceed a user must have the following details for an encoder:
The IP Address or Domain Name of the user’s EdgeVis Server
The name and password of the encoder account created on EdgeVis Server
(Optionally) The encryption fingerprint of the EdgeVis Server
The Server Settings page will display the current settings being used to connect to the server, and the status of the connection.
To edit the server connection settings, use the Change server settings menu option and enter the details above.
Encryption modes
When connecting to EdgeVis Server it is possible to select one of three encryption modes:
Encrypted (online verification)
The user will be asked to verify the encryption fingerprint of EdgeVis Server before allowing a connection
Unencrypted
In some circumstances the EdgeVis Server may not support encryption and so this option should be used
Encrypted (offline verification)
If connecting to the server is not currently possible to verify the fingerprint this option allows the user to upload the EdgeVis Server’s encryption pack (available from EdgeVis Server), which will subsequently be verified when the encoder reconnects to the server
Encoder Licensing
Encoders must also be licensed to connect to an EdgeVis Server. This can be done during the account creation on EdgeVis Server or, if no licence has been assigned, be requested by the encoder during configuration.
If no licence is currently assigned the Server Settings page will provide a link where the user can request a licence from the server (if available). The form will also show the features enabled within the selected licence.
NOTE: For IP Series, Video Router, and HD-Q800 request a licence for EACH camera you intend to connect to the encoder. This number is limited to the maximum number of cameras as specified in the encoder’s fact sheet.
