Deployment Considerations¶
The ConnectPort X2e Smart Energy Gateway has several default startup and operation behaviors to consider for your network setup and operation. If these behaviors conflict with your network configuration and operation, make the necessary adjustments either to the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy or your network.
Consider the following when prepraing to deploy the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy on your network:
- How many devices are you deploying, and for what purposes?
- Are you deploying one, several, or many devices over an Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular network?
Access the NTP Time Server¶
By default, the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy accesses an NTP time server to establish its date and time. Access to the default NTP server is required.
The first time a ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy powers on it attempts to access the NTP time server to get its time set and then connects to Device Cloud. This first-time connection step could take up to five minutes or longer on Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
Connect to Device Cloud¶
By default, the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy attempts to connect to a Device Cloud after it powers on and connects to a network. Use Device Cloud to manage and configure a ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy.
Use of DNS Servers¶
A DNS (Domain Name System) server is an Internet service that resolves domain names into IP addresses. Name resolution is important when connecting to Device Cloud, as the servers are provided as fully-qualified domain names.
ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy is capable of using up to three DNS servers. Up to two of these can be DNS servers from dynamic IP assignment sources, at least one is available for static DNS server configuration. By default, you can use one static DNS server, but this setup may not be appropriate for all customer networks.
Firewalls and Outbound Traffic¶
When using a firewall to filter outbound traffic, the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy requires the following network ports to be open for proper operation:
- UDP port 53, for DNS
- UDP port 123, for NTP
- TCP port 3199, for Device Cloud
Network Deployment¶
When deploying ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy devices on a network, consider the network’s topology and behavior: Does the network’s setup and any configuration in place present any barriers to connectivity based on information in the previous sections of this topic?
If your network does not support the following network types, adjust the necessary settings; see Configure Network Settings.
Ethernet Network Deployment¶
The ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy default configuration uses DHCP to get an IP address and automatically join an Ethernet network after it powers on. The DHCP server provides an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server for the device. You do not need to configure any other settings.
If you disable DHCP, you must set all of the IP address settings manually.
If you do not have a DHCP server, you need to assign a static IP address, which you can do through the Digi Device Discovery utility. See Configure Network Settings.
Wi-Fi Network Deployment¶
A configuration wizard is used to configure Wi-Fi settings. Launch the wizard from the web interface for the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy. See Configure Network Settings.
Cellular Network Deployment¶
Make sure to connect the ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy cellular model to a cellular network by following the instructions for your provider’s network. See Configure Network Settings.
The first-time cellular activation of a ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy can take up to 5 minutes or longer.
For Verizon service, if a mobile connection bring-up fails within 30 seconds of being attempted, the device will wait a varying amount of time before trying again with another connection attempt.
If only a 3G signal is available, but no 1xRTT signal, the device will not provision. If only an 1xRTT signal is available but no 3G signal, the device will provision, but it will operate at a slower speed.
Signal strength, account registration, and other issues can impact activation. For common issues and resolutions, see Troubleshooting.
A single SMS message, containing the device phone number, is sent to register the device with Device Cloud Technical Support, as described in Device Cloud SMS opt-in below. Your cellular account must be set up to send and receive SMS messages.
Device Cloud SMS Opt-In¶
ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy cellular models will automatically register an account with Device Cloud Technical Support when you first power on your device. Activation with Device Cloud Technical Support is free. The Device Cloud Technical Support team will access your device only with your consent. With your consent, Device Cloud Technical Support team can see and access your device to diagnose and resolve issues, when you require assistance.
In the automatic registration process, ConnectPort X2e for Smart Energy cellular models attempt to send a single SMS message containing the device’s mobile phone number. You must first setup your cellular account to send and receive SMS messages. Network costs associated with this single SMS transmission are the customer’s responsibility. Any device information stored in the Device Cloud Technical Account is secured in adherence to Device Cloud’s security and privacy procedures, and will not be disclosed to, or accessible by, third parties.