Connect One's Device Connectivity Server™ (DCS) is a combination Web server, registration server, and proxy server that enables system integrators and device operators to overcome the drawbacks of accessing devices located on networks behind NATs (Network Address Translators) and firewalls. It provides all the access needed to operate, manage and maintain an Internet-enabled device, without compromising network security.
The DCS provides the following functions:
Manages a remote device via iChip’s onboard configuration Web server
Enables optional, secure SSL3 connection to a remote iChip device
Enables a standard Web browser to display current status of all your devices
Links to the device’s application Web site
Links to the device's listening sockets when open and enabled
Links to the device's AT+i control port
Maintains device log
Includes additional database fields
The DCS allows devices with dynamic and/or illegal IP addresses to act as servers, regardless of the IP address they are assigned. It also provides a simple Application Programming Interface (API) for a remote application so that it can connect to devices in the field.
The DCS solution is based on two components: an agent running on the iChip™ (device side) and the DCS server application running on a dedicated, networked PC running Windows. The PC also hosts a Windows Access database system and a Web server. The PC is permanently connected to the Internet via a fixed IP address, preferably with a DNS-registered host name. The DCS is intended to be connected directly to the Internet without a firewall or NAT.
The Device Connectivity Server’s Web site is the front-end interface for managing all remote Internet-enabled devices. Information may be obtained from the DCS by surfing to the DCS’s Web site with a standard browser or by querying the DCS over a TCP/IP socket using Connect One's API. Typical displayed status information includes : online or offline, elapsed time, host name (symbolic name), and date/time of last connection or last disconnection.
DCS Setup
After a one-time setup, an iChip-enabled device can be configured to register with the DCS when it goes online, allowing account owners to log in and use DCS services. When a device logs in for the first time, a permanent entry is created in the connectivity server’s database. The connectivity server maintains a status log for each device, which is displayed in the site.
DCS Operation
When operating with a browser, the DCS user surfs to the DCS’ Web site. The user is authenticated with a username/password form and/or a secure HTTPS connection. The DCS determines from the user’s account which subset of devices is “owned” by that account. Subsequent operations for that user are restricted to those devices only. This methodology allows a DCS to support several customers’ devices. Only devices belonging to the logged-in account shall be displayed.
Manage Multiple User Accounts
The DCS includes an application to set up multiple user accounts. A user account must be associated with a device set using rules. The Device Connectivity Server can manage distinct device groups. Each device group belongs to a specific user account. The Device Connectivity Server can manage distinct device groups. Each device group belongs to a specific user account.
To learn more about Connect One's Device Connectivity Server, please read the Technology Brief
