The IXrouter is a versatile industrial IoT device designed for seamless integration with the IXON Cloud, enabling remote connectivity and management of industrial control equipment. Its primary function is to facilitate secure remote access to machines via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular network connections, allowing users to operate and monitor local control systems as if they were physically present. This capability is crucial for remote service, data monitoring, and overall machine management in various industrial settings.
Function Description
The IXrouter serves as a gateway, bridging the gap between industrial machinery and the cloud. It allows for the establishment of secure VPN connections, enabling remote users to interact with PLCs, HMIs, and other control devices. This means that diagnostics, programming updates, and operational adjustments can be performed from any location with an internet connection. The device supports multiple connectivity options, including wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), and 4G cellular, ensuring robust and flexible network access even in challenging environments.
For cellular models, the IXrouter incorporates a cellular module that initializes upon power-up, connecting to available networks. It supports a wide range of LTE, WCDMA, and GSM bands, making it suitable for global deployment. Wi-Fi models offer client and AP modes, providing flexibility in how the device connects to existing Wi-Fi networks or creates its own access point for local devices. All models also feature Ethernet ports, allowing for direct wired connections to industrial networks.
The device is designed to automatically register with the IXON Cloud upon initial setup, simplifying deployment. Once connected, it becomes an integral part of the user's IXON Cloud account, where further configuration and management can be performed. This integration allows for a comprehensive suite of services, including remote service delivery, machine monitoring, alert generation, and the creation of high-end data reports, all accessible through a user-friendly customer portal.
Usage Features
Setting up the IXrouter is a streamlined process, beginning with account creation on the IXON Cloud portal. Users can then generate a configuration file specific to their IXrouter from their IXON Cloud Fleet Manager app. This configuration file, named router.conf, is saved to a USB flash drive (which is included with the device).
To connect the IXrouter, the prepared USB flash drive is inserted into the device. For cellular models, it's crucial to insert the SIM card only when the IXrouter is turned off. Upon power-up with the USB drive inserted, the IXrouter automatically initiates the registration process. The ACT LED on the front panel provides visual feedback on the device's status. A steady blue ACT LED indicates a successful connection to the IXON Cloud, at which point the IXrouter will appear in the user's company account.
The IXrouter's front panel LEDs offer a comprehensive diagnostic tool, providing immediate visual cues about the device's operational status and any potential issues. For instance, the "LED" indicators (e.g., Constant Blue, Blinking Red) provide information on cellular signal strength, network connectivity, VPN status, and registration progress. This allows users to quickly identify and troubleshoot common problems without needing to access the device's software interface.
For cellular models, the LEDs indicate various states such as "Initializing cellular module," "No reception or unable to connect to network," "PIN invalid or PUK required," and "SIM card is invalid or missing." For the ACT LED, states like "Succesfully connected to the IXON Cloud," "Connecting to the IXON Cloud," and "Initiating VPN connection" are clearly indicated. Other LED states provide feedback on internet access, LAN/WAN conflicts, and registration status with the IXON Cloud.
The device's robust design, featuring a metal case and DIN rail mountability, makes it suitable for industrial environments. Its wide operating temperature range ensures reliable performance in diverse conditions.
Maintenance Features
While the IXrouter is designed for minimal hands-on maintenance, its integration with the IXON Cloud provides several features that contribute to its long-term reliability and ease of management. The "Lifetime access included" to the IXON Cloud ensures that users can continuously monitor and manage their devices without additional subscription costs for basic cloud access.
The diagnostic LEDs on the front panel are a key maintenance feature, allowing for quick identification of operational issues. For example, if the "LED" blinks red with one pulse, it indicates "No reception or unable to connect to network," prompting the user to check the APN or SSID settings. If it blinks red with four pulses, it suggests a "SIM card is invalid or missing," guiding the user to inspect the SIM card. Similarly, if the ACT LED is a constant red, it means the device is "Booting up" or "not yet registered," indicating a need to check the initial setup process.
For issues related to registration, the LEDs provide specific feedback. A blinking red ACT LED with four pulses signifies that the device has been "Removed from the IXON Cloud," requiring re-insertion of the USB flash drive to register again. Five pulses indicate that the device was "Previously registered to the IXON Cloud," suggesting removal from the cloud and re-registration.
The IXON Cloud platform itself acts as a central hub for maintenance, allowing users to remotely monitor device health, update firmware, and manage configurations without physical access to the IXrouter. This remote management capability significantly reduces the need for on-site visits, saving time and resources.
The device comes with a two-year warranty, providing assurance of product quality and support for potential hardware defects. For further assistance, IXON offers comprehensive support resources, including detailed user manuals, installation tips, and a technical support team accessible via email and phone. This ensures that users have access to expert help for any complex issues that may arise.
The IXrouter's design emphasizes ease of use and remote manageability, making it a reliable and low-maintenance solution for industrial IoT applications.