The QIAsphere Connectivity Package is a digital ecosystem designed by QIAGEN to enhance laboratory efficiency and safety through cloud-based connectivity. At its core is the QIAsphere Base, an IoT (Internet of Things) gateway device that connects QIAsphere-ready instruments to the QIAsphere App, which can be run on mobile devices (iOS and Android) or desktop PCs. This setup enables users to remotely monitor their instruments and access a growing number of applications.
Function Description:
The primary function of the QIAsphere Connectivity Package is to provide remote instrument monitoring and management. It offers two main operational modes: cloud-connected mode (cloud mode) and local network mode (local mode).
In cloud mode, users benefit from:
- Stay connected: Instruments can be monitored from anywhere, as the QIAsphere App accesses the QIAsphere Cloud independently of the local network. This contrasts with local mode, where the App, QIAsphere Base, and instruments must all be within the same local network.
- Monitor instrument status with mobile devices or from desktop PC: A mobile app is available for iOS and Android, and a web app version can be launched on PCs for desktop monitoring.
- Full walk-away convenience: Push notifications keep users informed of instrument status (e.g., "run complete"), a feature exclusive to cloud mode.
- Connect to multiple QIAsphere Bases: Users can monitor instruments connected to different local networks and QIAsphere Bases simultaneously through the cloud. In local mode, only one QIAsphere Base can be connected to the QIAsphere App at a time, limiting access to instruments associated with that specific Base.
In local mode, the QIAsphere App and associated instruments must be connected to the same local network as the QIAsphere Base. This mode provides local monitoring capabilities without relying on cloud services.
Important Technical Specifications:
The QIAsphere Base (Eurotech ReliaGATE 10-12) serves as the hardware component of the connectivity package. Key features of the QIAsphere Base include:
- Front View:
- Status LEDs: User 1, User 2, User 3, and User 4.
- Power LED: Blue LED indicator for power On/Off.
- Digital OUT, Del IN, CELLULAR, WIFI/BT, OCELL MAIN, GPS, OCELL DIV, WIFI 5GHz, COM 0, COM 3, CAN 0, CAN 1 ports (specific functions not detailed in the provided text but visible in the image).
- Rear View:
- ETH1 Ethernet port: For connecting the QIAsphere Base to the local network.
- ETH0 Ethernet port: For connecting the QIAsphere Base to a personal computer (primarily for initial setup).
- Two USB ports: For connecting peripherals, such as a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter.
- Service panel: Includes a microSD card slot, a factory reset button, and a backup battery.
- Power cord socket: For power supply.
Connectivity:
- Wireless network connection: Requires a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter plugged into the QIAsphere Base.
- Wired Ethernet connection: Utilizes the ETH1 port for connection to a wired network, typically with DHCP for automated IP address assignment. Static IP settings are also possible.
Usage Features:
The QIAsphere Connectivity Package is designed for ease of installation and use, with clear procedures for both cloud and local mode setups.
Cloud Mode Setup:
- Requirements: A My QIAGEN account, a QIAsphere License (requested via My QIAGEN account), and the QIAsphere App and Certificate installed on a mobile device (downloadable from app stores and www.qiagen.com/qiasphere, respectively).
- Connect QIAsphere Base to Local Network:
- Wireless: Plug in a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter, power on the Base, wait for User 1 LED, connect PC to ETH0 port, access QBSP (QIAsphere Base Setup Portal) via
https://172.16.0.1, log in (default admin/Qiagen@123), change password, configure Wi-Fi network, note IP address, log out, and remove PC cable.
- Wired: Connect ETH1 port to a wired network, power on the Base, wait for User 1 LED, connect PC to ETH0 port, access QBSP via
https://172.16.0.1, log in (default admin/Qiagen@123), change password, note IP address, log out, and remove PC cable.
- Connect QIAsphere Base to Cloud:
- Ensure PC is on the same local network as the Base.
- Access QBSP via
https://[QIAsphere Base IP address].
- Log in with new password.
- Go to Settings to set time, date, and time zone.
- Go to Cloud connection and request a registration key.
- Click "Go to QIAsphere Base Administration," log into My QIAGEN account, and click "Add QIAsphere Base."
- Enter the serial number and registration key from QBSP, fill in device details, ensure "QIAsphere connection" is enabled, and save.
- Confirm successful cloud connection in QBSP and log out.
- Connect Instrument to Local Network and QIAsphere Base:
- QIAsphere-ready instruments must be connected to the same local network as the QIAsphere Base.
- Refer to the instrument user manual for specific instructions on connecting to the local network and the QIAsphere Base (which requires the Base's IP address).
- Setup QIAsphere Workgroup:
- Log into My QIAGEN and select the QIAsphere Administration widget.
- Go to "Workgroups," click "Add Workgroup," enter a name, and add.
- Go to "Instruments," select an instrument or QIAsphere Base, click the pencil icon to edit details.
- Ensure "QIAsphere connection" is "Enabled," click the pencil icon in the "Workgroup name" field, select a workgroup, and save.
- Go to "Users," click "Add User," enter information, select a workgroup, and invite.
- New users activate their account via an invitation email, allowing them to launch the QIAsphere App and view assigned instruments.
Local Mode Setup:
- Requirements: QIAsphere App and Certificate installed on a mobile device (downloadable from app stores and www.qiagen.com/qiasphere).
- Connect QIAsphere Base to Local Network: (Same procedure as for cloud mode, either wireless or wired).
- Connect Instrument to Local Network and QIAsphere Base: (Same procedure as for cloud mode).
- Connect QIAsphere App to QIAsphere Base:
- Ensure the mobile device is connected to the same local network as the QIAsphere Base.
- Launch the app and skip login by clicking "Continue in local mode."
- Go to "My Account > QIAsphere Base > QIAsphere Base Connection" and click "Add."
- Enter the IP address of the connected QIAsphere Base and click "Connect."
- Users can now monitor instruments in the mobile QIAsphere App connected to this QIAsphere Base.
Maintenance Features:
- Cyber Security: QIAGEN emphasizes that it does not collect personal identification or sensitive patient health data in cloud-connected mode. The cloud is solely for instrument monitoring and other cloud services. Detailed cyber security technical information is available for download from www.qiagen.com/qiasphere, which can be shared with IT specialists.
- User Manuals: Users are advised to read the user manual provided by the hardware supplier (Eurotech) for safety information before installing or using the QIAsphere Base. The QIAsphere user manual provides detailed installation information and guidance for configuring the QIAsphere Base using the QIAsphere App.
- Troubleshooting: The QBSP (QIAsphere Base Setup Portal) uses a self-assigned certificate, which may trigger security warnings in browsers. Users are instructed to ignore the warning or add an exception to access QBSP.
- Factory Reset: The service panel on the QIAsphere Base includes a factory reset button, which can be used for maintenance or troubleshooting.
Need help?
To Next Page
General