Setting Up A Network: Schneider Electric Guide

how to setup network for schneider electric

Schneider Electric offers a range of network configuration options for its users. The process of setting up a network for Schneider Electric products depends on the specific product and requirements. The Schneider Electric Community provides resources and guidance on managing network configurations, including information on network ports, cable types, and generating network summary reports. Additionally, Schneider Electric's Data Center Expert provides instructions on configuring network settings for specific product lines, such as InfraStruXure Central and StruxureWare Data Center Expert Appliance. It is important to note that network settings may vary depending on the equipment and specific product versions. Schneider Electric also offers an APC Network Management Card that requires configuration with network settings before it can communicate on the network. The company provides detailed steps and recommendations for setting up and managing networks efficiently.

Characteristics Values
Network Configuration The system has built-in content assistance to guide setting up network routes.
Network Properties Information varies based on equipment type; includes port type (regular/uplink) and network speed.
Network Routes Can be set up by clicking and dragging cables between equipment in the Rack Layout.
Network Management Card Requires configuration with IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway to be accessed from other computers on the network.
Network Settings Initial setup requires defining IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS servers, and hostname.
Network Cable Types Can define color and usage in the Configure Network Cable Types.
Network Connections A Network Summary report can be generated to provide an overview of network connections per rack.
Network Speed SmartConnect-compatible UPS devices support 10/100 Mbps port speed.
Network Requirements IPv4 DHCP Server is needed for an APC Smart-UPS device to assign an IPv4 address.
Device IP Configuration The Device IP Configuration Wizard is a Windows application for configuring TCP/IP settings of Network Management Cards.

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Network configuration: IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway

To set up a network for Schneider Electric, you will need to configure your network settings. This includes defining the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

IP Address

The IP address is a unique identifier for your device on a network. It is typically assigned by a DHCP server, which your Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides. You can find your IP address by opening a command prompt and entering "ipconfig" on Windows or "ifconfig" on Mac or Linux.

Subnet Mask

The subnet mask is used to determine the network address and the range of IP addresses within that network. It is a 32-bit number that is divided into four groups of numbers, each representing a different part of the network address. For example, a common subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, where the first three groups of 255 indicate the network address, and the last group of 0 indicates that any IP address within the range of 0-255 is valid.

Default Gateway

The default gateway is the address of the router or network node that serves as the exit and entry point for a device on a network. It is used when a device needs to communicate with another device outside of its own network. The default gateway is typically the IP address of the router or modem that connects your device to the internet.

To configure these settings on a Schneider Electric device, you can use the Device IP Configuration Wizard, which is a Windows application designed to remotely configure the basic TCP/IP settings of Network Management Cards. This utility supports IPv4 and runs on Windows Server 2012, 2016, and 2019, as well as Windows 8.1 and 10. Alternatively, for some newer Smart-UPS models, you can configure the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway using the front panel LCD display menu.

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Network management: Cable types, connections, and routes

Schneider Electric's network management system allows users to define the colour and usage of their cables in the Configure Network Cable Types section. The Network Management table lists all the configured network connections and lets users set up new network routes between equipment. The Rack Layout provides a visual overview of the configured network connections, allowing users to establish new network routes by clicking and dragging cables between equipment.

The system offers built-in content assistance to guide users in setting up network routes. Based on the data entered in the network properties, only relevant options are displayed. The information may vary depending on the type of equipment. For example, the network ports type provides details about the type of network port, including regular and uplink ports. Regular ports are selected for equipment that makes the network available to other pieces of equipment, such as switches.

The uplink port is chosen for equipment that requires network access. Other key aspects include the start and count of the port range, network speed, port type and number, and IP address. The Network Summary report offers an overview of network connections per rack, listing layer 2/3 and layer 1 network gear, mapped and unmapped routes, and connected equipment. The graphical overview in the report aids in cable management and identification through naming and colour-coding.

To ensure proper functionality, specific network requirements must be met. For instance, SmartConnect-compatible UPS devices only support 10/100 Mbps port speed, and IPv4 DHCP server requirements apply for APC Smart-UPS devices. Additionally, initial network settings configuration is necessary for StruxureWare Data Center Expert Appliance communication, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS servers, and hostname.

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APC Network Management Card: Configuration options and settings

APC Network Management Cards must be configured with network settings before they can be used on a network. Once the cards have been configured with an IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway, they can be accessed, managed, and controlled from other computers on the network.

There are multiple configuration options available for APC Network Management Cards, including:

  • Device IP Configuration Wizard (NMC1/NMC2/NMC3): This is a Windows application designed to remotely configure the basic TCP/IP settings of Network Management Cards. The wizard is included on a CD bundled with the cards and is also available to download from the APC website.
  • Terminal Emulation (local/direct connection - NMC1/NMC2/NMC3): Terminal Emulation is a built-in function on most operating systems. Before using any terminal emulation program, any services using the COM ports must be stopped.
  • Smart-UPS front panel LCD (supported SMT, SMX, and SRT models with UPS NMC2/NMC3): Some newer Smart-UPS models allow users to configure the Network Management Card 2/3 (NMC2/NMC3) IP address, subnet mask, and gateway using the front panel LCD display menu.
  • DHCP Option 12 (NMC2 devices, AOS 5.1.5 or higher only): Beginning with the AOS 5.1.5 release, the NMC2 has implemented Option 12 (Host Name) as part of the DHCP request. DHCP option 12 uses the device's host name.

It is important to note that users may encounter issues when configuring the IP address setting on network management cards running certain operating systems. For example, users may be unable to configure the IP address setting by using ARP on the network management cards running AOS 6.5.0 and 6.5.2. However, this issue has been resolved with AOS 6.5.6.

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StruxureWare Data Center Expert: Initial setup and network settings

To set up a network for Schneider Electric, you will need to configure the network settings on a StruxureWare Data Center Expert Appliance. This involves defining the network settings to enable communication on a network.

Initial Setup

Firstly, open the console of the virtual machine and log in with the following credentials:

  • Username: apcsetup
  • Password: apcsetup

You will then be prompted to update the password for the apcsetup account. This password must meet certain requirements: at least 8 characters, including one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character. Keep a secure record of this password for future use.

Network Settings

Once you have updated your password, you will need to press Enter within 5 seconds to change settings, and then press M to modify the settings. Here, you will set the default client/web administrator account credentials, which will be used to log in to the Data Center Expert application and web interface.

After this, press Enter again to accept the changes to the apcsetup account password. You will then be given the option to change the apcinfo account password. The apcinfo account is used to display network settings, including DCE version, MAC, IP Address, hostname, and DNS.

Network Configuration

The next steps involve specifying the network settings to enable communication on the network. You will need to specify the IP Address, hostname, subnet mask, and DNS servers for the virtual appliance. After this configuration, the virtual appliance will restart.

Logging In

To log in to the DCE Client, type the IP Address or hostname into a browser.

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SmartConnect-compatible UPS: Network requirements and port speed

SmartConnect-compatible UPS devices only support 10/100 Mbps port speed. If you are using a 1Gb network switch and the port is not set to auto-configure its speed, the device may not be able to connect to Schneider Electric cloud services.

If your SmartConnect-compatible UPS is installed in an enterprise location, additional network configuration may be required to allow your UPS to connect to Schneider Electric cloud services. When connecting a UPS to Ecostruxure, it must be connected to the SmartConnect cloud portal so that the network settings are the same. The only difference is that you would not add the UPS to a SmartConnect account; you would add it to Ecostruxure.

A SmartConnect device requires an IPv4 DHCP server on its network to assign an IPv4 address to the device so it can connect to the internet. The router and switch on the network of the SmartConnect device must support a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size of 336 bytes as a minimum.

To connect to Schneider Electric cloud services, the UPS must connect directly to TCP port 443 on cece.prod.struxurewarecloud.com (20.121.83.246) and lwm2m.na.struxurewarecloud.com (52.179.127.30).

Frequently asked questions

Schneider Electric has a community page with resources to help you set up a network. You can also refer to the user manual for instructions.

The initial network settings include the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, DNS Servers, and Hostname.

Open the console of the virtual machine and log in with the credentials "apcsetup" for both the username and password. You will then be prompted to update the password.

An APC Network Management Card must be configured with an IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway.

Schneider Electric cloud services require IPv4 DHCP server and support 10/100 Mbps port speed.

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