Network setup AX

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There are many advantages to having your ringing system connected to the internet.

• Continual time clock synchronization
• Remote control experience is enhanced
• Advanced music, seasons and schedules using Chime Center
• Automatic software and security updates

You will know you are connected to the Internet when the system signals that it has access to Chime Center. This is recognized by animated constellations on the background of the PIN login screen. A black background may indicate that there is a problem with the connection, or the system is in Access Point mode.

Wired network

Like always, a wired network is the most reliable if it works in your situation.

• Connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the labeled jack on the back of the AX carillon. This will be recognized immediately.
• When a network address is displayed next to Ethernet IP you are connected.
  • Make sure the Access point switch at lower left is Off and gray in color. If you change the Access Point mode the system must be restarted (see below).

Wireless connections

These connections require the included wireless adapter antenna. Screw the two parts together and powered down the ringing system before plugging in the antenna. Keep the system level while the antenna is plugged in, as tipping the system can cause damage to the antenna or port connection.

WiFi

• From the home page of the Millennium or Platinum AX, choose Settings then Network. At the top, you can view if you are connected via an Ethernet cable or a wireless network.
• The Access Point Mode at the lower left corner of the screen should be set to Off - gray when connecting to a WiFi network.
• Tap the box under Current WiFi Network and choose the one you want to connect to. Enter the WiFi password in the next box and tap Connect. It may take a few minutes.
• If you have changed the Access Point mode, restart the system (see below).
• When the unit has successfully connected, it should update the Current WiFi Network and Wireless IP address.

Access Point modes

Advanced eXperience ringing systems are designed to be connected to the Internet, but if none is available at your facility, you can still use the remote control.

• QR codes are different for remote controls that use the local connection from those that use Internet connection.
• Refer to the Remote Control instructions for scanning multiple users and saving the app to you phones home screen.

Enable local remote access point

• While the Chime Master AX carillon is powered off, plug in the included wireless antenna into the top right USB port on the back, then restart the unit.
• From the home page, choose Settings then Network. At the top, you can view if you are connected via an Ethernet cable or a wireless network (network address beside the appropriate IP label).
• Tap the Access Point switch in the lower left corner of the screen. When the Access Point switch is gold and an IP address appears beside Wireless IP you can exit the Network setup page and proceed.

Restart the system as described below. When the system restarts in AP mode, it will disable all Internet dependent services. This prevents internal connection errors and improves system performance.

• When you tap the lock page clock, the PIN login screen will have a solid black background indicating that Internet is not available.
• Return to the home page, then tap the Remote button.
• After entering your PIN, the system will check its network connection status. You will be asked to connect your smart phone or other device to a password protected CMS WiFi. The SSID and Password will appear above the QR Code. After connecting your phone to the carillon's network, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera or QR reader. Tap the link which is provided from the QR code to open the Local Remote in your phone’s browser.

Enable Internet features

If the system has an Internet Connection (using a network cable) and the wireless antenna is plugged in and the Access Point is left on, Internet features such as clock synchronization are disabled. Always turn off the Access Point when using a wired connection.

• From the home page, choose Settings then Network. At the top, you can view if you are connected via an Ethernet cable or a wireless network (network address beside the appropriate IP label).
• Tap the Access Point switch in the lower left corner of the screen. When the Access Point switch is gray with an x on it, Internet features are enabled (after restart).
• Leave the WiFi antenna plugged in only if you are not connecting using an Ethernet cable.

Restart the system as described below. When the system starts with the Access Point turned off, update, backup and other Chime Center remote features are enabled.

• When you tap the lock page clock, the PIN login screen will have an animated star field background indicating that Internet is working. If you do not get this background return to the Network Setup page and review the settings.
• Return to the home page, then tap the Remote button.
• After entering your PIN, the system will check its network connection status.
• Above the QR code the system will indicate that this code is for the Chime Center Remote.
• Make sure your phone has Internet access and scan the QR code with your phone’s camera or QR reader. Tap the link which is provided from the QR code to open the Chime Remote in your phone's browser.

Restart after changing modes

Restarting the system is required to change the Access Point mode:

• Press and hold the front panel lighted power button until it turns red. Release the button and it will begin to blink violet then blue.
• When the power button has stopped blinking and is solid blue, click it to restart the system.
• The light will blink green then turn solid gold for normal operation.

Internet access requirements

While connected only to your network (mobile data off), a test device (phone or PC) must be able to access

  https://chime.center

• This site may need to be white-listed in firewall or DNS rules

Security

AX ringing systems do not require static IP addresses or any special inbound port forwarding through your firewall. Chime Center's routing will make sure that only you have control of your bells. Best practices should be followed whenever connecting anything other than computers and printers to your network and the Internet. The following are a few suggestions that you should consider. The easiest are at the top and should be complied with first.

Ringing system

• Change the default login PIN number for the login screen. Users who have (or guess) this code can use the front panel remote screen to authenticate remote access. You can use up to 10 digits.
• Use a strong password to login to Chime Center. Use a password manager to generate unique and strong passwords for each of your site logins. Never re-use your email password on other sites.
• Do not attempt to simultaneously use the wired Ethernet connection and the WiFi antenna connection. Make sure the Access Point is set to Off (see above) if you are connected to a network. Necessary services are inhibited by the Access Point mode such as:
  • Automatic clock synchronization
  • Software updates
  • Chime Center access
• Do not connect the ringing system directly to the Internet without a firewall (router based or dedicated).

Your network

No inbound ports need to be open on your firewall. If you filter outbound ports, call us for the outbound ports that need to be open.

• Use a strong WiFi password on your router or access point.
• Test your firewall for unneeded open inbound ports. Gibson Research provides the Shields Up! tool. After clicking the Proceed button, click the All Service Ports button to begin testing.
• Have your IT personnel configure a segmented VLAN or Internet-of-Things sub-network for the ringing system and other appliances. The FBI recommends you do this at home as well.

PDF: AX Network Connectivity and Security

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