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
- 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 and can exit this page.
Wireless connections
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 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.
- When the unit has successfully connected, it should update the Current WiFi Network and Wireless IP. If this is not updated after several minutes, exit the page and go through the steps again. Recycling the power may also help successfully connect.
- Return to the home page of the AX carillon then choose Remote.
- After entering your PIN, the system will check its network connection status. Use the camera or QR reader on your smart phone or other device to scan the displayed QR code. Tap the link to open the Chime.Center Remote in your phone’s browser.
- A wireless device hotspot can not replace a WiFi network.
Access Point
The AX line was designed to be connected to the internet, but if none is available at your facility, you can still use the remote control.
- 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.
- 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 Access Point Remote in your phone’s browser.
Security
AX ringing systems do not require static IP addresses or port forwarding through your firewall. Chime Center's switchboard 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 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.
- Do not connect the ringing system directly to the Internet without a firewall (router based or dedicated).
Your network
- Use a strong WiFi password on your router or access point.
- Test your firewall for unneeded open 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.