Instructions for WiFi Setup of T3-V and T4 Handheld Controllers
The T3-V and T4 handheld controllers are equipped with a built-in 802.11g WiFi card. This feature enables users to browse the Internet using the integrated Internet Explorer*, monitor and control MJPEG network cameras, interface with IP-controllable devices, and allows for future support of two-way communication. Please note that while most website content is compatible with the remote control browser, certain plugins such as JAVA, Active X, streaming video, and persistent cookies are not supported.
Important Notes
- The T3-V/T4 will not automatically connect to an available wireless network out of the box. Programming the remotes using Integration Designer is required before WiFi connectivity will be possible.
- Connection status can be viewed in the control panel of the remote; however, wireless settings cannot be configured directly from the remote control.
- To view the internet or an IP camera, a web browser or MJPEG viewer object must be programmed onto a page on the remote using Integration Designer.
Step 1: Define Wireless Network
The Wireless network settings dialog within the remote's properties is used to configure the device for communication with 802.11 wireless networks. The remote can be configured to connect to several different wireless networks and will connect to the first configured network it finds.
There are generally three ways to configure your wireless network, listed in increasing levels of security: Open (no encryption), WEP encryption, and WiFi Protected Access-Personal (WPA-PSK). If your wireless access point supports WPA-PSK, it is recommended for the most secure option.
Note: Authentication modes using a pre-defined key are supported. 802.1x, WPA2, and WPA-Enterprise are not supported at this time.
Four parameters must be specified for each wireless network configuration. Each parameter must be configured to match the wireless access point exactly for the device to connect.
Configuration Steps:
- Right-click on the icon of the T3-V/T4 in the system workspace of Integration Designer, then select "Properties".
- Select the "Wireless" Tab.
- Check the box to "Enable Wireless Network Adapter".
- Click on "Add" in the Wireless Network Configurations area.
- Fill in the Wireless Network Settings as described below.
Diagram Description: A screenshot of the 'Device Properties' dialog box is shown. It includes tabs for General, Backlight, Sounds, Clock, Global Keys, Flag Names, Notes, Network (100BaseT), Network (WiFi), Wireless, and Web Browser. The 'Wireless' tab is active, showing a checkbox 'Enable Wireless Network Adapter (802.11b)' and 'Enable Wireless LAN Status LED'. Below this is the 'Wireless Network Configurations' section with fields for 'Network Name (SSID)' and buttons for 'Add...', 'Delete', 'Edit...', 'Move Up', 'Move Down'. There are also 'OK', 'Cancel', and 'Help' buttons.
Diagram Description: A screenshot of the 'Wireless Network Settings' dialog box is shown. It has fields for 'Name (SSID)', 'Authentication' (with options like 'Open'), and 'Encryption' (with options like 'None'). There is also a 'Key' field. Buttons include 'OK', 'Cancel', and 'Help'.
Use the wireless tab of the T3-V/T4 properties menu to establish the wireless network(s) the remote can connect to.
Parameter Details
Name (SSID)
The SSID is the name of the wireless network. This setting is case-sensitive and must exactly match the SSID that is programmed into the wireless access point.
Authentication
Authentication controls how devices are allowed to access the wireless network. If this setting is set to 'Open', any device is allowed to connect. If it is set to 'Shared Key', the key specified in the 'Key' field is used. If the setting is 'WPA-PSK', the key specified in the 'Key' field is used for the WiFi Protected Access – Pre-Shared Key protocol. This field should be set to match the wireless access point.
Encryption
Encryption is used to protect data on the wireless network from unauthorized access. For 'Open' or 'Shared Key' authentication, you can choose between no encryption and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption. The device supports both 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption. If you are using 'WPA-PSK' authentication, you must use TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) encryption. With WEP and TKIP encryption, the encryption key must be entered in the 'Key' field.
Key
The key is used for authentication and encryption. When using 'Shared Key' authentication and/or WEP encryption, the key can be entered as either ASCII characters or hexadecimal digits. 64-bit WEP keys require 5 characters or 10 hex digits; 128-bit WEP keys require 13 characters or 26 hex digits. The number of characters entered automatically determines the type and size of the key. For 'WPA-PSK' authentication, the key can be 8-63 ASCII characters long. In addition to these settings, ensure the TCP/IP settings are configured on the "Network (WiFi)" tab of the Device Properties.
Step 2: Configure TCP/IP Settings
The "Network (WiFi)" tab of the T3-V/T4 device properties allows you to select the method for assigning an IP address. Two options are available:
Option 1) "Use DHCP to configure networking"
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. With dynamic addressing, a device can have a different IP address each time it connects. Dynamic addressing simplifies network administration as the router manages IP addresses, usually resulting in easier setup. However, connection speeds may be slower and less reliable than using a static IP address (Option 2).
Option 2) "Use the following network settings"
This option allows you to assign a static IP address, Netmask, Gateway, and DNS server. If this information is not readily available, you may be able to connect using DHCP (Option 1) and then check the remote's control panel for the current settings. Type this information into the static IP address fields. Note: Change the actual IP address by increasing the last number by 25-50 to prevent conflicts with other devices on the network. This connection type is usually faster and is required for a reliable wireless connection on the T3-V.
Connection Status
After completing the network properties and downloading the program to the remote, the connection status can be seen from the device control panel. A green light should appear within 10-15 seconds in the upper right portion of the T4, indicating that the T4 has connected to the network.
Troubleshooting / Frequently Asked Questions
Connection Status is On, but No Web Pages Load
- Try rebooting your router (unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in) and your T3-V/T4 (turn off power switch, then turn back on).
- Verify your DNS settings are correct. Note: When using multiple wireless access points/extenders, the DNS information provided by the DHCP server might be the IP address of the wireless router or gateway. Using a static IP address and defining the actual DNS Server IP address may be necessary.
- Verify that you have programmed a web browser object onto the page you are viewing on the remote.
Configured Settings, but Still Not Connected
- Verify you have correctly entered the wireless properties for the T3-V/T4. Note that the SSID is case-sensitive. Incorrect entry of the SSID, authentication, encryption, and/or key are the most common reasons for connection problems.
- Try moving closer to your wireless router (5-10 feet). Typically, you can expect a reliable WiFi connection within 25-30 feet of your wireless router, though this can vary. Note: Looking at the connection strength of a laptop may not be an accurate judge of the connection strength of a remote control.
How to Extend WiFi Coverage Area
Depending on the model, brand, and location of the wireless router, the range in which the T3-V/T4 will connect to the wireless access point will vary. There are a few options to expand the WiFi range:
- Use a high-quality/commercial-grade router: Some manufacturers' wireless routers provide better coverage and more reliable connections. Recommended manufacturers include Cisco, Pakedge, and Hawking.
- Use multiple access points: If the main area of T3-V/T4 operation is remote from the wireless router, installing an additional access point can help ensure good WiFi performance. Note: Adding too many access points may degrade wireless performance.
- Use a directional antenna: A directional antenna can significantly increase signal coverage in a specific direction, allowing for improved throughput at further distances. Two major manufacturers for these devices are Linksys (linksys.com) and D-Link (dlink.com).