User Manual

RFID Encoder & Updater

1
Copyrights
The information in this document is subject to change at the sole discretion of ASSA ABLOY
without notice.

Any use, operation or repair in contravention of this document is at your own risk.
ASSA ABLOY does not assume any responsibility for incidental or consequential damages
arising from the use of this manual.

All information and drawings in this document are the property of ASSA ABLOY.
Unauthorized use and reproduction is prohibited.

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Table of contents
FCC and ISED
.................................................................................................5
(IC) statements
FCC statements
.......................................................................................................................... 5
ISED..........................................................................................................................
(IC) statements 5

1. Introduction
.................................................................................................6

2. To mount
.................................................................................................7
the RFID encoder & updater
2.1 Dimensions
.......................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Mounting
..........................................................................................................................
kit 8
2.3 To
..........................................................................................................................
mount on the wall 8
2.4 Card
..........................................................................................................................
holder 9

3. Electrical
.................................................................................................10
specification
3.1 ..........................................................................................................................
Connectors 10

4. To connect
.................................................................................................11
to Visionline or VingCard Vision
4.1 ..........................................................................................................................
To connect to the Visionline server 11
4.1.1...................................................................................................................
To connect via TCP/IP 11
4.1.2...................................................................................................................
To connect via USB 11
4.1.3...................................................................................................................
RFID encoder in SysMon 13
4.2 ..........................................................................................................................
To connect to VingCard Vision server or workstation 13
4.2.1...................................................................................................................
To connect via TCP/IP 13

5. Configuration
.................................................................................................14
utility
5.1 ..........................................................................................................................
To configure for use with Visionline 15
5.2 ..........................................................................................................................
To configure for use with VingCard Vision 17

6. To make
.................................................................................................19
a factory reset
6.1 ..........................................................................................................................
Default parameter values 20

7. Web interface
.................................................................................................21
(Visionline only)
7.1 ..........................................................................................................................
To modify the RFID encoder & updater parameters 21

Appendix
.................................................................................................22
A: Quick reference of technical data

Appendix
.................................................................................................23
B: To install the USBXpress driver

Appendix
.................................................................................................24
C: To upgrade firmware
To upgrade
..........................................................................................................................
firmware via RFID Encoder Configuration Utility 24
To upgrade
..........................................................................................................................
firmware via SysMon 25

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Appendix
.................................................................................................26
D: Boot-up procedure

Appendix E: More about finding the server

.................................................................................................28
(Visionline only)
To commission
..........................................................................................................................
RFID encoder & updaters with DNS 29
Single server
................................................................................................................... 29
Multiple servers
................................................................................................................... 29
To commission RFID encoder & updaters without DNS
................................................................................................................... 30
To switch
..........................................................................................................................
to backup server 30
Single server - to switch to backup server with DNS
................................................................................................................... 30
Multiple servers - to switch to backup server with DNS
................................................................................................................... 30
To switch to backup server without DNS
................................................................................................................... 30

Revision.................................................................................................31
history

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FCC and ISED (IC) statements

FCC statements
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference; in which case, correction of the interference is at the user's expense.
Important: Changes or modifications to an intentional or unintentional
radiator not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

The end product must be labeled to say 'FCC ID: Y7V-681001025C1'.

ISED (IC) statements

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes:
(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l’utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi,
même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

The end product is labeled 'IC:9514A-681001025C1'.

The term "IC" before the equipment certification number only signifies that
the Industry Canada technical specifications were met.

Le terme "IC" devant le numéro de certification signifie seulement que les

specifications techniques Industrie Canada ont été respectées.

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1. Introduction

The RFID encoder & updater is used for encoding and verifying RFID cards.
It can be used together with the below systems:
Visionline
VingCard Vision

Unless anything else is stated, the information in this document is valid for
both systems.

Note: For Visionline, the RFID encoder & updater can be used for auto-update
either via Lock Application Card Update (if TCP/IP connection is applicable)
or via the Tools meny in Visionline (if USB connection is applicable). See
Installation instruction Auto-update and validation option for details.

Note: For upgrade of firmware in the RFID encoder & updater, see Appendix C.

Figure 1: RFID encoder & updater

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2. To mount the RFID encoder & updater

The RFID encoder & updater can either be mounted on a wall or be placed on a
table etc; dimensions in Figure 2 below in mm (inches).

2.1 Dimensions

Figure 2: Dimensions for RFID encoder & updater

Note: The RFID encoder & updater can be mounted either horizontally or vertically.

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2.2 Mounting kit
The RFID encoder & updater is delivered with a mounting kit containing the
following items:

Description Quantity Usage

Screws 2,9x25mm 2 For mounting the RFID encoder & updater on a wall
Collar screw 3,5x25mm 1 For mounting the RFID encoder & updater on a wall
Screws 2,5x6,4mm 4 For mounting the card holder and mounting brackets
Expand plugs 6x30 3

Mounting brackets 2

Adhesive Velcro strips 2 If the RFID encoder & updater should be mounted without
using screws
Table 1: Mounting kit

2.3 To mount on the wall

The RFID encoder & updater can be mounted on the wall either with the enclosed
screws or with the enclosed Velcro strips.

If the RFID encoder & updater should be mounted with screws:

fasten the mounting brackets at the bottom of the RFID encoder & updater
with the two mounting bracket screws
fasten the RFID encoder & updater on the wall with the collar screw at the
suspension and two screws at the mounting brackets

Figure 3: Exploded view of RFID encoder & updater,

card holder and mounting details

Note: When mounting the RFID encoder & updater on the wall, the parameter 'Wall
mounted' must be enabled; this can be done via the RFID Encoder Configuration
Utility (see chapter 5). If Visionline is applicable, it can also be done via the web
interface (see chapter 7).

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2.4 Card holder
If the RFID encoder & updater is mounted on the wall, a card holder should be
mounted on the RFID encoder & updater. The card holder, including two screws
for fixation, are enclosed with the RFID encoder & updater at delivery.

Figure 4: The card holder is snapped onto the RFID encoder & updater
and also fastened with two screws.

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3. Electrical specification

There are several possibilities for powering:

Power via PoE; power over Ethernet

External power via adapter of 5VDC regulated voltage
Power via USB (only applicable for Visionline)

3.1 Connectors

Figure 5: Rear panel of RFID encoder & updater

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4. To connect to Visionline or VingCard Vision

4.1 To connect to the Visionline server

4.1.1 To connect via TCP/IP

If the RFID encoder & updater connects to the server via TCP/IP, it automatically
adjusts to 10 or 100Mbit/s networks. The RFID encoder & updater starts by
retrieving an IP address via DHCP; Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. The RFID
encoder & updater then automatically finds the server.

Note: When the RFID encoder & updater has been detected by the server,
the display shows the date and time. An device for the RFID encoder & updater
will automatically be added to the server.

If no DHCP server is available:

1. The display will show 'offline' and the RFID encoder & updater IP address (default
192.168.0.100, or another IP address if the RFID encoder & updater has already
been connected to a network).
2. Shortly after, the IP address on the RFID encoder & updater display will change
to an IP address in the range 169.254.1.0 – 169.254.254.255; this range is
based on the zero config standard.

Note: When the RFID encoder & updater has got an IP address, either via DHCP
or via zero config, it makes an announcement broadcast which either the Visionline
server or a connected ZigBee gateway should answer to. For more information
about how the RFID encoder & updater finds the server, see Appendix E.

4.1.2 To connect via USB

If the RFID encoder & updater should connect via USB, the following steps must
be taken:
The USBXpress driver must be installed; see Appendix B for details.
A device for the RFID encoder & updater must be added to the Visionline
device list; see details here.

Note: For connection via USB, firmware version 2.6.2.4 or higher must be used
for the RFID encoder (this also requires Visionline 1.22.1 or higher).

Note: Power via USB is not always enough for the RFID encoder & updater.
If this is the case, use the enclosed external power supply of 5VDC.

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To add a device for the RFID encoder & updater in the Visionline device list:

1. When the USBXpress driver has been

installed according to Appendix B,
open the Visionline device list by double
clicking on Devices under the Lists tab
in the navigation window.
2. In the Devices dialog, click Add;
the Device details dialog will be shown.
3. Enter a Name for the RFID encoder
& updater.
4. If desired, enter a Description
for the RFID encoder & updater.
5. At Type, choose 'Network
RFID encoder (USB)' in the
drop-down-menu.

Figure 6
6. At S/N, click the button.
All network RFID encoder & updaters that
are connected via USB will be shown in
Figure 7 the drop-down list; see Fig. 7.
7. In the Device details dialog,
mark the applicable radio button under
Location. For Server and Computer,
the field PMS address will be available;
fill in this if applicable.
8. Click Save and Close.
9. Double click on RFIDEncoderConfig.exe
which is available in the Visionline bundle
under RFID Encoder/RFID Encoder
Configuration Utility. From Visionline
1.24.0, the RFID Encoder Configuration
Utility will automatically be installed in
the Visionline installation folder when
Visionline.msi is installed. If the RFID
encoder & updater is correctly connected
to the PC and uses the USBXpress driver,
the serial number of the RFID encoder &
updater should be shown in the upper left
window at USB; see example in Figure 8.
10.Follow the steps in section 5.1 to make
the settings in RFID Encoder
Configuration Utility.

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4.1.3 RFID encoder & updater in SysMon
1. Double click on SysMon.exe in
the Visionline installation folder.
2. Go to View/RFID Encoders;
RFID encoder & updaters which
have been connected via TCP/IP
will be shown. Note: When
hovering over an RFID encoder &
updater in the RFID Encoders
window of SysMon, information
Figure 9 about Mac address, IP address,
firmware version and last ping
will be shown.

Note: For upgrade of firmware

via SysMon, see Appendix C.

4.2 To connect to the VingCard Vision server or workstation

4.2.1 To connect via TCP/IP

To make the RFID encoder & updater accessible for VingCard Vision,
the RFID encoder & updater must be assigned with four parameters:
IP address
IP port number
gateway address
subnet mask
Before setting the above parameters in RFID Encoder Configuration Utility,
the USBXpress driver must be available for the RFID encoder & updater to be
able to connect and perform the setup. When the RFID encoder & updater has
been configured with the four parameters above, the RFID encoder & updater
becomes backward compatible with the KDE encoder which connects via TCP/IP
only and has a static IP address.

1. Install the USBXpress driver according to

Appendix B.
2. Double click on RFIDEncoderConfig.exe;
if the RFID encoder & updater is correctly
connected to the PC and uses the USBXpress
Figure 12 driver, the serial number of the RFID encoder
& updater should be shown in the upper left
window at USB; see example in Figure 12.
3. Follow the steps in section 5.2 to make the
settings in RFID Encoder Configuration Utility.

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5. Configuration utility

If the RFID encoder & updater parameters need to be modified to suit the network
where the RFID encoder & updater is located, this can be done in RFID Encoder
Configuration Utility. Table 2 below describes the configurable parameters.

For guidance about how to configure the RFID encoder & updater for use together
with Visionline, see section 5.1. For information about how to configure the RFID
encoder & updater for use together with VingCard Vision, see section 5.2. For
default
parameter values, see section 6.1.

Note: For Visionline, the parameters can also be changed via a web interface;
see chapter 7.

Dynamic IP address (DHCP) If this checkbox is marked, the RFID encoder & updater retrieves an
Note: This parameter is only IP address via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and then
applicable for Visionline. automatically finds the server.
Host IP address The IP address of the RFID encoder & updater
Subnet Mask A mask used to determine what subnet an IP address belongs to
Announcement broadcast If there is no DNS (Domain Name System), the RFID encoder & updater
will still find the server if this checkbox is marked
Emulate KDE Emulate a KDE encoder
Note for Visionline: With the 'emulate KDE' alternative marked,
the web interface described in chapter 7 will not be available.
Wall mounted This parameter changes the text orientation on the RFID encoder &
updater display. Mark Enable if the RFID encoder & updater should
be mounted on the wall.
Zero config If no DHCP server is available, the RFID encoder & updater will at
Note: This parameter is only startup show 'offline' and the RFID encoder & updater IP address.
applicable for Visionline. Shortly after, the IP address will change to an address in the range
169.254.1.0 – 169.254.254.255; this range is based on zero config.
Note: It is recommended to always have this checkbox marked.
EPHY auto negotiate If the link speed (10 or 100 Mbit/s) has been unaltered for a certain time,
a detector changes to manual speed and alternatively tests 10MBit/s and
100MBit/s until an answer is given. When this detector
is activated, the parameter EPHY (Ethernet PHYsical transceiver) auto
negotiate will be set to 'No' and the checkbox will be unmarked.

Table 2: Configurable parameters

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5.1 To configure the RFID encoder & updater for
use with Visionline
1. Make sure that the USBXpress driver is installed;
see Appendix B for details.
2. Double click on RFIDEncoderConfig.exe.
3. Connect the RFID encoder & updater
to USB power; the RFID encoder & updater will
appear in the drop-down-menu at 'USB' in the upper
left corner of the RFID Encoder Configuration
Utility window.
4. Select the RFID encoder & updater in the
drop-down-menu.
5. Click the Start button to connect.

Figure 13
6. Click the Get version button.

Figure 14
7. The firmware version of the RFID encoder & updater
will be shown; make sure that it is the latest version,
if not upgrade the RFID encoder & updater according
to Appendix C.

Figure 15

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 8. Click the Get config button. At first configuration,
the default RFID encoder & updater parameters will
be shown; see Figure 16. Note: The default
parameter values are also shown in section 6.1.

Figure 16

9. To modify one or more parameters, make the desired

changes and click the Set config button.

Figure 17

10.When the new configuration has bee set in the

RFID encoder & updater, a message as in Figure 18
will be shown.

Figure 18

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5.2 To configure the RFID encoder & updater for use with
VingCard Vision
1. Make sure that the USBXpress driver
is installed; see Appendix B for details.
2. Double click on RFIDEncoderConfig.exe.
3. Connect the RFID encoder & updater to USB power;
the RFID encoder & updater will appear in the drop-
down-menu at 'USB' in the upper left corner of the
RFID Encoder Configuration Utility window.
4. Select the RFID encoder & updater in the
drop-down-menu.
5. Click the Start button to connect.

Figure 19
6. Click the Get version button.

Figure 20
7. The firmware version of the RFID encoder & updater
will be shown; make sure that it is the latest version,
if not upgrade the RFID encoder & updater according
to Appendix C.

Figure 21

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 8. Click the Get config button. At first configuration,
the default RFID encoder & updater parameters will
be shown; see Figure 22. Note: The default
parameter values are also shown in section 6.1.

Figure 22

9. Under IP Setup:
- uncheck Dynamic IP address (DHCP)
- set Host IP address; this is the
RFID encoder & updater IP address
- set Default gateway; this is the
RFID encoder & updater gateway address
- set Subnet mask; this is the
RFID encoder & updater subnet mask

10.Under Connection Setup:

- uncheck Announcement broadcast
- let Server IP and Server Port be
empty; these parameters are not
applicable for VingCard Vision
- let KDE port be 3001
Figure 23
11.Under Misc Settings:
- check Emulate KDE
- uncheck the rest of the checkboxes

12.Click the Set config button.

13.When the new configuration has been set
in the RFID encoder & updater, a message
as in Figure 24 will be shown.
14.Disconnect the power and USB cables.
15.Connect the LAN cable to the local hub.
16.Power up the RFID encoder & updater.
Figure 24

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6. To make a factory reset

There are two ways to reset the RFID encoder & updater parameters to default
values, e.g. if an RFID encoder & updater should be used at a demo installation:
Press and hold the F button with a narrow instrument while powering up
the RFID encoder & updater; see in Figure 5 where the button is located.
Press Defaults and then Set config in the RFID Encoder Configuration
Utility; see below for details. The default values are also shown in Table 3.

1. Click the Defaults button.

Figure 25

2. If the default parameters should be set in the RFID

encoder & updater, click the Set config button.
Note: If VingCard Vision is applicable, it will not be
possible to connect to the RFID encoder & updater
after the default values have been set in it. In this
case, the RFID encoder & updater must then be
reconfigured according to section 5.2; make sure
that Emulate KDE is checked in RFID Encoder
Configuration Utility.

Figure 26

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6.1 Default parameter values

Note: For a description of the RFID encoder & updater parameters, see Table 2.

Parameter Default value

Dynamic IP address Enable
(DHCP; Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
Host IP 192.168.0.100
Default gateway 192.168.0.1
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Announcement broadcast Enable
Server port 7799
KDE port 3001
Emulate KDE Disable
Wall mounted Disable
Zero config Enable
EPHY auto negotiate Enable

Table 3: Default parameter values for the RFID encoder & updater

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7. Web interface
(only applicable for Visionline)
If the parameters for the RFID encoder & updater need to be modified to suit
the network where the RFID encoder & updater is located, this can be done either
via the configuration utility described in section 5.1
via the web interface described in the section To modify the RFID encoder &
updater parameters. To open the web interface, http://ipaddress must be
entered in a web browser. The RFID encoder & updater IP address is shown
on the RFID encoder & updater display. Note: See Table 2 for a description
of the RFID encoder & updater parameters.

7.1 To modify the RFID encoder & updater parameters

1. Press the F button down to the right on

the back of the RFID encoder & updater
(see Figure 5); use a narrow instrument.
2. In the web browser, enter http://
ipaddress; the IP address to enter is
shown on the display at startup of the
RFID encoder & updater. See example
below:

Note: If no DHCP server is available, use

the zero config IP address which is shown
on the display; see section 4.1.1 for more
information about zero config.
3. Make the desired changes in the RFID
Encoder Setup page; see example in
Figure 27.
4. If the server IP should be changed and
there is no DNS (Domain Name System):
Enter the applicable Server IP, OR
Figure 27 mark the radio button 'Enable'
for Announcement Broadcast;
this makes the RFID encoder & updater
find the server.
5. When all desired changes have been
done in the RFID Encoder Setup page:
- Click Save.
- Click Reboot.
- Press the F button on the RFID
encoder & updater again to close
the web interface.

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Appendix A: Quick reference of technical data

Dimensions, RFID encoder & updater (WxHxD):

83.3 x 152.0 x 42.2 mm (3 9/32" x 5 31/32" x 1 21/32")

Dimensions, card holder (WxHxD):

88.7 x 85.8 x 48.0 mm (3 1/2" x 3 3/8" x 1 57/64")

Material in RFID encoder & updater: ABS UL 94V-0

Automatic adjustment to 10 or 100MBit/s networks

Material in card holder: PC UL 94V-0, semitransparent

Several possibilities for powering:

- Power via PoE; power over Ethernet
Note: The RFID encoder & updater is of PoE class 1;
power range 0.44-3.84W.
- External power via adapter of 5VDC regulated voltage
- Power via USB (only applicable for Visionline)

The maximum current consumption for the RFID encoder & updater
is 400 mA continuously

Sound signals

Intended for indoor use only, temperature range +5ºC to +50ºC

Relative humidity 10-90%; non-condensing

Required version of Visionline: 1.11.1 or higher

Required version of VingCard Vision: 5.2 or higher

22 66 1001 001-8
Appendix B: To install the USBXpress driver
1. All necessary files for the USBXpress driver
are found on the Visionline CD under
Drivers/USBXpress Driver; double click
on USBXpressInstaller.exe and follow
the instructions.
2. Connect the RFID encoder & updater by
USB cable to the computer.
3. Go to the Device Manager in Windows
and click the plus sign in front of 'Universal
Serial Bus controllers'; see Figure B1.

Figure B1

4. In the Device Manager, double click on

the USBXpress Device and make sure that
the USBXpress Device Properties dialog
says 'This device is working properly' as in
Figure B2.

Figure B2

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Appendix C: To upgrade firmware

To upgrade firmware via RFID Encoder Configuration Utility

1. Double click on RFIDEncoderConfig.exe (see

here where the file is found).
2. Connect the RFID encoder & updater to USB
power; the RFID encoder & updater will appear in
the drop-down-menu at 'USB'.
3. Select the RFID encoder & updater in
the drop-down-menu.
4. Click the Start button.
5. Click the Open button.

Figure C1
6. Browse to the desired firmware file (Network
Firmware Pack in the Visionline bundle contains
the RFID encoder firmware) and click Open.

Figure C2
7. When the firmware version has been loaded,
it will be shown next to the Bootload button
as shown in Figure C3.

Figure C3

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 8. Click the Bootload button.

Figure C4

9. When the bootloading has finished, a message as

in Figure C5 will be shown.

Figure C5

To upgrade firmware via SysMon

(only applicable for Visionline)

1. Double click on SysMon.exe in

the Visionline installation folder.
2. Go to View/RFID Encoders; RFID
encoder & updaters that have been
connected via TCP/IP will be shown.
3. Mark the applicable RFID encoder &
updater and click the Set button;
choose Set Firmware Files for
Figure C6 Bootloading.
4. The dialog in Figure C7 will
be shown.
5. Click the Browse button
at the applicable one of ’RFID
Encoder’ or ‘RFID Encoder w
ext memory’ and select the
applicable RFID encoder & updater
firmware file.
6. Click OK in the Select Firmware
Files for Bootload dialog.
Figure C7

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Appendix D: Boot-up procedure

1. When an RFID encoder & updater comes out of reset, it reads its
IP configuration from a non-volatile memory.
2. If 'Dynamic IP Address' is set to Disable (see chapter 7): the RFID encoder
& updater sets its IP address to the address stored in the config memory.
Continue at step 13 below.
3. If 'Dynamic IP Address' is set to Enable (see chapter 7): the RFID encoder
& updater sends a DHCP Request packet with IP destination address
255.255.255.255, i.e. IP broadcast, requesting its most recently used
IP address.
4. If the network/subnet configuration has not changed, the DHCP server will
most likely send a DHCP ACK packet, allowing the RFID encoder & updater
to continue to use the same IP. The DHCP server may use either IP broadcast
or unicast for this packet; broadcast is however most commonly used.
Continue at step 10 below.
5. If the DHCP server is unwilling to let the RFID encoder & updater use the
same address as before, or if the requested IP is out of scope, it sends a
DHCP NAK.
6. The RFID encoder & updater resets its IP address to 0.0.0.0 and sends a
DHCP Discover packet with IP destination address 255.255.255.255; IP
broadcast.
7. If a DHCP server is available, it sends a DHCP Offer packet. Since the RFID
encoder & updater has no valid IP address, the DHCP server must send to
IP destination 255.255.255.255; IP broadcast.
8. The RFID encoder & updater receives the offer and sends a DHCP Request
packet, as in step 3 above, but this time requests the IP address offered by
the DHCP server.
9. The DHCP server sends a DHCP ACK packet, confirming that the RFID
encoder & updater may start using the new IP address. Unlike the ACK in
step 4 above, this ACK packet must be sent to IP destination address
255.255.255.255
(IP broadcast), since the RFID encoder & updater has not got any confirmed
IP address yet.
10.The RFID encoder & updater performs gratuitous ARP (Address Resolution
Protocol) to ensure that no other host has got the same IP.
11.If IP collision is detected, the RFID encoder & updater sends a DHCP Decline
packet which refuses the assigned IP address and restarts the IP
acquirement procedure for the RFID encoder & updater.
12. New functionality, RFID encoder & updater version 2.0.0 and later:
If there is no DHCP server available on the subnet, the RFID encoder &
updater self-assigns an IP address from the IPv4 Local Link address space
(169.254.0.0/16), and sends gratuitous ARP to ensure that no other host has
got the same IP.
13. The RFID encoder & updater reads the most recently used Visionline server
IP address and tries to open a TCP connection to the server.
14. If the TCP connection attempt fails, the RFID encoder & updater will
continue to try connections to the same IP over and over again – unless it
detects that the network/subnet setup has changed, e.g. the RFID encoder &
updater may have been moved to a new location. Then it will send an

26 66 1001 001-8
 application specific service discovery request (announcement broadcast) with
IP destination address 255.255.255.255; IP broadcast.
14 b. New functionality, RFID encoder & updater version 2.0.0 and later: Even if
the network/subnet setup is unchanged, but long time (one hour) has
elapsed without any successful TCP connection with the Visionline server,
the RFID encoder & updater will start sending service discovery requests.
15. If a Visionline server is on the same subnet, or if another RFID encoder &
updater with a valid TCP connection to the server is on the subnet, they will
send a reply to the querying unit, letting it know the IP address and TCP port
of the Visionline server. The RFID encoder & updater then tries TCP
connection to that IP.
15 b. New functionality, RFID encoder & updater version 2.0.0 and later: From
the payload supplied in the reply (the reply is sent with IP destination
address 255.255.255.255, IP broadcast), the querying unit can determine if
its own
IP address properties are correct with respect to network class, default RFID
encoder & updater IP and subnet mask. If required, it will self-assign a new
IP address within the subnet specified in the reply, and then send gratuitous
ARP to ensure that no other host has got the same IP. Then it goes on and
tries
TCP connection to the received server IP address.
16. New functionality, RFID encoder & updater version 2.0.0 and later: Prior to
sending the service discovery request, the RFID encoder & updater tries to
contact a DNS server (Domain Name System), with a request for resolving
the most recently used server host name. If that name is unknown to the
DNS, the RFID encoder & updater tries to resolve the factory default server
host name. If any of the two names renders a successful DNS reply, the RFID
encoder & updater uses the IP address received from the DNS server, and
tries TCP connections to that address. If the factory default name is unknown
too,
or if a DNS server is not available at all, the RFID encoder & updater sends
a service discovery request.

Note: 14/14 b, (15/15b) and 16 will go on in a round robin way until the RFID
encoder & updater has reached the server.

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Appendix E: More about finding the server
(Visionline only)
Introduction
This appendix describes the process of how the RFID encoder & updater finds the
server. The solution is based on DNS (Domain Name System) as well as on
announcement broadcast, which is a proprietary implementation of zero config; see
section 4.1.1
for details about zero config.

Note: For more information about setting up DNS entries etc, contact the hotel
IT department. A general description of this cannot be made in this document,
since this varies with the type of DNS server that is used.

There are three challenges when the RFID encoder & updater is connected
to the network:
1. A new RFID encoder & updater must be able to find the server even if it is
located on a separate subnet.
2. The RFID encoder & updater must be able to locate a backup server in case
the primary server fails. The backup server is assumed to have the latest
database from the primary server.
3. The above must be fulfilled even if there are multiple Visionline servers on the
same network.

To commission RFID encoder & updaters:

Single server - to commission RFID encoder & updaters with DNS
Multiple servers - to commission RFID encoder & updaters with DNS
To commission RFID encoder & updaters without DNS

To switch to backup server

Single server - to switch to backup server with DNS
Multiple servers - to switch to backup server with DNS
To switch to backup server without DNS

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To commission RFID encoder & updaters with DNS
If the RFID encoder & updater is located on the same subnet as the server, the
RFID encoder & updater will locate the server using announcement broadcast
without any need for manual configuration. However, the normal case is that the
server and the RFID encoder & updater are located on different subnets. The first
RFID encoder & updater for each subnet requires help from the DNS to locate the
server.

Single server
1. Add a DNS entry called timeloxserver and let its IP address be the address of
the Visionline server to which the new RFID encoder & updater shall connect.
The RFID encoder & updater will then make a DNS query using the name
timeloxserver and in this way get the IP address of the server.
2. Connect the RFID encoder & updater to Ethernet and wait for it to appear in
the SysMon ZigBee tree.

Multiple servers
In the steps below, it is necessary to know the Visionline system code. To find it,
double click on System settings under Reports in the Visionline navigation
window.

Figure D1

1. For each Visionline server, add a new DNS entry with the system name for
the concerned server. The system name is timelox_12-character system code
without dashes, e.g. timelox_D124BD233D13.
2. In order to find the correct server at first installation, the RFID encoder &
updaters must be installed for one server at a time.
3. Let timeloxserver refer to the IP address of the first Visionline server.
4. When all RFID encoder & updaters have been installed for one server, the
DNS entry for timeloxserver must be changed to the IP address of the next
server.
5. When all RFID encoder & updaters for the last server have been installed,
the timeloxserver entry must be removed.
Note: Every set of RFID encoder & updaters that is connected with a particular
Visionline server will receive the system name of that server, once connection to
the server is established. If an RFID encoder & updater for some reason needs to
use DNS again in the future, the system name (e.g. timelox_D124BD233D13) will
"win" over the default name. When the RFID encoder & updater makes a DNS
request, the system name will connect it to the correct Visionline server.

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To commission RFID encoder & updaters without DNS
1. Connect one RFID encoder & updater to each subnet. Use the web interface
for the RFID encoder & updater to configure the IP address of the Visionline
server; see chapter 7 for details. Note: This is only needed for the first RFID
encoder & updater for each subnet, since the other RFID encoder & updaters
on the same subnet will retrieve the server IP address from the first one by
announcement broadcast.
2. Continue adding RFID encoder & updaters. They will automatically obtain the
IP address of the Visionline server from the RFID encoder & updaters on the
same subnet that are already online with the server.

To switch to backup server

Single server - to switch to backup server with DNS

1. Change the IP address of the timeloxserver entry in the DNS so it points
to the backup server. The RFID encoder & updaters will then connect to
the backup server if the connection to the primary server is lost and cannot
be re-established.

Multiple servers - to switch to backup server with DNS

1. For the concerned Visionline server, change the IP adress of the system
name entry in the DNS so it points to the backup server. The RFID encoder &
updaters will then connect to the backup server if the connection to the
primary server is lost and cannot be re-established.

To switch to backup server without DNS

1. Remove the primary server from the network.
2. Assign the IP address of the primary server to the backup server
OR
Enter the IP address of the backup server in the web interface for one RFID
encoder & updater per subnet. Note: It will take one hour after the primary
server closes its sockets until the rest of the RFID encoder & updaters enable
their announcement broadcast.

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Revision history
Date Change By
March 8, 2012 Initial version KG
April 13, 2012 Updated section Connecting via TCP/IP KG
Updated section Mounting kit
October 17, 2012 Updated section Connecting via TCP/IP KG
Added information about the USBXpress driver
Updated screenshot 'Select Firmware Files for
Bootload'
Added information about configuration utility
Updated web interface
Added chapter about reset
Updated Quick reference of technical data with
information about PoE class 1 and maximum current
consumption for the encoder
Removed information about bootloader tool
Added appendix More about how the RFID encoder
finds the server
January 25, 2013 'Emulate KDE' is now implemented KG
July 3, 2013 Added information about VingCard Vision KG
January 13, 2014 Modified chapter about web interface KG
Modified chapter about installing USB Xpress driver
Added chapter about boot-up procedure
December 21, 2015 Updated layout KG
May 18, 2016 Modified product name to 'RFID encoder & updater' KG
January 28, 2019 Added recommendation about minimum encoder KG
firmware for USB connection
Removed section about editing encoder name
Clarified where the files for
RFIDEncoderConfig.exe and
RFID encoder firmware are located
Rebranded the document

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32