Networking Requirements for the LYNX media system

Overview

LYNX media systems receive automatic software and dynamic content updates over the Internet. There are three options for connecting the LYNX media systems to the Internet:

1. A preconfigured WiFi access point provided by Spectrio.
2. A non-Spectrio WiFi access point, configured with the required security settings (WPA2-PSK [AES] or WPA2-PSK [TKIP]).
3. Wired Ethernet.

Spectrio recommends the pre-configured WiFi access point option for the following reasons:

1. There is no configuration required by the customer; simply unbox the access point and follow the installation instructions.
2. Every LYNX media system is tested with a Spectrio WiFi access point and is guaranteed to function correctly (provided the criteria in the installation requirements is met).
3. You can re-configure your own WiFi network without affecting your LYNX media systems' connectivity.
4. By placing the dedicated access point in its own subnet, the LYNX media systems' traffic can be isolated from the rest of the network, allowing you to set custom Quality of Service (QoS) rules to ensure that the most important network operations will not be affected.

Connectivity Options

Spectrio WiFi Access Point

The WiFi access points provided by Spectrio are specifically programmed for the LYNX media systems; it is not possible to use them as a general purpose WiFi access point. Do not attempt to perform a factory reset on the pre-configured access point, as the LYNX media systems will no longer be able to connect to the Internet, rendering them unable to update their software and dynamic content.

The WiFi access points provided by Spectrio use the WPA2-PSK [AES] security protocol. LYNX media systems ship with the security key pre-loaded, so no configuration is required. The WiFi access points do not broadcast their SSID.

Customer WiFi Access Point

Most 802.11 b/g/n Access Points (AP) will work satisfactory with Spectrio media systems. For the most reliable operation, we recommend using a business class AP, such as Cisco, Ruckus, Aruba, Meraki, Aerohive, etc. These systems typically operate more reliably with heavy network loads tolerate network interference better. If you choose to use your own AP, you may set up a dedicated SSID for Spectrio systems to more easily isolate them from the rest of your network. In any case, you will need to use the Control Panel on the media systems to enter network diagnostics. See the Product Manual for details, or contact Spectrio customer support and a support representative will assist you in configuring the devices.

Wired Ethernet

Wired Ethernet is usually the most reliable method and is recommended. However, routing an Ethernet cable to each media system is not always practical, so in these cases, wireless is the fallback solution. If a site has reliable wireless with business-grade equipment (Cisco, Ruckus, Aruba, Meraki, Aerohive, etc.), then using it for the media system is recommended. In the absence of such a network, a Spectrio supplied Wi-Fi AP is preferred. Details for each solution follows.

All media systems have an RJ45 Ethernet jack. When plugged into an active network, the media system will prefer this connection over a wireless connection. Due to the lack of interference and simpler equipment required, a wired connection is normally considered more reliable than a wireless connection and thus is preferred. A DHCP server is required as detailed below.

DHCP

Whether you chose the pre-configured WiFi access point, a non-Spectrio access point, or wired Ethernet, a local DHCP server is required in order for the LYNX media system devices to obtain an IP address. If a Spectrio access point is used, the access point will obtain one (1) address from the DHCP server and will provide IP addresses in a private range for the LYNX media systems. If the LYNX media systems are connected to a non-Spectrio WiFi access point or via wired Ethernet, each media player will request an IP address from the DHCP server.

Firewall

LYNX media systems communicate over ports, 80, 443, and 2209. These ports must be open for outbound on the user's firewall, otherwise, LYNX media systems will not be able to communicate with Spectrio's monitoring and update servers. Refer to the following table for specific host/port details.

To verify that port 2209 is open for outbound traffic, connect a PC to the network on which your LYNX media systems are configured, and then browse to http://check.vs-networks.com:2209/. If port 2209 is open for outbound traffic, you will see the Spectrio website – normally accessed via https://www.vs-networks.com/.