adccommunitymod (AutomationDirect) asked a question.
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created By: GlennLee
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Hi All. I have a request to put a 250-1 and a C-more in vending machines. The customer wants to be able to access the machines from a desk anywhere using a browser. I am already using the newest C-more software that allows internet acces via browser. I also want to be able to access them for monitoring and upgrades. I want to use a SBC (Single-Board Computer) installed in the enclosure to act as the server for VPN communications. I have found the boards and Linux or Windows XPE software on the web but I don't want to go up a dry wash chasing a dead-end.:( Has anyone out there done this? Is there a brand/model of SBC and type of software you have used successfully?:confused: If I don't get a reply, I'll asume I am the pioneer and report back here when/if I get this working.:)
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created by: keycoldstorage
May be a bit much, but I'm using the Alix platform for routers and gateways with pfSense loaded on them and couldn't be happier! The pfSense software is a free bsd varient and relatively easy to work with. I have been happy with the machines reliability, actually, I can't remember a failure in three years. There is also a mini pci slot for running a wireless card that has worked well for me too.
http://pfsense.org/
http://www.pcengines.ch/alix2d3.htm
edgar
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created by: allukes
Maybe I don't fully understand the VPN, but why do want to use the SBC?
It seems you could use an ECOM100 module to gain access to the PLC and the new Remote access feature with the CMORE should give you everything else. What does the SBC do for you?
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created by: GlennLee
Maybe I don't fully understand the VPN, but why do want to use the SBC?
It seems you could use an ECOM100 module to gain access to the PLC and the new Remote access feature with the CMORE should give you everything else. What does the SBC do for you?
I AM using the Ecom100 but it cannot access the Internet directly (that I am aware of) I have always had to have the company's IT department create a VPN gateway from their network out to the internet for me so I could log in. I have half a dozen VPNs currently and they have worked VERY well.
I want to use the SBC to act AS the server I normally find in a place of a business ' network. Since these vending machine could be anywhere, I can't count on having a nearby network to tie into. I will have the phone company supply a DSL line and an interface, then my vending machine would simply appear as another IP address on the web.
The SBC is the missing link. If this does not answer you question, reply to this note and I'll try to clarify any part I failed to supply.
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created by: GlennLee
May be a bit much, but I'm using the Alix platform for routers and gateways with pfSense loaded on them and couldn't be happier! The pfSense software is a free bsd varient and relatively easy to work with. I have been happy with the machines reliability, actually, I can't remember a failure in three years. There is also a mini pci slot for running a wireless card that has worked well for me too.
http://pfsense.org/
http://www.pcengines.ch/alix2d3.htm
edgar
Thank you. I looked at the Alix board as one of the possibles. I had NOT considered pfSense but I had found "Zeroshell ". I was leaning towards a Soekris Engineering net5501 SBC as it seemed to be suitable.
My customer seems determined to have me use Windows XPE as the embedded server software. I don't know if it would be applicable.
Thank you for your confirmation that I was on the right track. I'll report back on what eventually use and any adventures along the way.
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created by: allukes
Now it makes sense. Thanks for the explanation.
Created Date: March 27,2009
Created by: bfitz
Some routers will have VPN endpoint capabilities.
Brian
Created Date: March 28,2009
Created by: toddj
wont something like this work for 60 bucks
Linksys BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN Endpoint
Use the Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN Endpoint to create IPSec VPN tunnels, so you can securely connect to the corporate server from your home office - or any location when you 're on the road. The Router provides a dedicated port for DMZ hosting and acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your local area network (LAN). With the performance and security features of the Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN Endpoint, your network will take advantage of the Internet while keeping its data secure.
Created Date: March 28,2009
Created by: a agnone
GlennLee very interesting. I will just say this because it may jar your IT guys a little bit. We have individuals here, selected few for security reasons, that can access the web then get onto our plant network and then go anywhere they wish. We too have machines all over the place. With this special permission by out IT department they can get on their notebook access the web and access our plant or any machine on the network. Not sure how they are doing this, must be it is a secret. These individuals are not using any special gear to do this, it is setup by our IT people.
Created Date: April 03,2009
Created by: chris.zeman
A word of caution regarding VPN routers... Research! Research! Research! Make sure others have had great success with the models you 're considering.
I 've purchased VPN routers from Linksys and some of their competitors in the past. Most of them were crap! The only routers I 've had great luck with are Untangle and IPCop . They 're Linux distros running on PCs and they 're rock-solid!
I'm not saying they 're the only way to go. I'm sure there are great VPN routers made by Linksys and Netgear, but I gave up trying to find one a long time ago. That's alright, though. I haven't had to clean up malware or any viruses since switching to Untangle. :)
Chris
Created Date: April 03,2009
Created by: ZedIDave
Chris,
It appears the two solutions you mentioned are software solutions that would require a PC.
What hardware have you used when the machine will only have a PLC and HMI that are sitting on there own network? Which ones have you had the most luck with?
I have been on boards and they all trash just about everything Netgear or Linksys has out there. Some models more than others. I have been looking at the Linksys/Cisco RVL200. At one point I thought Cisco would have a small VPN router, (I only need one tunnel) and there products would be more dependable. But I found they are part of Linksys.