8.7.1.1 Levels of Connection

When trying to connect, either at the preset interval, or for an email alarm, the instrument will do it in two stages:

•The instrument first tries to connect to a WiFi™ router or access-point in its vicinity.
•Once connected to the network through the router or access-point, the instrument will then try to connect to a server (either the specified email server, or the server running the Listener application, depending if it is for an alarm or part of the regular reporting of recorded data. The server connection can be done to a specified IP address, or to a domain name. Connecting using a domain name is preferable because IP addresses are often subject to change.

The instrument has a total time of 1 minute to go through the two stages. If the final stage is not established by the end of that minute, the instrument stops trying in order to preserve battery. It will then retry at the next preset interval, or if a new email alarm is triggered.

Note:        In order to maximize data throughput and minimize power consumption, it is best to locate the router or access point close to the instrument so WiFi™ communications are reliable.

Note:        If the Instrument_Listener application is not running on the server, the instrument will not be able to download any data. Email alarms however can still work because they rely on a different email server (gmail account for instance).

Note:        The panel shown in Figure 13 will display the progression of the connection. It is designed to help debug connection problems

The Connection Status field indicates graphically the different stages of connection. Each icon (7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in Figure 13) indicates a different connection stage:

•Indicator 11 or 13 blinking:        The instrument is initiating a connection to report data or send an email respectively.
•Indicator 7 Active:                The instrument is actively trying to connect to a Router or Access-Point.
•Indicators 7, 8, 9 Active:                The instrument is connected to a Router or Access Point. In this case the SSID of the Router or Access Point is written in indicator 5.
•Indicators 7, 8, 9, 10 Active:        The instrument is connected to the network.
•Indicators 7 to 11/13 Active:        The instrument has connected to the server and is talking to the Instrument_Listener application or the specified email server. In that case the server’s IP address is written in indicator 12.