Accessing an AquaController via the web

[JT101]

I see that (according to Neptune's website) that you can access their AquaController Pro III on "your local network" via an Ethernet cable.

However, has anyone tried to connect their AquaController to a cable modem on a home computer so that you can access it from anywhere you can get an internet connection?

I figured it would be neat to be able to "see" what my tank is doing while away from home and at work, on the road etc.

Thanks
John

[fishnu]

I think you mean router rather than cable modem.

I don't own an AC3 yet, but that is one of the selling points. In addition I believe you can reprogram it remotely as well. You just need to do some port forwarding on your router. You don't have to put it in the DMZ or anything.

[JT101]

Originally Posted by fishnu

I think you mean router rather than cable modem.

I don't own one a AC3 yet, but that is one of the selling points. In addition I believe you can reprogram it remotely as well. You just need to do some port forwarding on your router. You don't have to put it in the DMZ or anything.

Sorry, I DID mean router, NOT modem - DOH!!!

Anyway, I already have a wireless router (LinkSys). I also have a cable modem (Optimum Online). The external cable system is first connected to my cable modem, then there is an Ethernet output that goes to my wireless router, then there are 3-4 Ethernet outputs on that. One goes back to my kid's computer, another goes to a home office computer. I use the wireless with my laptop.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is: would I need to connect one of the Linksys output Ethernet cables to my AquaController, and THEN access it by connecting via the internet by just typing in the unit's IP address?

[Octoman]

I have my ACjr hooked up to my Desktop and I can access my Desktop over the web. I just bring up the desktop's screen on a remote computer and run Aquanotes like I was sitting at home. However; I wouldn't recommend setting something like that up unless you know what to do for security.

I think the ACIII would be easier to put directly on the web so you could access it directly with a remote computer. The only thing I would worry about is someone else messing with your ACIII if it's available online.

[JT101]

Originally Posted by Octoman

I have my ACjr hooked up to my Desktop and I can access my Desktop over the web. I just bring up the desktop's screen on a remote computer and run Aquanotes like I was sitting at home. However; I wouldn't recommend setting something like that up unless you know what to do for security.

I think the ACIII would be easier to put directly on the web so you could access it directly with a remote computer. The only thing I would worry about is someone else messing with your ACIII if it's available online.

Hey Octoman!

Thanks for the input. On your first paragraph, I believe you are describing connecting to your desktop by using a program like PCAnyWhere or something similar. I guess that would work.

On your second paragraph: This is really what I want to do. I really don't need to access my desktop, because if I'm at work and my wife is at home using the home office computer and I access it externally then I'll technically be "hijacking" the mouse and she won't be able to use the PC until I'm done. I'd much rather access the controller directly, and it sounds like the Neptunes have that capability, so that's one problem out of the way - knowing it can work this way!

My next question is: I did a little reading about "port forwarding" and my understanding of it is that I would need to electronically address my Linksys wireless router to "forward" info it receives on to my controller. Can I assume that the Linkysys line of routers has port forwarding capability?


Thanks
John

[Octoman]

My linksys has port forwarding capabilities under the "applications and gaming" heading. Have you seen the setup info on the neptune website?

Neptune Systems - AquaControllers - Hardware FAQ

7. How do I configure my AC3 or AC3PRO Ethernet connection?

First you need to get the settings for your local network – you can do this by bringing up a command shell on your PC (type cmd in the start->run window of your PC). In the cmd shell type ‘ipconfig /all’ – This will display your internal IP address, netmask, default gateway, and dns server.


1. Connect the Ethernet cable between the AquaController's Ethernet port and your router/hub/switch's Ethernet port. If the connection is good both the green and yellow LEDs on the AquaController's Ethernet connector should lite. The green LED will blink when there is network traffic.


2. Enter the netmask, default gateway, and dns server into the AquaController’s network setup menus. This information is entered in the setup->net setup menu on the AquaController 3. The IP address should be unique and different then your PCs – most likely you’ll only change the last 3 digits of the address. For example if your computers IP address is 192.168.1.101, then set the AquaController's IP address to 192.168.1.50.


3. Power cycle or restart (setup->netsetup->restart) the AquaController.


4. The controller is accessed through your internet browser by typing in the IP address of the controller in the address field of your browser. In the above example you would use 192.168.1.50.





Once that works then you can configure your router so that the AquaController can be accessed from the internet. Follow these steps:


1. Configure your router so that WAN side port 80 tcp requests are sent to the AquaController's IP address on port 80 (External port is 80, internal port is 80, and the internal IP address is the AquaController's). This configuration is usually done in the router's virtual server setup menu, port forwarding, or the UPnP section of the router. Consult the routers manual for details. Note that some routers (Linksys) have global enables for UPnP or port forwarding, so be sure to turn this on or your router will not forward port 80 to the AquaController.


2. Change the administrator user name and password of the AquaController. See setup->netsetup on the controller.


3. To access the controller from the internet you need to know your WAN IP address; the WAN IP address can be found by going to What Is My IP Address? - IP Address Lookup, Info, Speed Test, and more. This is the IP address that will be entered into the address field of your browser when trying to access the controller from the internet. If your internet connection has dynamic IP address, then sign up for a free account at DynDNS: DNS Hosting, Email Delivery and Other Services and following the installation instructions. The dyndns account will allow access your controller using a consistent DNS name even though the IP address may change. Note that some routers (DLink for example), have built-in support for dyndns accounts so no client PC software is required.


Note: Some ISPs block incoming port 80 requests, so you you will have to use a different external port number. In this case you would configure your router to route a different incoming port like 4567 (or any other 4 digit number) to port 80 of the AquaController's IP address. If this is the case in your router's port forwarding, or UPnP section configure the external port would be 4567, internal port 80, and the internal IP address of the AquaController. If your isp blocks port 80 then you would need to enter the address as http://123.45.67.111:4567 - substitute your internet IP address for 123.45.67.111.

[JT101]

Octoman,

Thanks again. I think I can figure this all out, just glad to know that it is possible to remotely access my controller....!!

Thanks
John

[fishnu]

Originally Posted by JT101

I guess what I'm trying to ask is: would I need to connect one of the Linksys output Ethernet cables to my AquaController, and THEN access it by connecting via the internet by just typing in the unit's IP address?

Octoman's instructions make sense. I also have a Linksys wrt54g and will be doing the same thing, if I ever get my divorce finalized. Along with eating.

You could even web cam the tank with a little logitech cam and a spare pc. Then you could stop the pumps, activate a feeder remotely, and watch them swarm!

Man rule: Playing with water and electricity together is fun.