AIPHONE AC-HOST AC Series Embedded Server User Guide

June 15, 2024
AIPHONE

AIPHONE AC-HOST AC Series Embedded Server

Product Information

The AC-HOST is an embedded Linux server that provides a dedicated device to run the AC Nio management software for the AC Series. It can support a maximum of 40 readers. For larger systems, it is recommended to run AC Nio on a Windows PC.

Specifications

  • Power Adaptor: USB-C
  • Network Connection: Ethernet
  • Maximum Reader Support: 40

Product Usage Instructions

Getting Started

  1. Connect the AC-HOST to its USB-C power adaptor and to the network using an ethernet cable.
  2. The AC-HOST will power up and the LED status indicator on the right will glow solid green when it is ready to access.
  3. By default, the AC-HOST will be assigned an IP address by the network’s DHCP server. The MAC address on the bottom of the device can be used to cross-reference and discover the IP address.

Assigning a Static IP Address

To assign a static IP address or revert to using DHCP:

  1. Access the System Manager (see instructions below).
  2. Navigate to the appropriate settings page.
  3. Follow the instructions to assign a static IP address or revert to DHCP.

Accessing the System Manager

  1. On a computer connected to the same network as the AC-HOST, open a web browser.
  2. Navigate to https://ipaddress:11002, where “IP address” is the IP address of the AC-HOST.
  3. Dismiss any security alerts and proceed to the login screen.
  4. Enter the default username “ac” and password “acaccess”, then click Login.

Setting the Time

  1. Access the System Manager (see instructions above).
  2. Navigate to the Settings tab.
  3. Manually set the time or select automatic time if the network has external internet access.
  4. Set the Time Zone.
  5. Click Save.

Backing Up the Database

To back up the AC Nio database:

  1. Access the System Manager (see instructions above).
  2. Navigate to the Backup page.
  3. Follow the instructions to create a backup of the database.

Restoring the Database

To restore a previous version of the AC Nio install:

  1. Access the System Manager (see instructions above).
  2. Navigate to the Restore page.
  3. If local backups exist, select a file under Local Database Restore and click Local Restore.
  4. Alternatively, enter the System Manager password and click Browse to locate a database backup from the PC or local network, then click Restore.

FAQ

Q: Can I run AC Nio on a Windows PC for larger systems?

A: Yes, AC Nio can be run on a Windows PC for larger systems.

Q: How do I access the System Manager?

A: On a computer connected to the same network as the AC-HOST, open a web browser and navigate to https://ipaddress:11002, where “ipaddress” is the IP address of the AC-HOST. Enter the default username “ac” and password “acaccess” to access the System Manager.

Q: How can I assign a static IP address to the AC-HOST?

A: Access the System Manager, navigate to the appropriate settings page, and follow the instructions to assign a static IP address or revert to DHCP.

AC-HOST

Quick Setup Guide

Introduction

The AC-HOST is an embedded Linux server that provides a dedicated device to run the AC Nio management software for the AC Series. This guide only covers how to configure the AC-HOST. The AC Series Quick Start Guide and AC Key Programming Guide cover programming AC Nio itself once the AC-HOST has been configured.

AC-HOST can support a maximum of 40 readers. For larger systems, run AC Nio on a Windows PC.

Getting Started

Connect the AC-HOST to its USB-C power adaptor and to the network with an ethernet cable. The AC-HOST will power up and the LED status indicator on the right will glow a solid green once it is ready to access.
By default, the AC-HOST will be assigned an IP address by the network’s DHCP server. The MAC address, located on a sticker on the bottom of the device, can be cross referenced on the network to discover the IP address.

Assigning a Static IP Address

If there is no DHCP server available, it is possible to use a static IP address instead.

  1. Press and hold the button on the right side of the AC-HOST. The LED will turn off.
  2. Continue to hold the button for 5 seconds until the LED turns blue, then release the button.
  3. The LED will flash blue. Press the button for 1 second while it is flashing.
  4. The LED will flash blue 5 more times to confirm that the AC-HOST has been set to static.

The IP address will now be set to 192.168.2.10. A new IP address can be assigned in the AC-HOST’s System Manager interface.

These steps can also be used to revert an AC-HOST with a static IP address back to using DHCP. After performing Step 4, the LED will flash magenta to show that the change has been applied.

Accessing the System Manager

On a computer connected to the same network as the AC-HOST, open a web browser and navigate to https://ipaddress:11002. A security page may appear, with the appearance depending on the browser used. Follow the prompts to dismiss the security alert and to proceed to the page.

A login screen will appear. The default username is ac and the password is acaccess. Click  to continue.

AIPHONE-AC-HOST-AC-Series-Embedded-Server-fig-2

This will open up a home screen that provides options to restart or shut down features of the AC-HOST, as well as the device itself. It is a good idea to change the password from the default at this time. Enter the acaccess password, then enter in the new on on the New Password and Confirm Password lines. Record the password in a known location, then click .

AIPHONE-AC-HOST-AC-Series-Embedded-Server-fig-4

The default username and password are only used to access the System manager for the AC-HOST. They are unrelated to the AC Nio installation on the device or its credentials.

Setting the Time

Navigate to the Settings tab on the top of the page. The time can be set manually, or if the network has external internet access, automatic time can be selected. Also set a Time Zone. Click .

AIPHONE-AC-HOST-AC-Series-Embedded-Server-fig-6

Backing Up the Database

The AC-HOST can automatically back up its database on a schedule, or manually. This database contains the details of the local AC Nio installation. Connect a USB Drive to one of the USB ports on the AC-HOST, which will store the database going forward.

  • Click Backup at the top of the page. This will present options for what settings to save, as well as setting a backup location. There is also an option to set up an automatic schedule for backups.
  • Click Save to update the backup settings, or click Save and Run Now to update the backup settings and perform a backup at the same time.

AIPHONE-AC-HOST-AC-Series-Embedded-Server-fig-10

Restoring the Database

Once backups have been created, they can be used to restore a previous version of the AC Nio install.

AC Nio will not be accessible during a restore, but panels, doors, and elevators will continue working.

Navigate to Restore at the top of the page. If local backups exist, they will be listed under Local Database Restore. Select a file and click .

AIPHONE-AC-HOST-AC-Series-Embedded-Server-fig-12

The AC-HOST can also be restored from backups located on the PC being used to access to its web interface, or from elsewhere on the local network. Enter the System Manager password created before. Click to locate the database, then click .

AIPHONE-AC-HOST-AC-Series-Embedded-Server-fig-15

Clearing AC Nio Settings

Navigate to Settings, then click . The light on the AC-HOST will turn red, and then shut off. The device will be inaccessible through the web interface until the process is complete, which will be indicated by the LED returning to a solid green.
This will remove the local AC Nio install, but not the local administrator, time, and other AC-HOST specific settings. This will not remove externally stored AC Nio backups, which can be used to recover the system to a working state.

Resetting to Factory Default

This is performed on the AC-HOST hardware itself. Hold down on the reset button next to the green LED. The light will turn off for a few seconds before turning blue. Continue holding down reset button until the light shifts to a lighter shade of blue. Continue to hold the button until the light turns magenta, then release. The magenta LED will blink for several seconds. When the process is complete, the light will shift back to the original green.

For more details about the features and information above, please contact Technical Support. Aiphone Corporation | www.aiphone.com | 800-692-0200

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