Aiphone CommuniCenter Operations Manual

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12.3  Adaptor Configuration via the browser
o The adaptor settings can also be configured using a web browser.  Open the browser and enter the IP address of 
the adaptor, or right-click launch in browser from within CommuniCenter.  Enter the password (if set) and leave the 
User Name blank.  In addition to the settings accessible from the CommuniCenter program, the web browser has 
expanded options under Network and Security.  
General Settings
o ID#: Sets the unique ID for the identification of the IPW-1A for the purpose of Group Call and All Call (1 to 2048; 
default = 0).
o Location Name: Sets the descriptive name for the IPW-1A. A name should be chosen which is both unique and 
applicable to the installed location / application. 
o Show Offline: Determines whether the IPW-1A should remain in the CommuniCenter intercom list, even if it 
becomes disconnected or unreachable.
Network (Interface) Settings
o IP Address: Used to configure the IP address settings for the IPW-1A. For automatic IP assignment, the following 
settings are utilized: IP Discovery Enabled: (0.0.0.0) -- Factory Default; all protocols enabled.Disable AutoIP: (0.0.1.0)Disable BOOTP: (0.0.2.0)Disable DHCP: (0.0.4.0)Disable IPZator: (0.0.8.0) 
      Note: These settings can be used together as a binary bitmask to enable / disable any specific combination of      
      discovery protocols.
o Subnet mask: Used to assign a Subnet mask when a Static IP is assigned (default = 0.0.0.0, when automatic IP 
discovery is used). 
o Gateway: Sets the default Gateway IP address when a Static IP is assigned (default = 0.0.0.0, when automatic IP 
discovery is used).
o UDP Protocol Port: Assigns the UDP port to be utilized for communication with the PC master station 
      (default = 1724). 
o Enable SonicIP: If set to Yes, the IPW-1A will verbally announce its IP address over the attached substation 
whenever initialized (default = Yes).
Note: If the ID# is left unconfigured, Group Call 
and All Call will not function properly.
Note: A gateway setting is only necessary when 
connecting directly to a PC master station 
outside of the LAN (utilizing direct-mode; see 
Appendix A)
Note: See Page 23 A.2 for configuration 
instructions for Direct Master Connection. 
						

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Audio Settings
o Audio Quality: Sets the audio quality level for the IPW-1A to either Normal (default) or Low Bandwidth. 
o Speaker Level: Sets the IPW-1As output level, on a scale of 0 to 20 (default = 10). If the output level at the substation is 
too low (or high), increase (or decrease) this setting accordingly.
o Mic Sensitivity: Determines the sensitivity of the IPW-1As substation input, on a scale of 1 to 16 (default = 7). If the 
microphone sensitivity is too low (or high), increase (or decrease) this setting accordingly..
o Pretone: Determines whether an audible pretone will precede two-way communication with the substation (default = Off).
Relay Settings
o Relay Function: Determines the function of the IPW-1A relay output from the following setting options: 
o Door Release: Relay will be triggered for the programmed duration by the Master station pressing the Key button (Factory 
Default).
o Release on Incoming Audio: When audio is being directly transmitted to the IPW-1A, the relay output will be active 
(excludes Broadcast audio).
o Release on Connection: Relay output will be active during any direct audio connection from a Master station (excludes 
Broadcast audio).
o Release on Calling: Relay output will be active from the moment the call button is pressed until the Master station 
answers.
o Release Duration: Sets the duration for the door release function (1 to 600 sec.; default = 1 sec.).
Security Settings
o Reset Function: Enables or disables the functionality of the IPW-1As Reset button (Default = Enabled). 
o Factory Defaults: Allows (or disallows) the IPW-1A to be reset to Factory Default settings (Default = Enabled).
o Update Function: Controls the ability to enter the Bootloader mode of the IPW-1A, for the purpose of updating the 
firmware (Default = Enabled). 
o Set Password: Assigns a password to prevent unauthorized access to the IPW-1A web interface, as well as 
changing any settings of the IPW-1A from the Master interface (Default is NO PASSWORD).
o Old Password/New Password: When a password is already assigned, these fields are used to change the IPW-1A 
password.
Note: The Old Password field must match the currently assigned password for the New Password to be applied. 
These fields are not visible if a password has not yet been assigned.
Note:  The Audio Quality setting must match the 
Audio Quality setting of every Master which will 
communicate with the IPW-1A, otherwise Audio 
will not work properly.
Note:  The pretone setting has no effect on 
Group-Call or All-Call type communication (which 
are always preceded by an audible pretone).
Note: The master station Key button will only 
be functional if Door Release is selected.
Note: The Door Release Duration field is only 
visible if the Relay Function is configured for ‘Door 
Release’.
Note: If Factory Defaults is Disabled and the IPW-
1A becomes inoperable due to misconfiguration, 
the only way to revert the device to Factory Default 
settings will be via a direct physical connection to 
the IPW-1As RS-232 serial port. 
Note: The Set Password field is only visible if a 
password has not yet been assigned. 
12.3 Adaptor Configuration via the browser (continued) 
						

							Appendix A.  Understanding Broadcast Mode and Direct Mode Connection
A.1  Broadcast Mode (the default mode)
o Broadcast Mode allows multiple master PC‟s running CommuniCenter and by default every master can 
communicate to any substation. Broadcast Mode is named for its method of communication, UDP broadcasts.  An 
example single Local Area Network involving a switch and a DHCP server should not require any changes to the 
default configuration of the IPW-1A adaptor.  When the adaptor powers on it seeks an IP address and when it gets 
one, it will begin broadcasting using UDP (default port 1724) to the entire broadcast domain.
o A broadcast domain is typically every device sharing a common hub or switch but nothing beyond a router or 
gateway.  If the network involves a Wide Area Network (more than 1 router) one option is to use a bridged Virtual 
Private Network so that broadcasts are repeated between networks.  IT professionals may be able to provide 
additional methods.
A.2  Direct Mode
o Configuring the IPW-1A in Direct Mode allows the system to function when traversing multiple networks.  Direct 
Mode allows an intercom to communicate over a WAN or over networks not bridged without additional VPN 
equipment.  When working in Direct Mode, the intercom will only be able to work with a single designated PC.  Over 
a WAN, you must set each router to allow UDP traffic on (default) port 1724, and then forward traffic to the 
appropriate destination PC running CommuniCenter.  
o Other CommuniCenter PC‟s in the either LAN will not communicate with any intercoms set up in direct mode.  If 
multiple PC‟s are required to communicate with a intercom over a WAN, then you will need to set up a VPN or other 
bridged connection between the networks and use the default Broadcast Mode.
A.3 What does the network administrator need to know?
o For Broadcast Mode: The adaptors and the computers running CommuniCenter must be in the same broadcast 
domain.  Use this mode for full functionality, including multiple master PC’s.
o For Direct Mode: The gateways and firewalls connecting the adaptor(s) and the computer running CommuniCenter 
must have a port open (UDP 1724 by default) and if necessary, forwarding rules in place.  Use this mode if 
extending the broadcast domain is not an option.
o Transport Bandwidth:
≈128Kbps per active session (normal mode)
≈64Kbps per active session (low bandwidth mode)
A.4 What functions are available in each mode? 
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FeatureDescriptionBroadcastDirect
o Multiple PC‟sMultiple master PC‟s communicating to each substationYesNo, single master only
o Call in Call in from the substation or to the substationYesYes
o Monitor Listen to the substationYesYes
o Talk Speak (and listen) to the substationYesYes
o Relay Relay functions, door release or release on 
calling, connecting or incoming audioYesYes
o All CallSpeak one-way to all substations at the same timeYesNo
o Group CallSpeak one-way to selected substationsYesNo
o MessagesPlay .wav file to selected substationsYesOne station at a time 
						

							B.1 Bandwidth settings
o The adaptor can report an Error state in the event that an intercom and the software have mismatched Bandwidth 
settings.  Check the settings for the adaptor and the CommuniCenter program and make sure they match.  See the 
picture below.
Aiphone Communication Systems
1700 130th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA  98005
(425) 455-0510
FAX (425) 455-0071
TOLL FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT: (800) 692-0200
E-MAIL: [email protected]
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CommuniCenter
0211Tech
o Some routers and gateways are configured for what is commonly called „Broadcast storm protection‟ which has a 
limit for bandwidth of a broadcast from any source.  The primary benefit of such a feature is to prevent a Denial of 
Service attack on the network.  Once the limit is exceeded, the router will stop the broadcast.  This might occur 
during an All Call or Group Call event.  If you suspect a limit is shutting down the All Call or Group Call, set the 
bandwidth for the IPW-1A and the CommuniCenter software to the Low setting and verify that each IPW-1A has its 
own unique ID # and try All Call or Group Call again.  If the broadcast is still getting blocked, find out what is 
blocking it using a packet analyzer tool.