videogeniX uSwitch, Installation And Operating Manual

Page: 28 / 43

uSwitch and uSwitchPro Installation and Operating Manual Page 28
External Heartbeat
This checkbox enables the watchdog to work in network CloakMode™. In this mode the uSwitch watchdog works from an
external message embedded in a TCP string sent to the uSwitch from a remotely networked device (its heartbeat). If a
uSwitch fails to receive the cloaked message based on the parameters specified than a reboot occurs. If not checked the
uSwitch will do all its watchdog testing based on the IP addresses or URLs specified in the URLs to ping field.
Note, for a
uSwitch to be placed in watchdog the Ping Auto Reboot checkbox on the Relay Configuration Page must be
checked
.
URLs to Ping
(any Relay)
These three (3) fields contain the IP addresses, or URLs of remote or local devices or servers that uSwitch will ping to test
for communication or device problems. These may include the static IP address or remote IP of devices that will be
tested (router, computer, Kiosk, network camera, or a device on the opposite side of a communications link). This is ideal
for restarting communications devices such as CSU/DSUs/RTUs, cameras, satellite modems, routers, re-closures, power
meters etc., after they have locked up.
Verify all URLs
The Verify all URLs checkbox specifies whether response from pings to all URLs (specified in URLs to Ping) is required to
determine an operational failure, or if a failure from any single URL is an operational failure.
Max Ping Failures
If no ping responses are received for Max Ping (consecutive) failures than the selected relay will be cycled (forcing a
power cycle on any connected device). A ping failure occurs if any single device fails to respond if Verify all URLs is
checked, or when no devices respond if Verify all URLs is not checked.
Max Reboot Attempts
After “Max Reboot Attempts” without a successful communication the uSwitch™ exits “Auto Reboot” normal mode and
enters ”Fault mode”. (During “Fault mode” the uSwitch™ stops cycling the relay to the attached device for the specified
Fault Mode Time. The Fault Mode cycle prevents continuous power cycling on a device after detecting that a normal
power cycle is not working to bring the device(s) back online.
Mode Start Delay
When uSwitch is first powered on, or after a reboot occurs, the uSwitch will wait “Start Delay” time before restarting a new
watchdog testing cycle. This start delay gives a newly restarted device normal setup time to fully establish its connections
to external devices before resuming watchdog testing. The recommended minimum and factory default for this field is five
(5) minutes. (Certain devices such as cellular modems will not work if not given time to re-establish connections with the
ISP and WAN. This can take up to ten minutes).
Time Between Pings
This is the frequency (in seconds) between consecutive device ping attempts to the same URL. This field prevents ping
flooding the network and allows the watchdog algorithm to successfully work in situations where the network or its
connections are imperfect. (The recommended minimum time between Pings is ninety (90) seconds).
Relay Cycle Time
This is the time period that the uSwitch switches the relay off before switching it back on (giving a device time to have a
clean power shutdown and re-power). (The recommended minimum Relay Cycle Time is five (5) seconds)
Period before Retry on Fault
This is the time that uSwitch will remain in “Device Fault Mode” before returning to “Auto Reboot Mode” to re-attempt
device startup after the specified Max Reboot Attempt consecutive failures have occurred. This feature prevents the
continuous cycling of power on a device that may not have a power cycle curable communication failure. The
recommended minimum Period before Retry on Fault is four (4) hours.