Installing Cloud Connectors

This guide shows how to install a Cloud Connector so that it can forward the data from your sensors to the cloud. For larger installations, please plan before starting.

Installation video

Installation steps

The installation requires neither configuration nor pairing and takes only minutes through the following steps:

  1. Find the optimal location
  2. Mount the Cloud Connector
  3. Connect to power
  4. Connect to Ethernet (optional)
  5. Verify that the Cloud Connector is online

When the Cloud Connector is online, nearby sensors will automatically send encrypted data to your account in the cloud. See below for detailed installation guidance, and refer to troubleshooting if the device is not coming online or has a weak connection.

What you need

A Cloud Connector together with the parts included in the box. It is helpful to have Studio available on a mobile phone during the installation for easy identification and naming.
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Find the optimal location

An optimal Cloud Connector placement ensures a stable connection to sensors and sometimes reduces the need for additional Cloud Connectors.

Placement in the middle of the installation area gives good coverage, while a corner placement limits sensor coverage. Install the Cloud Connector avoiding blockages, typically high on the wall or ceiling. 

A Cloud Connector will cover sensors within 25 m (80 ft) in a typical office environment. The range increases by using range extenders or installing them in open spaces. However, it can decrease in locations with thick walls, metal constructions, or other elements that limit radio waves from traveling freely.

  • Place in a non-condensing environment, 0 to 45 °C (32 to 113 °F), and a 10-90% RH
  • Do not place inside metal cabinets as it will negatively affect range and coverage
  • Do not place outside unless inside a suitable protective casing
  • Ensure that the Cloud Connector either has a cellular connection at the selected location or that Ethernet infrastructure is in place

ccon_placement.pngIf a power socket is not available near the optimal location, an Ethernet cable, up to 100 meters (328 feet) long, can be used to provide power flexibly.

Mount the Cloud Connector

Stick the mounting bracket to the surface where you want to mount the Cloud Connector.

Fasten the mounting bracket with screws [1] and place the Cloud Connector in the mounting bracket until you hear a "click" [2] that confirms a successful mounting.

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For temporary installations, the tape on the mounting bracket is suitable as an alternative to screws. Make sure to fasten the tape on a flat, dry and clean surface to avoid the tape loosening from the surface.

Instead of using screws or tape, you can also fasten the mounting bracket robustly using cable strips.

Connect to power

The Cloud Connector can receive power from an electrical outlet using the included PoE-injector or directly from a PoE device like a switch.

Power from an electrical outlet

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  1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Cloud Connector
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Data + Power or Out port on the PoE-injector
  3. Plug the PoE-injector into the electrical outlet using the included plug adapter

Power from a PoE device

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  1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Cloud Connector
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the PoE port
 

If no lights are on the display when plugged into the power source, go troubleshoot.

Connect to Ethernet (optional)

Plug the Ethernet cable into the data IN port of the PoE-injector or directly to a PoE device with an Internet connection.

The Cloud Connector will automatically switch over to using Ethernet instead of cellular.

When connecting the Cloud Connector to the local network via Ethernet, the network security configuration must allow the Cloud Connector to access required network ports and resources.

Firewall configuration for Cloud Connectors

Verify that the Cloud Connector is online

If a white cloud appears on the Cloud Connector display, it successfully connects to the Cloud. If the cloud is blinking, it is still trying to connect.

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If a red cloud appears on the Cloud Connector, go to troubleshooting.

Common questions

Q: What do the symbols on the Cloud Connector mean?

The Cloud Connector has a front displaying different symbols based on its current state, as explained below.

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  A red cloud means that the DT Cloud cannot be reached, usually due to a network or cellular problem. See troubleshooting for tips on getting the device online.

A stable white cloud means the device is online and communicating with the DT Cloud.

  A blinking cloud means that the device is attempting to connect

 The dots represent the cellular signal strength. No visible dots indicate a weak signal strength below 20%.

  The Cloud Connector is starting up. It has a different meaning when the Activity Monitor is active.

  Connected through Ethernet

  Connected through the cellular network

Q: Does the Cloud Connector need to be in the same project as the sensors sending data?

No, the Cloud Connector will forward data for all nearby sensors, independent of the projects.

Q: How do I know which Cloud Connector I am installing?

A Cloud Connector can be identified by touch, reading the ID on the back, or scanning the QR code. For more details, go to How to identify a device.