Tag: remote control

The Versatile Two-Outlet Remote Power Switch: Beyond Standard Control Methods

Aside from its standard methods of control (using the web GUI and Cloud4UIS) the two outlet Remote Power Switch (UIS-522B, UIS523*, and UIS-622B) also offers a more advanced option for experienced users. The IP switch has built-in HTTP script commands that can be used in a wide variety of scenarios for manually or automatically controlling the unit.

These script commands can be used for simply sending a command by HTTP URL over your network, but that is not their main draw. Programmers will be able to use them in combination with other applications to automate the Switch to its fullest potential. The possibilities are vast, so let’s take a look at just a few.

  • Office Equipment Management: In an office setting, the Remote Power Switch can be employed to control and schedule the power supply to various electronic devices. For example, you can set up a script command to turn off all non-essential equipment, such as printers, scanners, and monitors, during non-business hours. This not only saves power but also reduces the risk of electrical hazards.
  • Server Room Temperature Control: Data centers and server rooms require precise temperature management to prevent equipment overheating. With the Remote Power Switch, you can integrate temperature sensors and programmatically control cooling devices, such as fans or air conditioners. The script commands can trigger cooling measures when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, ensuring optimal performance and device longevity.
  • Home Entertainment Center: Managing multiple entertainment devices in a home theater setup can be cumbersome. The Remote Power Switch simplifies this by allowing you to create custom scripts to control the power supply to different components. For example, a single script command can turn on the projector, AV receiver, and speakers simultaneously, creating a seamless movie-watching experience.
  • Energy-efficient Lighting: The Remote Power Switch can be integrated into smart lighting solutions to control and schedule the operation of lights in homes or commercial spaces. By automating the lights to turn off when a room is unoccupied or dimming them during specific hours, you can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
  • IoT Device Management: With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), there is an increasing number of connected devices in homes and businesses. The Remote Power Switch can act as a central hub to manage and automate various IoT devices. For example, you can create script commands to turn on smart plugs, adjust thermostat settings, or even water your plants using IoT-enabled devices.

If the concept of writing scripts is overwhelming for you, I’ll attempt to break it down step-by-step. Let’s start with simply formulating an HTTP URL command to reset Outlet 1 on our switch here at the 5Gstore warehouse. I have set up the switch locally at the IP address 192.168.1.14. The following command will allow me to manually reset my router which is plugged into outlet one on the switch:

http://192.168.1.14/control.cgi?user=admin&passwd=ipswitch&target=1&control=3

Let’s take a closer look at each segment of the command to understand exactly what information is being sent.

http://192.168.1.14

This is the local address of my IP switch. Starting with this address directs where to send the command. On your network, your switch will most likely be at a different address, so be sure to check this using either Cloud4UIS, the Utility software or by accessing your router’s client list.

/control.cgi?user=admin&passwd=ipswitch

This segment uses a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) that allows us to establish control over the switch. The user=____ and passwd=_____ will be unique to your personal login information when accessing the Web GUI of your switch. It is important to make sure these are entered correctly. The username and password can be changed by accessing the Web GUI and clicking on the “Account” tab.

&target=1&control=3

Here we are identifying which outlet we are controlling, and what we wish to do with that outlet. In our scenario, we have selected target=1, from a list of 4 options.

  •  0: UIS*
  •  1: outlet 1
  •  2: outlet 2,
  •  3: All outlets

*UIS is a feature that allows the switch to automatically reset when an internet connection is lost.

Control=3 tells the outlet to simply reset. However, there are 4 total commands that can be used by implementing the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3.

  • 0: Off
  • 1: On
  • 2: Toggle Power (i.e. from On → Off, or from Off → On)
  • 3: Reset (Outlet only)

So again, in our example – http://192.168.1.14/control.cgi?user=admin&passwd=ipswitch&target=1&control=3 – the outcome would be that Outlet 1 is reset. 

Although it is the case in our scenario, the script commands do not require the user to be on the same local network as the Switch. By configuring port forwarding through your router, you can use these same commands remotely by adding the proper port to the IP address section.

Think back to how your IP switch is being used, and try to put together a HTTP command that would do what you are looking for in your application. If you have questions, simply run them by the 5Gstore team!

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Reducing Truck Rolls with the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch

In the world of network infrastructure management, truck rolls have long been a necessary but costly and complex part of the process. These onsite visits by technicians can quickly become expensive, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. However, with the advent of innovative technologies like the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch, the game is changing. This blog post explores the significant benefits of the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch in reducing and eliminating truck rolls through its advanced remote monitoring and control capabilities.

The Cost of Truck Rolls

Truck rolls refer to the dispatching of technicians to physically troubleshoot, maintain, or repair network equipment on-site. These visits often involve substantial expenses such as travel costs, labor fees, equipment replacement, and, most importantly, valuable time. Moreover, complex network issues can sometimes necessitate multiple truck rolls, further escalating the expenditure and delay in problem resolution. Also consider hard to reach locations, such as those only accessible by helicopter. These visits can often cost thousands of dollars. 

The Complexity of Truck Rolls

Truck rolls are often required due to the need for manual intervention, such as power cycling equipment to resolve issues remotely. These interventions are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when dealing with geographically dispersed equipment. Coordinating schedules, dispatching technicians, and ensuring their availability all add to the complexity and delay in problem resolution.

Introducing the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch

The 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch offers a game-changing solution to reduce the cost and complexity of truck rolls. This innovative device allows network administrators and technicians to remotely monitor and control power outlets and connected devices in real-time. By integrating this switch into network infrastructure, organizations can eliminate the need for physical intervention in many situations, saving both time and money.

Remote Monitoring and Control Capabilities

The Remote Power IP Switch empowers network administrators with an intuitive web interface that provides real-time status updates on connected devices, as well as a mobile application you can use to remotely monitor and control the device from anywhere. By remotely monitoring this information, administrators can identify potential issues before they escalate into costly network failures.

One of the key features of the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch is its ability to control power outlets remotely. This means administrators can power cycle devices, initiate reboots, or perform maintenance tasks without the need for an on-site visit. This feature alone eliminates a significant number of truck rolls that were previously required solely for power cycling purposes.

Benefits of the 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch

  • Cost Reduction: By minimizing or eliminating truck rolls, organizations can significantly reduce travel expenses, labor costs, and equipment replacement costs. The Remote Power IP Switch allows administrators to resolve issues remotely, improving operational efficiency and saving valuable resources. Just check out our savings calculator to see how much you can save (example shown below).
  • Time Savings: With remote monitoring and control capabilities, administrators can quickly diagnose and troubleshoot network issues without the delay associated with scheduling and dispatching technicians. This enables faster problem resolution, reducing network downtime and improving customer satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Flexibility: The Remote Power IP Switch provides administrators with unparalleled flexibility in managing network infrastructure. Whether it’s managing equipment in remote locations or responding to urgent issues outside regular business hours, the switch ensures administrators have control at their fingertips, eliminating unnecessary delays.

The 5Gstore Remote Power IP Switch is a powerful tool that revolutionizes network infrastructure management by reducing the cost and complexity associated with truck rolls. By enabling remote monitoring and control of power outlets and connected devices, organizations can save substantial amounts of time and money. 

The switch’s ability to eliminate the need for physical intervention in many cases streamlines operations, enhances flexibility, and improves overall network reliability. Embracing such innovative technologies is a forward-thinking approach that brings numerous benefits to businesses. This can enable them to operate more efficiently in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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