The WebLink device is part of a Lighting Control system, and enables PCs to communicate with the Lighting Control network of panels over the building’s Ethernet network. Further, it is an internet (IP) enabled appliance that provides web browser access to various Lighting Control system functions. Unlike single port IP or modem solutions, the WebLink provides network access over LAN or WAN for multiple users without custom dataline or serial port connections. It provides a robust platform for integration without compromising the Lighting Control system’s unique feature set.

The WebLink communicates over the network using standard TCP/IP protocols, and can utilize the open XML file format for data exchange, particularly with the WinControl (Windows based) client software. WinControl utilizes port 3001 to communicate to the WebLink, WebBrowser access utilizes port 80..

The WebLink can allow multiple client PCs running the WinControl Lighting Control software to connect to the system at the same time, meaning multiple locations can monitor and control the lighting system simultaneously.

Whenever information is transferred from the WinControl Lighting Software package to the Lighting System, the WebLink synchronizes its database with the PC’s automatically.

The WebLink is addressed using either an internet IP address in "4 dot" format (192.168.1.100), or using a DNS name reference such as weblink1. DNS name referencing requires the support of the IT support team at the facility where the WebLink is installed. A DNS name reference simply maps a name to an IP address on the network. Ideally, a static IP address will be assigned by the IT staff for the WebLink, and a DNS entry will be created for ease of access. See Chapter 11, Initial Setup for more details on setting the IP address.

Watt Stopper Catalog number: WL-BASE

See the section called “Accessing WebLink from a Web Browser”for more information on browser access to WebLink

The WebLink ships with an Ethernet connection port, and has ON/OFF and RESET switches easily reachable in the front. A pair of LEDs on the front of the device provides info on the WebLink’s power.

OPTIONAL: The WebLink offers an optional remote-maintenance modem (WebLink-Remote Modem Access) for telephone access to the system over any standard analog phone line.

Watt Stopper Catalog number: WL-OPTMODEM

In order for the WebLink to plug-and-play with the Lighting Control system right out of the box, the following IT requirements must be in place during startup: