We have summarized some of our customers' questions for you here. Maybe your question is also included?
What are the advantages of the sR Bridge?
The sR Bridge decouples remote service from the individual machine and thus offers several advantages:
Easier and faster software updates
Remote connection up-to-date at all times
Increased security through modern security features:
Seamless logging
optional two-factor authentication
Clear indication of an active remote connection
What is the "sR Starter Troubleshoot" feature?
The Troubleshoot function tests various functionalities and shows where a problem exists. The Help window displays hints.
sR Bridge has no IP. How can I access it then?
If your DHCP server is deactivated (and you do not want to activate it temporarily for the initial startup), it is possible to access the sR Bridge via LAN2. LAN2 has the IP 192.2.2.179. This cannot be changed. If you connect the LAN2 to the network and temporarily give a machine an IP in the 192.2.2.xxx range, you can use it to access the interface and make the necessary network settings. After the sR Bridge is configured, reconnect the sR Bridge to LAN1 and remove the IP setting on the machine.
Why do I need a Network Time Protocol (NTP) time server?
The accessibility of an NTP server is necessary for the establishment of encrypted network connections, as the exact time synchronization between the devices and servers involved is crucial for the correct functioning of the encryption and for the security of the connection.
Encrypted network connections, such as SSL/TLS or VPN connections, use certificates and keys to protect communications. These certificates and keys contain validity periods that determine how long the encryption is valid for. To ensure that the certificates and keys are working correctly and are valid, the devices involved need to know the exact time.
A Network Time Protocol (NTP) server provides the exact time for the devices involved and synchronizes them with each other. This ensures that all devices and servers use the same amount of time, which is essential for the encryption to work correctly and for the security of the connection.
Without accurate time synchronization, certificates and keys could expire, leading to security risks and connectivity issues. Therefore, the accessibility of an NTP server is crucial for establishing encrypted network connections.
Do machines running Windows that cannot use Premium Starter also need to receive software updates?
Yes. Regardless of which version of Windows is used, all machines must be provided with the latest software updates.
Do Linux machines always have to use an external button or the internal button to start the remote service?
Yes. For Linux machines, the remote service must always be started and stopped via a button (external or internal).
For machines from the powerTouch era, is the start button for remote service the same after the update?
Yes. The start button remains in the same position in the menu. It will only be renamed to show the new function more clearly.
Where should the sR Bridge be physically installed?
We recommend installing the sR Bridge at a central point in the network, for example in the server room.
It is important that the sR Bridge has LAN access to the network in which the HOMAG machines are located.
Installation in the control cabinet of a machine is not recommended.
Why does the sR Bridge only use one LAN port?
The sR Bridge is a network participant and not a router. Therefore, only a LAN connection is required.
How many sR Bridges are needed?
An sR Bridge is required for every network in which HOMAG machines are located.
Can the sR Bridge also be used for machines from third-party suppliers?
No. The sR Bridge was specially developed for HOMAG machines and can only be used with them.
Does 2-factor authentication have to be used?
No. Two-factor authentication is optional and can be enabled if needed.
Who updates the software on the sR Bridge?
The sR Bridge updates automatically as soon as it is turned on and there is an active internet connection.
Does the sR Bridge require a permanent power supply and internet connection?
It is recommended that the bridge has a permanent power supply and an internet connection, as this means that new updates can always be installed. If the bridge is only connected when a remote service is necessary, the bridge may have to pull and install all updates before a remote service can take place.
How is active remote diagnostics displayed?
For machines with Premium Starter, a green border will appear around the screen of the machines that are currently online.
Are all machines online when remote diagnostics start?
When remote diagnostics start, all machines in a machine group are online and can be looked after by HOMAG Service.
Will the remote connection be automatically terminated when the remote diagnostics are complete?
Remote diagnostics can be terminated manually at any time by both HOMAG Service and the customer.
If it is not actively terminated, the connection closes automatically after a defined time.
The default is 6 hours, but this value can be customized.
Is the connection also disconnected if you are still actively working remotely?
Yes. As soon as the set time is reached, the remote connection is automatically terminated – even if the machine is still actively working.
Can alternative remote service connections be used?
No. Only the remote service via an sR Bridge may be used.
Is every new machine automatically delivered with an sR Bridge?
No. Since not every machine requires a separate sR Bridge, it is not delivered as standard with every new machine.
Can the sR Bridge be purchased together with a new machine?
Yes, the sR Bridge can be ordered directly with the purchase of a new machine.
Where can I get the OSU token for downloading software updates?
If processed via a service contract, the OSU token is included in the hardware offering of the sR Bridge. Or the package with which the sR Bridge was sent contains a token.
Are all machines (machine groups) online when the sR Bridge is started via the button?
No. In this case, only machine group 1 is online.
Machines that must be started via a button should therefore always be assigned to machine group 1.
Can the existing router structure be retained in plants?
Yes. Existing router structures with Internet and NAT routers can still be used.
I can't reach the sR bridge via the hostname. Why is that?
If the sR Bridge is located in a different network segment, it may no longer be possible to reach it via the host name, but only via the IP address, depending on the network architecture.
In this case, name resolution will no longer work.
Example:
If the sR Bridge is connected to the NAT1 network, it can only be reached from the NAT2 network via its IP address.
I have to re-pair the sR Bridge regularly. What can be the reason for this?
If the sR Bridge does not have a fixed IP address assigned to it, it may display a different IP address after a reboot.
IP address. In this case, re-pairing with the machines is required.
Recommendation: The IT administrator should either assign a fixed IP address to the sR Bridge or assign a preferred IP address
Reserve an IP address from a free address range.
This reliably avoids re-pairing.
Can the external button be removed?
The external button may be removed when it is no longer needed. If all machines are connected and paired via the new sR starter and the external button is no longer in use, it can be disconnected.
Important note: The work may only be carried out by electrically instructed persons.
Procedure for disconnecting the button:
1. Unplug the power supply of the sR Bridge
2. Disconnect plugs X13 and X1 from the device
3. Remove the brown wire from the X1 connector from the + terminal
4. Plug X1 back into the sR Bridge
5. Reconnect the power supply
How do I configure the network card of the sR Bridge when connected to a HOMAG router network?
If the sR Bridge is integrated into a HOMAG router network, the following network settings for LAN1 must be used.
The sR Bridge is connected to a free LAN port of the Internet router or a NAT router.
Network settings
IP address: 172.30.30.171 or 172.30.30.172
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 172.30.30.100
DNS: 172.30.30.100
I paired a machine, but the pairing process starts again. Why?
When the first machine is paired, the sR Bridge logs on to the HOMAG server and receives its initial configuration. In the course of this, it may happen that the machine has to be paired again afterwards. In rare cases, a restart of the sR Bridge is also required. This behavior is normal and not an error.