ADDER AdderLink Infinity Manager User manual

AdderLink Infinity Manager
User Guide
s
AIM

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1
Contents
Introduction
AIM basics ....................................................................................3
Supplied items .............................................................................5
Installation
Connections .................................................................................6
Network connections..............................................................6
Power supply connection .......................................................6
Front panel indicators .................................................................7
Installation requirements............................................................7
Swapping out an AIM server ......................................................8
Configuration
Supported browsers ....................................................................9
Login for admin users..................................................................9
Adding AdderLink Infinity units ..............................................10
If an ALIF unit is not located ................................................10
AdderLink Infinity manual factory reset .............................10
Basic steps for a new configuration .........................................11
The Dashboard tab....................................................................12
The Channels tab.......................................................................18
The Receivers tab.......................................................................21
The Transmitters tab .................................................................23
The Users tab .............................................................................25
The Presets tab...........................................................................29
Operation
Logging in..................................................................................31
Meanings of icons.................................................................31
Further information
Getting assistance......................................................................32
Appendix A - Tips for success when networking ALIF units ..33
Appendix B - Troubleshooting..................................................35
Appendix C - Glossary................................................................37
Appendix D - AIM API ...............................................................40
Warranty ....................................................................................48
Safety information ....................................................................48
Radio Frequency Energy............................................................49
Index

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2
ALIF RX
ALIF RX
ALIF RX
ALIF TX
ALIF TX
ALIF TX
Gigabit
Ethernet
10/100
link
www.adder.com
AdderLink
ADM
ADM
USR
USR
UNC
UNC
ETH1
ETH1
ETH2
ETH2
PWR
PWR
MANAGEMENT SERVER
Introduction
AdderLink Infinity transmitter and receiver units allow multiple remote users
to access host computers in a very flexible manner. Such flexibility requires
management and coordination – that is where AIM (AdderLink Infinity Manager)
becomes vital.
AIM is designed to promote the most efficient use of AdderLink Infinity (ALIF)
units by allowing central control over any number of transmitters and receivers.
Using the intuitive AIM web-based interface, one or more administrators can
manage potentially thousands of users who are interacting with an almost
unlimited number of devices.
AdderLink Infinity Management operates from a self-contained compact server
unit that can be situated anywhere within your network:
www.adder.com
AdderLink
ADM
ADM
USR
USR
UNC
UNC
ETH1
ETH1
ETH2
ETH2
PWR
PWR
MANAGEMENT SERVER
INDOOR USE ONLY
12V
5A
COM 2
COM 1
COM 3
2
1
The AIM server is supplied pre-loaded and is straightforward to deploy, requiring
only a network connection and a power input to begin operation.
All configuration of your AdderLink Infinity transmitters (channels), receivers
and users are performed using the intuitive AIM browser interface via a network
connected computer.
The AIM server front panel with status indicators
The AIM server rear panel. In normal use only the network and power
connectors are used.
The AIM server connects to your network and provides administrative
control over the various AdderLink Infinity transmitters, receivers and their users.
Note: Although the AdderLink Infinity units require Gigabit Ethernet connections, in its
administrative role, the AIM server requires only a 10/100Mbps connection
to the network.
Please see the section Basic steps for a new configuration for assistance
with creating AIM installations.

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3
AIM basics
Channels
Think of a channel as a ‘virtual transmitter’. It is virtual because the video,
audio and USB streams of a channel do not necessarily have to originate
from the same physical transmitter unit, although in most cases they will. For
instance, you could arrange for video and USB streams to be received from
one host computer, while the audio stream came from an alternative source.
Alternatively, two channels could be configured for the same host computer,
each with different access rights to suit particular situations.
Groups
In order to accommodate potentially large numbers of users and devices, AIM
uses a system of groups: User Groups, Receiver Groups and Channel Groups.
Groups allow the administrator to apply collective settings to all members and
also to take full advantage of Inheritance. Inheritance allows members of a
group to benefit from settings and permissions made within other groups to
which their group is linked. This saves administration time because members do
not need to be individually altered. For instance, if Sam is in User Group 1, all
Channels accessible to User Group 1 will be available to Sam.
User types
This guide refers to the two main categories of users involved with the AIM
system:
• AnAdmin (administrator) user accesses the AIM system via a network-
linked computer running an Internet browser. Once the necessary username
and password have been entered, Admin users can make changes to the
operation of the AIM system.
• ARegular user has a keyboard, video monitor and mouse (plus speakers
where appropriate) attached to an AdderLink Infinity receiver unit and
can access one or more computers that are linked to AdderLink Infinity
transmitters. The AdderLink Infinity receiver provides an On-Screen Display
(OSD) that lists all accessible computers and allows easy access to them.
User
AIM
Receiver Channel
Access
denied by
default
Access
permitted
by default
Access always permitted
Security
Security considerations form a major part of AIM operation, ensuring that users
have rapid access only to the systems for which they have permission. At its
core, AIM manages an important three-way relationship between the users, the
AdderLink Infinity receiver(s) and the channels from the host computers.
The diagram shows a representation of the three-way relationship which exists
between users, receivers and channels.
To successfully gain access to a channel:
• The user requires permission to use the receiver,
• The receiver requires permission to connect with the channel,
AND
• The user must have permission to access the channel.
In most cases, the need for three access permissions per connection is
unnecessary and raises administration overheads. Hence, by default, AIM grants
open access for the user to the receiver and the receiver to the channel while
restricting the final, most crucial piece of the puzzle. For those who require it,
the lock upon the user to receiver stage can be applied individually or globally.
See Permissions on the next page for more details.
continued

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Active Directory
To streamline administration even further, AIM supports Active Directory. By
synchronising with an LDAP/Active Directory server, details of users (including
their usernames and group memberships) can be securely synchronised from
existing databases in order to both minimise the initial configuration as well as
streamline ongoing updates.
AIM interface
AIM appears in two main ways depending on whether you are an administrator
or a regular user.
• Foradministrators,fullaccesstotheAdderLinkInnityManagerSuiteis
granted. This comprehensive application shows six main tabbed areas:
Dashboard, Channels, Receivers, Transmitters, Users and Presets each
of which contains numerous related pages of settings and options. The
Dashboard provides a central location from which the administrator can
view overall operation, make various changes, database backups and also
upgrade the firmware of any linked AdderLink Infinity unit.
• Forregularusers,anefcientpagelayoutprovidesa list of all channels
for which you have permission to visit. Against each selectable channel
name and description, a series of icons provide clear feedback about current
availability.
Permissions
Permissions exist between Users, Receivers, and Channels.
By default, all users are granted permission to access ALL receivers.
By default, all receivers have permission to connect to ALL channels.
As shown in the introductory diagram, the missing part is the permission for a
user to access each channel.
Permissions between a user and a receiver can be applied in any of the following
ways:
• User–>Receiver
• User–>UserGroup–>Receiver
• User–>UserGroup–>ReceiverGroup–>Receiver
• User–>ReceiverGroup–>Receiver
Thus, a very indirect way of granting permissions could be:
• User1isinUserGroup1,
• UserGroup1hasaccesstoReceiverGroup1,
• ReceiverGroup1containsChannel1,
• Therefore,User1hasaccesstoChannel1indirectly,

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Supplied items
AIM server unit
CD-ROM
(contains this user guide)
12V, 5A Power supply plus
country-specific mains cable
www.adder.com
AdderLink
ADM
ADM
USR
USR
UNC
UNC
ETH1
ETH1
ETH2
ETH2
PWR
PWR
MANAGEMENT SERVER
Safety leaflet
Rack mount brackets

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Installation
Connections
The AIM server unit is supplied fully pre-loaded and permits no local user
interaction. All configuration takes place remotely via the network connections
and as a result only two connections are required: Network and power.
Network connections
The AIM server has two network connections on the rear panel, labelled 1
and 2. These allow the unit to be connected to internal and external network
connections as required. The external network connection allows admin users
located away from the internal network to be able to login.
To connect the internal IP network port
1 Run a category 5, 5e or 6 link cable from the appropriate hub or router to
the AIM server unit.
2 Connect the plug of the link cable into the IP port labelled 1on the rear
panel of the AIM server unit.
COM 3
2
1
INDOOR USE ONLY
12V
5A
Category 5, 5e or 6 cable
from LAN / network switch
Power supply connection
Important: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given
within the Safety information section of this guide. In particular, do not use an
unearthed power socket or extension cable.
To connect the power supply
1 Attach the output connector of the power supply (country specific power
supplies are available) to the power input socket on the left side of the rear
panel.
2 Connect the main body of the power supply to a nearby earthed mains outlet.
The unit has no power switch so it will
begin its booting process as soon as power
is applied. Allow 3 minutes for the booting
process to complete.
HT

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7
www.adder.com
AdderLink
ADM
ADM
USR
USR
UNC
UNC
ETH1
ETH1
ETH2
ETH2
PWR
PWR
MANAGEMENT SERVER
Front panel indicators
To assist with operational checks and troubleshooting, the front panel provides
the following indicators:
• ADM On when an administrator is logged in. Flashes when an
administrator is accessing the system.
• USR On if there are any connections between channels/receivers. Flashes
when a user is accessing the system.
• UNC Unconfigured RX or TX units are online
• ETH1 On when connected, flashes with network activity
• ETH2 On when connected, flashes with network activity
• PWR On when power is applied
Installation requirements
• AIMrequiresthatallAdderLinkInnityunitsthatitcontrolshavermware
version 1.9 or greater.
• Whenconguringtheinstallationformulticasting(andtoimproveoverall
performance), the network switch(es) being used must support a minimum
of IGMP v2 snooping. For faster performance use switches that support
IGMP v3.
• Inordertodisplayvideoresolutionsthatuseahorizontalvideoresolutionof
2048 pixels, the network switch must have support for Jumbo packets.
• PleasealsoseeAppendix A - Tips for success when networking ALIF
units.

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8
Swapping out an AIM server
If a configured AIM server needs to be replaced within an installation, there are
steps that you can take to smooth the transition.
If ALIF devices have already been configured to run with the original AIM server
then their default IP addresses will have been changed as part of the installation
process. This means that in their current state they will be undetectable to the
new AIM server.
There are two ways to introduce the new AIM server into the network, either:
Start from scratch
Place the new AIM server into the network and then perform a factory reset
on every ALIF device. This will force the ALIF units back to their default states
whereupon they will announce themselves to the new AIM server.
This method requires a certain amount of effort because each ALIF unit must be
visited and reset, plus the AIM database will need to be fully reconfigured.
or
Transfer configuration to the new AIM server
1 Before connecting the new AIM server to the main network, connect the
new AIM server to a network switch that is isolated from the main network.
2 Use a computer connected to the same switch to login to the new AIM
server management suite.
3 Ensure that the new AIM server is running the same firmware version as the
one being replaced (upgrade if necessary). The firmware version is shown
in the top right hand corner of every page of the management suite (just
below the Adder logo).
4 Set the IP address of the new AIM server to match that of the original unit.
5 Restore a backup file of the original AIM server database to the new
device.
6 Remove the original AIM server from the network. Connect the new AIM
server in its place and power up.
The replacement unit should now work directly with the installed ALIF units.

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Configuration
This section covers configuration of the AdderLink Infinity Manager Suite for
administrators. For details about the regular user interface, please see the
Operation section.
Supported browsers
The AIM admin interface requires an A-grade browser with Javascript enabled.
The list of appropriate browsers is as follows:
• GoogleChrome v7orgreater
• Firefox v3.5orgreater
• InternetExplorer v8orgreater(IE6isnotsupported)
• Safari v5orgreater
Google Chrome is the preferred browser because it is faster than Firefox or
Internet Explorer.
Login for admin users
1 Ensure that the AIM server is powered on (allow 3 minutes before accessing).
2 Using a computer located anywhere within the local network open a web
browser (see Supported browsers list opposite) and enter the default IP
address for the AIM server: 169.254.1.3
The Login page will be displayed:
3 Enter your Username and Password and click the Login button.
The default username is admin and the default password is password.
You are strongly recommended to change the default admin password as
one of your first actions: Go to Dashboard>Users. Click on the furthest right
icon in the admin row (configure users) and change the password for the
admin user.
If you check the Remember Me box, a cookie will be stored on the
computer, allowing you to access the admin section without having to log in
each time. The cookie expires 2 days after your last use of the system. If you
do not check the Remember Me box, you will remain logged in only for the
duration of your browser session.
IMPORTANT
The first time you log in as an admin user to a new AIM unit, you will be
presented with the Settings page where you will need to change AIM’s default
IP address to one that suits your existing network configuration.
You will NOT be able to perform any other actions or navigate to any other
pages within the AIM admin interface until you have changed AIM’s IP address.
To change the IP address, type in a new IP address in the relevant field (you
should also change the gateway/netmask details for your network).
WhenyouclickSave,afteradelaythewebbrowserwillautomaticallyredirect
itself to the new IP address so that you can continue administering AIM.
Note: Ensure that your access computer can view the new IP address, otherwise
AIM will appear to be offline. Depending on your network configuration and
that of the access computer, you may need to change the access computer’s
configuration to be able to see AIM’s new network address.
You will then be asked to login again and will have full access to all of AIM’s
pages.
HT

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10
Adding AdderLink Infinity units
WhennewALIFtransmittersandreceiversareaddedtoanetwork,theyare
designed to automatically announce themselves* to the AIM server. Once the
AIM server receives their announcement(s), the ALIF units will be added to
the administrator’s view of the Dashboard. From here you can then begin to
configure each new ALIF unit.
* ALIF units can be configured either from their own browser-based
configuration utility or via the AIM server. Once an ALIF unit has been
configured in one way, it cannot be reconfigured using the other method
without undergoing a factory reset. This policy is in place to help prevent
accidental overwriting of configurations. It also means that once an ALIF unit has
been locally configured, it will not announce itself to the AIM server upon being
added to a network. Please see right for details about resetting an ALIF unit.
If an ALIF unit is not located
There are several reasons why an ALIF unit might not be located by AIM:
• TheALIFunithasbeenlocallyconguredorisotherwisenotusingitsfactory
default setting. Try performing a factory reset on an ALIF that is not being
located.
• TheALIFunitisnotlocatedinthesameethernetsegmentastheAIMserver.
Double check connections and move units where necessary, so that all
reside within the same ethernet segment.
• ThereisapotentialcablingproblembetweentheALIFandAIMunits.Check
and where necessary, replace faulty cables.
AdderLink Infinity manual factory reset
WhereapreviouslyconguredALIFunitisbeingaddedtoanetworkfor
control by an AIM server, you can use this method to reset the unit to its
default configuration.
To perform a manual factory reset
1 Remove power from the ALIF unit.
2 Use a narrow implement (e.g. a straightened-out paper clip) to press-and-
holdtherecessedresetbuttononthefrontpanel.Withtheresetbutton
still pressed, re-apply power to the unit and then release the reset button.
After roughly eight seconds, when the factory reset has completed, five
of the front panel indicators will flash for a period of three seconds to
indicate a successful reset operation.
www.adder.com
Use a straightened-out paper clip to press the reset button
while powering on the unit
AdderLink
[ALIF1000] [ALIF2000]
Further information
Please also see:
• Basic steps for a new configuration
• Appendix A - Tips for success when networking ALIF units
• Appendix B - Troubleshooting
• Appendix C - Glossary
• Appendix D - AIM API

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11
Basic steps for a new configuration
WhenaddingandconguringnewdevicesusinganAIMserver,thesearethe
basic steps that you need to take:
1 Add the new ALIF devices to the network and ensure that they are using a
default factory configuration. If necessary, Reset each one.
2 Ensure that the AIM server is attached to the same subnet (installing AIM)
as the ALIF units and is powered on.
3 On a host computer also connected to the same subnet, use a suitable web
browser to login to the AIM server as the admin user.
4 View the Dashboard page. The ALIF units should announce themselves to
the AIM server and as they do so, they will be automatically added at the
top of the Dashboard page.
If your ALIF units are not added to the Dashboard page, please see If an
ALIF unit is not located.
5 Either:
• Click‘Congure’foraparticularALIFentrytodealwithanindividual
unit in isolation, or
• Click‘Congureallnewdevices’tolistallunitswithintheConfigure
New Devices page.
6 Withinthechosencongurationpage,performthefollowing:
• SubstitutethedefaultIPaddressappliedtoeachALIFunitforasuitable
one (e.g. 192.168.x.y) within the subnet.
• OptionallyusetheDescription and Location fields to add unique
identifying information for each ALIF unit - this is particularly important
for medium to large installations.
Note: Where necessary, click the icon for a particular ALIF unit to
flash the unit’s front panel indicators to confirm its location.
• Click the Save button. The new ALIF units will be restarted and will be
changed to use their new IP addresses.
7 ThenewALIFunitswillbeaddedtotherelevantTransmitter and Receiver
pages within the AIM admin view. You can now refine their configurations
and organise their relationships with each other and with registered users.

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The Dashboard tab
The Dashboard is your main point of contact for checking and changing the
general status of all AIM operations.
Click the DASHBOARD tab to view its initial home page.
The various other Dashboard pages (e.g. Settings, Backups, Updates, etc.) are
selectable within the blue section located just below the tabs.
Dashboard > Home page
• Shutdown button - Allows the admin user to shut down the AIM server.
The OSD will no longer work on Receivers. The AIM server will need to be
manually started again when next required.
• Restart - The admin user can reboot the AIM server. The OSD and admin
section will be unavailable while the server is rebooting. This currently takes
about75seconds.
WithintheHomepage*,thedifferentsectionsprovideavarietyofinformation:
• Warning messages - Live alerts are displayed concerning any devices that
are offline, rebooting, recently added or unconfigured.
• Active Connections - shows the five most recent active sessions, detailing
foreach:Whenthesessionstarted;whichuser/receiver/channelisinvolved;
the connection type (icons show audio, video, serial, USB, exclusive) and IP
addresses in use. The red unplug icon on the far right allows the admin user
to disconnect a connection.
• Event Log - shows all actions performed by the admin or end-users within
the AIM system. See also the Event Log page.
• Latest Channels - shows the last five channels created within the AIM
system. A channel is created by default when a new transmitter is added
and configured. The edit icon next to a channel allows the admin user to
configure the channel.
• Latest User Logins - shows the last five users who logged in (either to the
AIM admin or at an AdderLink Infinity Receiver).
• Latest User Registrations - shows the last five users added to the AIM
system, with a link to edit the user’s details/permissions.
• Latest Channel Changes - shows the last five users who changed a
channel, either while using the on-screen display (OSD) at an AdderLink
Infinity Receiver, or via the AIM admin control panel.
• Latest Receivers - shows the last five receivers to be added and configured
within the AIM network. Click tocongureareceiver;click to connect
toachannel;orclick to disconnect an existing connection.
• Latest Transmitters - shows the last five transmitters to be added and
configured within the AIM network. Click to configure a transmitter.
* The Home page is auto-refreshed every ten seconds to ensure that the latest
information is always available.

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Dashboard > Settings page
Click the Settings option below the Dashboard tab.
Most global configuration options for the AIM system are available in the
settings page. For configuration options that affect individual receivers, users
and channels, see the sections dealing with those tabs.
Check For Updates - If this setting is off, AIM will never attempt to connect to
the update server to check for updates. If it is on, the first time the AIM admin
section is visited each day, an online check takes place. This check is only ever
performed once per day. If new AIM software has been released, the Version
number at the top right of the page will now contain a link, allowing automatic
upgrade of AIM. See Dashboard > Updates page for further details.
Note: For the AIM unit to successfully locate and use updates it requires access
to the Internet, usually via the second Ethernet connection to the rear of the
unit. The IP address for the second Ethernet connection can be configured
within the Settings page.
Login Required
Determines whether a login is required to use AdderLink Infinity receivers. This
is a global setting that applies to all receivers but which can be overridden for
specific receivers or receiver groups. Options are:
• No: Anyone can use a receiver without login credentials, using the channels
granted to the “Anonymous User” (set further down the page).
• Yes: Users need to login to use a receiver.
Note: Within AIM, Login requirements filter down from the top (i.e. from
this setting), but can be overridden at lower levels, such as at the Receiver or
Receiver Group levels. See The Receivers Tab section for more details.
Grant All Users Exclusive Access
Determines whether a user can connect to a channel exclusively and thus
prevent any other users from also connecting to that channel. If not set, users
can only connect in view-only mode or shared mode. Settings that are applied
specifically to a user will override settings applied to user groups they’re in,
which in turn override this global setting.
Note: If a user has exclusive mode granted or NOT granted at user level, then it
doesn’t matter what settings there are above (usergroups or global).
• Ifauserissettoinherit“allowexclusivemode”fromtheirusergroups,
ifanyoneoftheirusergroupshas“allowexclusivemode”granted,then
the user will have it granted, even if the rest of the user’s usergroups have
exclusive mode not granted.
• Ifauserissettoinherit“allowexclusivemode”fromtheirusergroups,and
one of the user groups is set to inherit from the global setting - if that global
settingis“allowexclusivemode,”theneffectivelytheusergroupis“allow
exclusivemode,”sotheuserwillbeallowedexclusivemode.
Allowed Connection Modes
Determines the global setting that will be applied to all new channels concerning
connection modes. The setting made here is only applied as a default and can be
overridden at the channel level, where necessary. Options are:
• View/Shared only: Prevents users from gaining exclusive access to a channel.
• Exclusive only: Ensures that all connections to a channel are made
singularly.
• View/Shared & Exclusive: Permits either type of connection to be made.
Note: By default, all new channels are set to inherit this global value. So it’s easy
to change all channel connection modes simply by changing the global setting.
If a channel has its own setting, the global setting has no effect on that chan-
nel.
Initial Streaming Mode
All new connections are created in unicast mode in order to minimise multicast
traffic on network switches that may have limited IGMP snooping capabilities.
If a second receiver connects to the same channel, the unicast connection is
briefly disconnected and replaced with the new multicast connection. The first-
connected receiver would experience a brief screen black-out.
Selecting multicast in this option causes new connections to start directly in
multicast mode so that subsequent receivers can connect to the same channel
or video stream without causing any interruption to the initial video connection.
DDC
Allows you to force a particular DDC to be sent to receivers, or you can set it to
use the DDC of the monitor currently connected to the receiver.
Hot Plug Detect
Controls whether Hot Plug Detect is allowed to be brought up/down by ALIF RX
unit.
USB Speed
Determines the USB version/speed capability of the ALIF system that is reported
to the host computer (USB 2 Hi-Speed or USB 1 Full Speed).
USB Hub Size
Determines the USB hub size of the ALIF system that is reported to the host
computer(13or7ports).

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Hotkey
Allows you to define the default keypress combination that will be used to
access the AIM on-screen display (OSD) menu by each user. If the hotkey
combination is altered, the change will be applied instantly to all receivers.
Anonymous User
Allows you to nominate a profile for an anonymous user that will be applied to
any receivers that do not require login. The channels available to that receiver
will be those available to the user that is selected here. You can create a suitable
standard user profile in the same way as any other user (see The Users tab) and
then choose it within this setting.
Rows per Page
Determines how many rows to show per page in any paginated table within the
admin section, e.g. Users, Channels, Receivers, Event/Connection Logs.
AIM IP Address
Defines the IP address to which the AIM server has been set. Connect a display
monitor to the VGA port of the AIM unit to discover its current IP address.
The default AIM server IP address is 169.254.1.3
Note: If the AIM server’s IP address is changed, any connected transmitters or
receivers will be rebooted.
Gateway IP Address
Defines the network gateway IP address for the AIM server.
Netmask
Defines the netmask for the AIM server.
DNS Server IP Address
Defines the IP address for a suitable DNS server to use within the AIM network.
Syslog IP Address
Defines the IP address for a suitable syslog server to use within the AIM network.
Multicast IP Base
Defines the base IP address for use in multicast configurations (where multiple
receivers use the output from a single channel). Multicast IP addresses are
assigned in pairs (one for audio, one for video), starting from this lowest IP
address. If you expect to have several multicast/shared connections within your
AIM network, ensure that sufficient IP addresses are available, starting from this
IP address.
Time
NTP Enabled?
If set to No, you will need to enter the date and time manually.
If set to Yes, you need to enter an NTP Server Address, declare your Timezone
Area and your Timezone Location.
Note: For the AIM unit to use NTP it requires access to the Internet, usually via
the second Ethernet connection to the rear of the unit. The IP address for the
second Ethernet connection can be configured within the Settings page.
API
Determines whether login is required (and which user profile to use, if login
is made a requirement) when AIM is driven using API scripts from an external
system.
Mail Server
A range of settings to define your email server, so that AIM system backups can
be automatically emailed to you.
Active Directory
If you wish to import user details from an existing LDAP connection, such as
Active Directory, this section allows you to enter all of the necessary details. See
Users > Active Directory for details about using Active Directory links.

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Dashboard > Backups page
You can schedule backup copies of the AIM database (containing all devices,
users, channels and logs) to be made on a recurring basis and you can also
perform backups on demand, as required.
IMPORTANT: You are strongly recommended to arrange regular
scheduled backups of your AIM database. Adder cannot be held
responsible for any loss of data, however caused.
Backup Options
Download to your computer: If this option is checked, when you click the
“Backup Now” button, the backup file will be saved to the server and then will
be presented as a download in your browser, so that you may save a local copy
of the backup file.
Email backup: If this option is checked, a copy of the backup file will be sent to
the email address specified in the “Email Backup To” field. The backup file will
be emailed either when you click “Backup Now” and/or according to the option
selected in the Schedule section.
Note: Use of the Email backup option requires a valid email address to be stored
within the Dashboard>Settings page.
Note: Emailed backups are encrypted, and these backup files are automatically
decrypted by the AIM server when they are used.
Schedule: Determines how often a backup should be created. There are set
periods for the various options:
• Hourlybackupsareexecutedonthehour(orquarterpast).
• Dailybackupsareexecutedat2am(orquarterpast).
• WeeklybackupsareexecutedeverySundayat3am(orquarterpast).
Restore from Server
All backups (whether initiated manually or by schedule) are saved on the server
together with a time-stamp of when the backup was run. If required, you
can select a previous backup and restore its contents. Alternatively, you can
download the backup file to another location.
IMPORTANT: It is advisable to make a backup of the current state of the
AIM system before restoring a previous backup. Restoring the contents
of a backup file will overwrite ALL data in the AIM system, with the data
within the backup file. This includes configured devices, channels, users,
connection logs and action logs.
Restore from File
Use this option to upload a backup file that you have previously downloaded
or received by email. This will overwrite the contents of the current AIM system
therefore it is advisable to make a backup of the current state of the AIM system
before restoring a previous backup.
Archive Log to CSV Report
You can archive connection or log data to a CSV file and, at the same time,
remove old log data from the database.
Click “Archive” to save a CSV file to the server.
Download CSV Reports
You can download any CSV report that was created in the archive step
(described above) by selecting from the archives saved on the server.
The CSV report can be opened in Microsoft Excel (or similar) to perform detailed
analysis of actions and connections within the AIM system.

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Dashboard > Updates page
Upgrade AIM Software
If you have downloaded an update file for AIM software, you can upload it here
to the AIM server and AIM will automatically be upgraded to the new version.
Upgrade files are encrypted and digitally-signed for AIM-server integrity.
Upload New TX/RX Firmware
This section allows the AIM admin user to upgrade firmware on receivers and
transmitters, wherever they are located.
1 Use the “Upload New Firmware” section to place new transmitter and/
or receiver firmware file(s) onto the AIM server. Once uploaded, the stored
firmware files are listed within the relevant “Available firmware” drop-down
boxes within the sections below.
2 Withintherelevant“InstallFirmwareonto...”section,clickthedrop-down
box and select the required new firmware version.
3 Click the “Install” button to display a list of devices.
4 On the right side of the list, select the devices to which the firmware
upgrade will be applied by checking boxes next to each device. The “Select
All” option makes it easy to apply firmware to all devices.
5 Click the “Upgrade Selected...” button to create a queue of devices to be
upgraded. If there are many devices to upgrade, this may take some time.
The status of devices during the upgrade process should be shown in near-
real time on the receivers/transmitters pages and on the device’s own page.
The page will show whether the device is still in the queue to be upgraded
or if it is in the process of rebooting with the new firmware. Note that the
process of applying firmware to a device and enacting a reboot takes several
minutes to complete.
Dashboard > Active Connections page
Shows only connections that are currently active within the AIM network. Please
refer to the Connection Log page section below.
Dashboard > Connection Log page
Shows all connections that have occurred within the AIM network. The most
recent connections are shown at the top, and the log is paginated (the number
of rows per page can be set from the Dashboard > Settings page). The log can
be filtered to show all connections, or only currently active connections. Current
connections have no “end time” and a disconnect icon ( ).
The “Audio Broadcast IP” and “Video Broadcast IP” columns show whether
the audio and video are being sent directly from the transmitter to the receiver
or broadcast to a multicast group. Direct links are denoted by the receiver’s IP
addressonly;whereasmulticastbroadcastsareindicatedbythemulticasticon
( ) and the common multicast IP address (the address will be in the range
speciedwithinthe“MulticastIPAddress”optionoftheDashboard>Settings
page).
Actions that you can take within this page include:
• Hoverthemouseoverthereceiver,userorchannelnamestoshowmore
information about each item.
• Hoverthemouseovertheve“Info”iconstoseedescriptions(audioon/off;
videoon/off;USBon/off;shared/exclusivemode;serialon/off).
• Click to end a connection between a receiver and a channel.

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Dashboard > Event Log page
This page lists events that have occurred within the AIM system. A row of
buttons just below the blue options bar allows you to filter log page entries to
show only particular categories, as follows:
All | Admin | Users | Login | Channel Changes | Device Status
Where:
•All: Lists all events
•Admin: Lists automatic events and/or those performed by the admin user
(including: backup, scheduled backup, backup restored, updating AIM
settings, adding/removing/updating channels/users/devices, Active Directory
Sync, Firmware upgrades, AIM upgrades, etc).
•Users: Lists events performed by regular users (including: login, logout,
channel connections, disconnects, etc).
•Login: Lists login and logout events, whether performed via the admin
console or receiver devices.
•Channel Changes: Lists only channel changes (connections & disconnects).
•Device Status: Lists new devices that are added to the AIM network, get
restarted/rebooted or go online/offline
You can archive Event Log data to a CSV file via the “Archive log data” link,
which jumps to the relevant section within the Dashboard > Backups page.

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Channels > View Channels page
This page lists all channels that currently exist within the AIM system. A channel
is automatically created for every transmitter when it is added and configured
within the AIM network. The new default channel for each added transmitter
will inherit the name of the transmitter. Such default names can be altered
at any time and additionally, you can also create new channels manually, if
necessary.
Withinthelistofchannels,theAllowedConnectionscolumnindicateshow
each channel may be accessed by users. By default, these settings are inherited
from the global setting (configurable within the Dashboard > Settings page),
however, each channel can be altered as required. The icons denote the
following connection rules:
Connection details inherited from the global setting
Shared access
Exclusive access
View only
The Channel Groups column shows to how many channel groups each channel
belongs.
The Users column indicates how many users have permission to view each
channel.
Actions that you can take within this page include:
• Create a new channel: Click the “Add Channel” option.
• Create a new channel group: Click the “Add Channel Group” option.
• Configure an existing channel: Click for the required channel.
• Delete a channel: Click for the required channel.
• View a channel group: Click the “View Channel Groups” button.
The Channels tab
The Channels tab provides access to all settings and options related directly to
the video, audio and USB streams, collectively known as channels, emanating
from any number of transmitters.
Click the CHANNELS tab to view the initial View Channels page.
The various other Channels pages (e.g. Add Channel, View Channel Groups,
etc.) are selectable within the blue section located just below the tabs.
Search filters
The key fields (Name, Description and Location) all provide
a search filter to locate particular items within long lists.
Enter a full or partial search string into the appropriate filter
box and then click to start the search. Optionally use the
buttons to invert the order of the listing.
The page will reload with the same pagination/sort order, but with the added
search filter. It’s possible to filter by several columns at once (e.g. search for all
entries with “mac” in the name, and “mixed” in the description). Search terms
are case-insensitive. You can re-sort and paginate on filtered results without
losing the filters.
To remove a filter, click the red cross next to the relevant filter, (you can also
empty the search box and click again).

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Channels > Add or Configure a Channel
From the View Channels page, you can add a new channel or configure an
existing channel:
• Tocreateanewchannel:Clickthe“AddChannel”option.
• Tocongureanexistingchannel:Click for a channel.
The Add and Configure pages are similar in content.
Channel Name, Description and Location
These are all useful ways for you to identify the channel and its origins.
A consistent naming and description policy is particularly useful in large
installations.
Video, Audio, USB and Serial
These drop down boxes list all of the available streams from installed
transmitters.Whencreatingachannel,youcanchoosetotakeallfourstreams
from the same transmitter or from different ones, as required.
Notes: Where necessary, channels can be created without video, audio, USB
and/or serial.
Only one receiver can use a transmitter’s serial port at any time.
Allowed Connections
This section allows you to define the types of connection that you wish to permit
users to make. You can define particular individual or combined connection
types to suit requirements.
Note: This setting for each channel acts as the final arbiter of whether exclusive
access can actually be achieved. If you deny exclusive access rights within this
setting, then exclusive access for any user cannot take place for this channel,
regardless of settings made elsewhere.
• Inherit from global setting - uses the setting of the “Allowed Connection
Modes” option within the Dashboard > Settings page.
• View only - allows users only to view/hear the video and audio output, the
USB channel is denied.
• View/Shared only - denies exclusive mode to all users.
• Exclusive only - forces all user connections to be exclusive only.
• View/Shared & Exclusive - allows all types of connection modes.
Group Membership
Groups provide a quick and easy way to manage settings for channels. By
making a channel part of a particular group, the channel automatically inherits
the key settings of that group.
The group membership section displays existing channel groups in the left list (to
which the current channel does not belong) and the channel groups in the right
list to which it does belong.
To add the channel to groups: Highlight one or more (use the CTRL key if
selecting more than one) group names in the left list and then click to add
the name(s) to the right list.
Note: You can also include or exclude individual channels by double clicking on
them.
To add the channel to all groups: Click to move all group names from the
left to the right list.
To remove the channel from groups: Highlight one or more (use the CTRL
key if selecting more than one) group names in the right list and then click to
move the name(s) back to the left list.
To remove the channel from all groups: Click to move all group names
from the right to the left list.
Permissions
This section allows you to determine which users and user groups should be
given access to this channel. Individual users and user groups are handled
within separate sub-sections, but both use the same method for inclusion and
exclusion.
To include one or more users (or groups): Highlight one or more (use the
CTRL key if selecting more than one) user/group names in the left list and then
click to add them to the right list.
To include all users (or groups): Click to move all user/group names from
the left to the right list.
To remove one or more users (or groups): Highlight one or more (use the
CTRL key if selecting more than one) user/group names in the right list and then
click to move them back to the left list.
To remove all users (or groups): Click to move all user/group names from
the right to the left list.