Direct Internet Network (Wired/Wireless)

The Direct Internet Network contains an entry access point for Internet access in order to reach the AEM Cloud Services that AEM Screens needs to connect to.

The standard Ports for AEM Screens communication are:

• ssl-secured https (TCP Port 443)
  
  Or,
  

• http (TCP Port 80), if your particular use case doesn’t require that level of security.

Ports may vary due to configuration of your dedicated AEM configuration set up. Within this SetUp, all devices are directly connected to your Internet router as shown in the figure below.

The configuration also includes an Internet access by any Internet Service Provider (ISP) and it’s Internet line. Most ISP’s provide an Internet Router covering the Internet Modem, Network Switch, Wi-Fi access point, firewall and other Network functionalities (depending on manufacturer and model).

Connecting AEM Screens Player to Direct Internet Access

Follow the steps below to ensure proper connection of the AEM Screen players in this configuration:

1. Make sure that each of the AEM Screen players is connected to the Router’s Network.

2. Test the internet connection by calling a URL in your systems browser.

   NOTE

   In case that you receive an error, check the network settings.There are basically two options for a proper network connection:

   • DHCP
   • Manual IP Configuration

3. Make sure that the Network Adapter Setting does match your Router Settings and check if the maximum amount of available IP addresses in your network is not reached.

4. Check if the Router is properly connected to the ISP Wide Area Network (Internet Link). This can also be identified using a Signal LED on Standard Routers.

5. In case the URL call is successful, you can continue installing the AEM Screens and register. Start AEM Screens.

   NOTE

   Troubleshooting Tip
   If AEM Screens does not connect properly and the expected content is not displayed:

   1. Check in your Internet Router firewall if there are any restrictions regarding TCP/IP Port 80/443.
   2. Make sure that all required Ports are allowed.

Setting Up Direct Access Network

The Direct Internet Network is logically separated into two blocks:

• Wide Area Network

• Local Area Network

Wide Area Network

The performance of the Internet connection besides the network’s reachability is to provide sufficient bandwidth to operate AEM Screens.

Sufficient depends on the number of connected AEM screens and on the usage of other consumers within the network, such as smartphones, tablets, cashiers, computers or guest Wi-Fi networks.

Local Area Network

The performance of the Local Area Network (LAN), besides the network’s reachability provides sufficient bandwidth to operate AEM Screens.

The LAN network usually at least matches a 100 Mbps network, so that there is sufficient bandwidth to connect many devices with good performance to the system.
In case that a Wi-Fi solution is envisaged to connect AEM Screens to the Internet Link it is recommended to use modern Wi-Fi standards like IEEE 802.11g as a minimum. This standard supports connections up to 54 Mbps. Any newer Standards like 802.11h-n are of better quality.

Downloading Media and Assets

AEM Screens provides a big advantage to Digital Signage Users. It downloads and locally saves all necessary media files, such as images and videos. The major network traffic occurs when there is new content to be displayed on a specific display.

For normal operations, for example, a defined playlist that updates frequently during the day - offers a close to network independent operation, once all the files have been saved on the player.

For scenarios, where there are more interactions with sensors or triggers and dynamic content, a fast and reliable network connection is essential for an immediate screen reaction to ensure best possible customer experience.

The following table provides an overview on network connectivity key data.

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