Direct Internet Network (Wired/Wireless) direct-internet-access
The Direct Internet Network contains an entry access point for Internet access to reach the AEM Cloud Services that AEM Screens must have to connect to.
The standard Ports for AEM Screens communication are:
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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 the configuration of your dedicated AEM configuration setup. 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 its Internet line. Most ISPs 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:
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Make sure that each of the AEM Screen players is connected to the router’s Network.
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Test the Internet connection by calling a URL in your system’s browser.
note note NOTE In the case that you receive an error, check the network settings. There are basically two options for a proper network connection: - DHCP
- Manual IP Configuration
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Make sure that the Network Adapter setting matches your router settings; check if the maximum number of available IP addresses in your network is not reached.
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Check if the router is properly connected to the ISP Wide-Area-Network (Internet Link). Or, it can also be identified using a Signal LED on Standard routers.
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In case the URL call is successful, you can continue installing the AEM Screens and register. Start AEM Screens.
note note NOTE Troubleshooting Tip
If AEM Screens does not connect properly and the expected content is not displayed:- Check in your Internet router firewall if there are any restrictions regarding
TCP/IP Port 80/443. - Make sure that all required Ports are allowed.
- Check in your Internet router firewall if there are any restrictions regarding
Setting Up Direct Internet network requirements-direct
The Direct Internet Network is logically separated into two blocks:
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Wide Area Network
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Local Area Network
Wide Area Network wan-connection
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. It also depends on the usage of other consumers within the network, such as smartphones, tablets, cashiers, computers, or guest Wi-Fi networks.
Local Area Network lan-connection
The performance of the Local Area Network (LAN), besides the network’s reachability, is to provide 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 download
AEM Screens provides a significant 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, after all the files are 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 the best possible customer experience.
The following table provides an overview on network connectivity key data.