WIFI and Ethernet Examples

The PoolWarden communication options are unique in that there must be a local Internet connection that the PoolWarden can use. The traditional approach is to provide a wireless cell phone, satellite, or even wireless Internet which can cost over $350 per year. By using the existing local Internet at a facility you typically get a better Internet connection without adding anything to the monthly cost. There are some additional setup requirements which can be a challenge and this page will show examples.

The network administrator or IT person will need to be involved as the PoolWarden will be connected into the router where the Internet enters the facility.

• Contact the IT department and have them available when installing the PoolWarden
• If you will only use the PoolWarden.com data service installation is easier and may not require any setup by the IT.
• If you will want to make setup changes remotely using the PoolWarden.exe Windows program then the PoolWarden will need to be accessible from outside the firewall at the facility and the IT will definitely need to make some changes to the network.

Example 1: PoolWarden direct to router

Whether or not the facility has an Internet server the PoolWarden will not interfere with it as the PoolWarden doesn't use port 80 or even support an Internet browser. This example will be using a D-Link DIR-825.

• Router Configuration

• The IP address of the facility, 217.171.210.222 will be the IP address used to connect to the PoolWarden from outside the network.
• Log into the D-Link router and in the Network Settings and make sure the DHCP Server is enabled and look for the DHCP IP Address Range. Pick an IP address in this range that isn't being used by any devices at the facility already. This will be the local address for the PoolWarden.
• In the Advanced / Virtual Server screen setup the local IP address and the port. When a connection request comes in from the Internet on this port it will then be routed directly to the local connected PoolWarden. You can also do the same thing with a DMZ.

• PoolWarden Configuration

• Go to the Communication / Network setup menu
• Disable DHCP, we need to use a static IP address, one that doesn't change.
• Enter the Static IP address that was entered into the Router.
• Enter the Gateway IP, this is the address of the router, not the Internet IP, for a D-Link it is usually 192.168.0.1.
• Enter the Port, you can enter any you like but make sure it isn't already in use and it must match the port setup in the router.
• Select the Network Update which is the first selection in the menu, it will take the PoolWarden about a minute.

That is all there is to it, this PoolWarden will be available for software updates, data retrieval, setup configuration from outside the firewall at the facility as well as sending data to the data server. Make sure to give the PoolWarden a password, without a password you will not be able to go into the configuration of the PoolWarden.

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