Enhance Applications with User-Customized Router App

Background

Advantech's industrial cellular routers, including the versatile ICR series, operate on ICR-OS, an open platform that allows partners and clients to customize software applications tailored to their specific needs. One of Advantech's collaborations is with Allxon, a software partner specializing in remote device management SaaS solutions. Allxon has integrated their customized Out-of-Band (OOB) agent into the ICR-2400 and ICR-3200 series cellular routers. These routers work seamlessly with the Allxon cloud management platform to provide a remote OOB solution. Allxon's expertise in OOB management provides comprehensive remote monitoring, management, and advanced disaster recovery solutions, supporting edge devices throughout their lifecycle.

System Requirements

To develop effective OOB solutions integrated into Advantech’s ICR series cellular routers, several key specifications and features were required:

• Advantech’s DevZone provides extensive information and support for developers, including a general introduction to the ICR series routers and the operating system to ensure users are well-oriented. It offers guidance on increasing the usability of Advantech products and detailed instructions for preparing the build environment to extend product functionality, advice on building open-source components of the operating system, and additional resources to assist in writing new functionalities and effectively utilizing the SDK.
• Comprehensive developer support and API integration: This includes detailed development documentation and Software Development Kits to facilitate the integration and development of OOB solutions. RESTful APIs or other standardized interfaces were also offered for enabling remote control and monitoring. 
• Reliable remote access options: Access to the device's serial console was necessary to manage different devices efficiently. The routers needed to support diverse network connection options, including Ethernet, cellular data, Wi-Fi, and digital input/output capabilities through I/O ports.

Project Implementation

• ICR-2400: 4G Routers
• ICR-3241: Powerful 4G Routers for North America

System Description

Allxon integrated their OOB management solutions into Advantech's ICR cellular routers, significantly enhancing the routers' capabilities. This integration allowed seamless remote power control, troubleshooting, and management through the Allxon Service Portal, a user-friendly interface that ensures continuous device management even when devices are powered off or malfunctioning.

Vending Machines – Remote Power Control via DI/DO

An Edge Processing Unit (EPU) installed inside vending machines utilizes the ICR-2400 cellular router to connect to the Allxon Service Portal via a 4G network. Even when the EPU is in sleep mode or powered off, users can control the ICR routers through the Allxon Service Portal. The ICR’s digital output (DO) connects to a relay switch, enabling the activation of other devices within the EPU, making it ideal for applications in remote and hard-to-reach environments.

Challenges:

• Managing and fixing devices in remote and hard-to-reach environments.
• Difficulty with on-site intervention when devices are malfunctioning or powered off.

Allxon Solution:

• Allxon's agent integration with the ICR platform empowers the ICR router with OOB management capabilities.
• This allows for seamless remote power control through a user-friendly interface, even when devices are powered off or malfunctioning.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Control: Ensures smooth software operation without the need for on-site intervention.
• Increased Reliability: Reduces downtime and maintenance costs by enabling quick fixes from any location.
• Improved Manageability: Enhances the reliability and manageability of customer services, especially in challenging environments.

System Diagram:

Ground tracking station – Cloud Serial Console via RS-232

The ground tracking station utilizes Allxon's "Cloud Serial Console via RS-232" feature to tackle remote troubleshooting and hardware setting adjustments, ensuring uninterrupted operations without the need on-site intervention. The ICR-3241 industrial cellular router, equipped with a serial interface and Allxon Service Inside,  allows users to connect to a serial port from anywhere, simulating a local connection for secure remote access to critical system components. This capability enables users to remotely access the BIOS for troubleshooting and resetting hardware, ensuring timely issue resolution.

Challenges:

• Need for remote troubleshooting and hardware settings adjustment.
• Need for ground tracking station to remain operational without on-site intervention.

Allxon Solution:

• The "Cloud Serial Console via RS-232" feature introduced by Allxon allows users to connect to a serial port from anywhere for remote troubleshooting.
• The solution simulates a local serial port connection, enabling secure and remote access to critical systems.

Benefits:

• Remote Troubleshooting: Provides remote access to BIOS for troubleshooting and resetting hardware settings from any location.
• Operational Continuity: Ensures the system remains operational without the need for on-site maintenance.

Conclusion

The successful integration of Allxon's OOB management solution with Advantech's ICR cellular routers underscores the effectiveness of customizable software applications in enhancing device management. This collaboration has resulted in a robust solution that minimizes on-site interventions, reduces downtime, and improves the manageability and reliability of services, particularly in challenging and remote environments. Advantech ICR cellular routers, equipped with versatile Router Apps, continue to meet diverse application needs, demonstrating their value in modern, complex, and evolving vertical market scenarios.