Control Network Newsletter

BAScloudVPN Remote Monitoring Service on Display at AHR Expo

January 2014 - Contemporary Controls' BAScloudVPN remote monitoring service will be on display at AHR Expo booth #239. The BAScloudVPN service provides simple, secure, remote access for system integrators to check in remotely and view what is happening at job sites. This can save system integrators time and resources from not having to send technicians to job sites for every customer problem that occurs. The service can be also be used in other ways however, remote access to job sites is the most popular use of the BAScloudVPN service.

A cloud-based VPN server, the BAScloudVPN server, hosted by Contemporary Controls provides the critical connection between two VPN clients - one installed on the system integrator's PC and the other permanently installed on Contemporary Controls' VPN router, the EIPR-V, located at a remote location. Using this approach, two secure VPN tunnels are created with no concern for intervening firewalls. Contemporary Controls hosts the cloud-based BAScloudVPNServer on the Internet.

Additional advantages system integrators appreciate using the BAScloudVPN service include secure communications, cost effectiveness, OpenVPN compatibility, numerous usability scenarios flexibility, reliability and performance.

Remote Access to Job Sites
By reducing travel times, system integrators can successfully address their customers' equipment and systems issues sooner, which significantly increases productivity, customer satisfaction, and reduces travel related expenses. With a laptop, BAScloudVPN service and EIPR-V router, remote, secure connections can be made from anywhere and at any time. Addressing customer issues can be done sooner before possible escalation and at 24/7.

Secure Communications
BAScloudVPN supports authentication with the use of certificates. This means that - before mutual trust is established - the EIPR-V and PCs must authenticate using the BAScloudVPN certificate and the BAScloudVPN must authenticate the certificates contained in these devices. The BAScloudVPN service creates secure communication tunnels utilizing encryption. A VPN tunnel encrypts TCP/IP communications so sensitive messages are secure when sent over the Internet. Between the VPN client and server, only authorized devices can communicate over the VPN. The use of encryption protocols and authentication helps secure the data that is traveling over the VPN channel which can provide more protection than Internet connections at home or office buildings.

Cost Effectiveness
The main purpose of a VPN is to supply a low cost, secure connection between remote locations. By using a VPN you can access local area networks (LANs) over the Internet for a fraction of the cost of traditional remote access solutions. And with the BAScloudVPN service there is no capital investment in resident VPN servers. Also, the service provides free downloading of OpenVPN Windows PC client software.

OpenVPN Compatibility and Usability Applications
Any Windows PC, MAC, Linux PC, Android device or iOS device can run the open source OpenVPN client software. All that is needed is an account on the server in order to utilize the BAScloudVPN service. The OpenVPN client can be downloaded from OpenVPN.net or, for Android devices, via the Google playstore or, for iOS devices, via the Apple App Store. This allows many devices to be able to access the BAScloudVPN. Users can benefit from utilizing the following usability scenarios.

• Building Automation System Cellular and Wired Remote Access
• Remote Access to JACE Using Wired and Cellular Connection
• Using Wi-Fi on EIPR-V With a Wired Internet Connection
• Using BAScloudVPN to Interconnect Multiple Facilities
• Using BAScloudVPN to Interconnect Multiple JACES
• Infrastructure for a Protected Multi-building Niagara/BACnet System

For detailed information on these scenarios, please view our BAScloudVPN Application Guide by clicking the following link BAScloudVPN product page.

Flexibility, Reliability and Performance
Our BAScloudVPN service provides anytime access and greater flexibility with high performance technology that best suit the current performance and security needs of its users. Using a VPN service there should be little or no impact on performance. In fact, performance may actually improve. Network efficiency generally increases after a VPN solution is installed, such as the BAScloudVPN remote monitoring service.

Contemporary Controls BAScloudVPN remote monitoring service includes cellular routers, (EIPR-V wireless router recommended), hosting the Cloud-based VPN server and recommending a data plan from a cellular provider.

Visit with us at booth #239 at the AHR Expo to learn more about our BAScloudVPN remote monitoring service.