In some cases, it can be helpful to find the AIS receiver on the network to access the device. This could be to check if the device is reachable or to use additional features, like those available with Raspberry Pi devices (E.g., SLR450Ni), where a dashboard provides useful functions. For older devices (E.g. R400N/SLR350N), there's usually nothing to do as they don't offer extra features and are already configured before shipping. There are different ways to find the IP, so check the described methods to find the best one for you.
DHCP
This method doesn't require any external tools, but it does require some knowledge about your network and your network router.
Every device on the network is assigned an IP address by the DHCP server. So, this server knows which device has which IP address. Usually, the DHCP server is a feature integrated into your network router. Therefore, you can access your router and try to find out the corresponding IP address there.
Since there are many different types of network routers, a comprehensive guide cannot be provided here. However, the basic steps are as follows:
1. Enter the IP address of your network router (Gateway) into your web browser.
2. Log in to your network router and look for the DHCP or Network Overview function.
3. Typically, there is a list that shows you which devices are connected and which IP addresses they have received. There, you can identify the correct IP using the MAC address on the device casing.
Network IP Scanner
There are many different free tools available on the market. Depending on your operating system, here are a few recommendations that can be used for this purpose. Any other software that you already know or prefer to use will do the same. Always be careful about the software you download onto your device, as there is also untrustworthy software out there, or it may come from compromised sources.
The functionality is relatively similar. Your network is scanned for devices, and the software attempts to find and display available information, making it easy to locate the corresponding device. Ensure that your device is on the same network as the AIS receiver when you perform the search.
The programs we present here had very good reviews at the time of testing and there were no indications of any issues. They were easy to use without massive advertising, and no subscription or similar was necessary to use the app. The software can be found through a simple search in the search engine you use or in the corresponding store.
Advanced IP Scanner (Windows)
You can start the software as a portable version and do not need to install it fully. After installing and starting it, click on "Scan" and wait for the search to complete. Now, you will have an overview of all devices in your network, and you can identify the receiver by the MAC address.
Advanced IP Scanner view |
LanScan (Mac)
After installing the "LanScan" App (App Store), start it. Click on "Start LanScan" and wait for the search to complete. Now, you can check the overview for the receiver.
LanScan view |
Network Analyzer (iPhone, Android)
After installing the "Network Analyzer" App (App Store, Play Store), start it.
Go to the "LAN" section in the menu at the bottom and tap on "Scan." Wait until the network scan is complete and check the overview of the devices.
Unfortunately, the display is limited on Apple devices because the MAC address can no longer be evaluated after an iOS update. Here, the 7-character designation of letters and numbers can help. However, on Android, you can still use the MAC address as usual.
Network Analyzer, iPhone view |
Tips
Search for the receiver using the MAC address on the receiver or the 7-character designation of letters and numbers. Older devices may be shown as "Digi" in the list. Raspberry Pi is also a good indicator for finding the device.
If the device is not easily identifiable, you can enter the listed and unclear IP addresses into the browser and see when the desired page opens.
An easier way is to note down which devices or IP addresses were found and then disconnect or power off the receiver from the network. The device that is no longer found during the search is most likely the receiver you are looking for.