This guide applies to new installations or recovery after long-term inactivity.

The GRIDview Cloud connection provides a robust back-end connection which authenticates differently than the Open ADR server. As a second line of communication, GRIDview connects  in most cases when the Utility’s server sometimes fails to to do so. How each server connects or doesn’t connect provides vital information on where the problem lies.

All GRIDlinks are 100% QA tested which includes maintaining a connection to GRIDview and a certified Open ADR test server for more than 5 days prior to shipment.

There are 2 cases can determine where the problem lies if you follow the instructions.

Tip

GRIDlinks come from the factory set for DHCP and should work on any network. It is recommended to connect it on your office network prior to installation. This will be the best indication there is a network problem at the job-site rather a problem with GRIDlink.

Case 1

GRIDlink is OFF LINE with both the Utility’s Server ( VTN ) and with GRIDview

Connection to the Network

Check the GRIDlink and see that the PWR, 100, and ACT LED are all illuminated. If 100 and ACT are OFF, then check your CAT5e cable and physical connection to the GRIDlink Ethernet port.

DHCP

If the GRIDlink is set up for DHCP, it might need to be power cycled in order to renew the lease.  This would be indicated by the Power LED blinking which should be solid.

Static IP

If the GRIDlink was given a Static IP, perhaps the information was entered incorrectly through the Tool Kit or the IP to MAC Address binding in the network Router does not agree with the GRIDlink’s configured network settings. This would be indicated by the Power LED blinking as well. Re-check all settings.

Network Router

Router Settings have changed

If the GRIDlink is using DHCP and the router assigned an IP address which is paired to the MAC address (called IP to MAC Address binding). Check for changes in the router.

DNS Settings

The router has a special DNS server which restricts DNS resolution to both servers’ URLs. Check with the IT Manager.

White Lists

If “white lists” are utilized then both domains (GRIDview and the VTN) should be included. Check with the IT Manager.

Internet Connection

If the local area network connection is OK, you should test to make sure there is an Internet connection. See more here …

Case 2
GRIDlink is OFF LINE with the Utility’s Server ( VTN ) and ON LINE with GRIDview

The problem is most likely the Utility’s VTN server connection.

  • This is indicated by the DO4 LED not illuminating.
  • If there have changes to any configurations since the GRIDlink was shipped, check the ini file within the GRIDlink that holds the URL, user name & password to the VTN was correctly configured.
  • The VTN has changed it’s SSL security file which will require a change in the GRIDlink certification to reconnect. This is more associated with 2.0b implementations
  • It is possible there is maintenance being done on the server.
  • In some cases a reboot might be required from GRIDview or power cycle locally.
  • Content filtering in the firewall where the VTN’s IP may need to be white-listed.
  • The network DNS server does not recognize the VTN’s URL so cannot resolve the IP address

If logs detect continuous restarts of the VEN Client then see https://gridlinktechnology.info/adr-client-aborts-or-restarts-continuously/