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Version: 8.6.0

How does the hardware redundancy for Sitemanager v2 work?

This guide explains the setup of redundancy between two hardware Sitemanagers v2. A Main Sitemanager is periodically replicated to a second Sitemanager (Spare) and can automatically take over in case of a failure.

Prerequisites​

  • Two hardware Sitemanagers v2.
  • Both Sitemanagers must have the same software version installed.
  • A KentixONE plan "L" or higher.
  • The license must be activated on the Main Sitemanager.
  • The Sitemanager operating as the main device (hereinafter "Main") must have an active connection to the Kentix Cloud to utilize all features.
  • A second Sitemanager (hereinafter "Spare") is required.
  • An SD card must be inserted in both the Main and Spare Sitemanager.
info

The redundancy function appears in the dashboard under "Add device" as its own tile/category "Redundancy." This is used to integrate the spare Sitemanager into the system.

Overview​

Once the Spare is successfully added, all operational data (e.g., databases, users, groups, camera images, etc.) will be initially transferred to the spare device within 1–15 minutes and then updated periodically.

If the Main Sitemanager fails (power outage, hardware defect, etc.), the Sitemanager learned as Spare will automatically take over the system. It will then be accessible as the new main device under its configured network address (LAN 1). From this point on, all functions will be visible and configurable as usual – as if it were the previously failed Main.

Step-by-step guide​

1. Activate KentixONE Large license in the existing system​

Ensure the Large license is active in the system, as it is required for redundancy.

2. Verify network (LAN 1)​

Ensure both Sitemanagers are accessible over LAN 1 in the same network.

3. Establish Failover Line (LAN 2)​

Connect the two devices additionally indirectly via LAN 2. This connection serves as a redundancy/replication line ("Failover Line").

warning

There must be a switch/router between both devices. The devices must not be connected directly, for example via a cross-over cable.

4. Run the installation wizard on the Spare​

Start the installation wizard for redundancy on the Spare Sitemanager.

5. Configure Ethernet Port 2​

Configure the second network connection on both Sitemanagers under
Configuration -> Network -> Settings -> Ethernet Port 2 so that both devices have a static IP and are in the same subnet.

6. Teach-in Spare ​

Teach in the Spare to the Main as a normal device via "Add Device."

warning

Enter the static address of LAN 2 of the Spare – not its LAN 1 address.

tip

Perform a functionality test after setup (e.g., disconnect the failover line) to check the automatic takeover.

Tips & Tricks​

  • Operational data is transmitted to the second Sitemanager via the so-called Failover Line. This connection also checks whether the Main is still "alive."
  • If the "red lifeline" (Failover Line) is interrupted, the Spare takes over the system – regardless of whether the main Sitemanager actually has a hardware failure or not.
  • If only the normal network connection is interrupted, the Spare does not take over. A connection alarm simply appears on the Main after some time.
  • The spare Sitemanager takes over the system as soon as it has not received any messages from the main over the failover line for three consecutive minutes.
  • After the spare reconfigures itself, it also reconfigures all satellites that were previously learned on the old main Sitemanager so that they are now configurable via the former spare Sitemanager and send their measurement data to it.
  • If the LAN 2 address of the Spare Sitemanager is changed after the installation wizard, the device must be restarted.

Troubleshooting​

  • No connection? Check all cables.
  • Verify that the respective LAN 2 port is configured so that both devices can detect each other.
  • Both Sitemanagers must have the same firmware version.
  • Check the SD cards.
  • The Failover Line MUST use LAN 2.
  • No log entry after teaching in, indicating redundancy is active? Trigger the sync manually.
  • After the Spare takes over, connections with satellites show warnings? The Spare might not be able to take over if there is no connection to them over LAN 1.
  • A Docker Sitemanager CANNOT be used as a redundancy Sitemanager.
  • A hardware Sitemanager CANNOT serve as a redundancy system for a Docker Sitemanager.
  • After restarting any of the devices, it may take up to a minute for redundancy to be active again (a logbook entry will indicate when redundancy is active again).

Glossary​

  • Main Sitemanager – The normal Sitemanager in a Kentix system.
  • Spare Sitemanager – The spare Sitemanager that takes over the system if the Main Sitemanager fails.
  • Failover Line – Redundant connection between the two Sitemanagers. It is used for file transfer between Main and Spare and for the Spare to detect the failure of the Main.