Energy consumption via VPN configuration management
First Claim
1. An automation system comprisinga plurality of peripheral devices configured to perform an automation function relating to energy consumption in a facility;
- an automation controller located at the facility in communication with and control of the plurality of peripheral devices via a local IP subnet; and
,an external network resource located remote from the facility and configured to communicate with the automation controller, whereinthe automation controller is configuredto initiate a virtual private network with the external network resource using one of a dynamic network port and a private network port andto exclude the use of the local IP subnet in the virtual private network, andthe external network resource is configured to not initiate a virtual private network with the automation controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automation system including a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility and an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device. An external network resource such as at least a virtual private network server is configured to enable communication with the automation controller. The automation controller is configured, such as by executing virtual private network software, to establish and maintain a secure data link with the virtual private network server and to enable oversight and/or control of the automation controller via the virtual private network server.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An automation system comprising
a plurality of peripheral devices configured to perform an automation function relating to energy consumption in a facility; -
an automation controller located at the facility in communication with and control of the plurality of peripheral devices via a local IP subnet; and
,an external network resource located remote from the facility and configured to communicate with the automation controller, wherein the automation controller is configured to initiate a virtual private network with the external network resource using one of a dynamic network port and a private network port and to exclude the use of the local IP subnet in the virtual private network, and the external network resource is configured to not initiate a virtual private network with the automation controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of managing an automation system comprising:
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providing at least one external network resource including a virtual private network server that is configured to not initiate a virtual private network; implementing an automation system including at least an automation controller configured to control a plurality of peripheral devices that perform automation functions in a facility; configuring the automation controller to initiate a virtual private network with the virtual private network server, wherein configuring includes configuring the automation controller to exclude the use of the local IP subnet in the virtual private network; controlling, by the automation controller, the operation of the automation system; initiating, by the automation controller, a virtual private network with the external network resource; and accessing, via the external network resource, the automation controller to communicate operational information with the automation controller. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification