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Ubuntu IXagent

  • Updated
Supported hardware
Latest version Supported OS Supported protocols
for Live data, Historical data, and Alarming
0.1.15
(May 2022)		 (Distributions based on)
Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04 64-bit (amd64)		 BACnet/IP
Modbus
OPC-UA
Plain-text TCP

In this article you will be guided through the steps of connecting your Ubuntu system or Ubuntu distribution directly to the IXON Cloud using the IXagent, without requiring additional hardware in the form of the IXrouter, allowing you to remotely access it as if you are on-site.

If you wish to remotely access more devices than just the Ubuntu system, like an HMI or servo drive, take a look at the IXrouter instead of the IXagent.

Prepare the Ubuntu system

The Ubuntu system needs to be prepared to use the IXagent.

  1. Make sure that the Ubuntu system has an internet connection.

Install the IXagent

Once the Ubuntu system has an internet connection, you're ready to continue.

  1. Contact your IXON account manager or IXON distributor and request the Ubuntu IXagent package and an IXagent activation license.
  2. Copy the IXagent package onto the Ubuntu system and unzip it.
  3. On the Ubuntu system, open Terminal.
  4. Go to the folder where the IXagent package was unzipped.
  5. Run the following commands to install the IXagent. You will receive an error message after executing the first command. That message can be ignored, because the third command will fix the issue. 
    sudo dpkg -i ixagent-*.deb 
    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get install -f --fix-missing
  6. Enable the IXagent: 
    sudo systemctl enable ixagent
  7. Start the IXagent: 
    sudo systemctl start ixagent

Register and activate the IXagent

To access your machine remotely, you'll need to register and activate the IXagent.

  1. In the IXON Cloud, go to the Portal.
  2. Open the account menu in the top right corner and copy the Company ID.
    Account
  3. Go back to the Terminal on the Ubuntu system.
  4. Run the following command to register the IXagent to the IXON Cloud. Replace COMPANY_ID with your company ID:
    ixagent-register.sh COMPANY_ID

The IXagent will now register to the IXON Cloud, where it needs to be activated.

  1. In the IXON Cloud, go to Fleet Manager > Devices.
  2. Click on the New device to activate it with your license code. If you do not yet have an IXagent license code, contact your IXON account manager or IXON distributor.
    IXagent_activation.png

Update LAN settings

Updating the online LAN settings to match the local IP address of the Ubuntu system will enable you to remotely connect to your Ubuntu system using its local IP address.

  1. Go to Fleet Manager > Devices and click on your device name.
  2. In the left menu, go to Network > LAN.
  3. Under Router LAN IP, enter the Ubuntu system's local IP address.
    • Note that the IXagent does not function as a router. You can remotely only access the Ubuntu system on which the IXagent is installed

Install the BACnet multiplexer

If you are going to use Live data, Historical data, or Alarming with the BACnet/IP protocol, it is required to install the BACnet multiplexer service.

  1. On the Ubuntu system, open Terminal.
  2. Go to the folder where the IXagent package was unzipped.
  3. Run the following command to install the BACnet multiplexer service: 
    sudo dpkg -i bacnet-service-*.deb
  4. Enable the service: 
    sudo systemctl enable bacnet-service
  5. Start the service: 
    sudo systemctl start bacnet-service

What's next?

The Ubuntu system is now set up and ready. You can: