Learning about Device Management

Device Management is the Ambiance module where you configure encoders and, when licensed for online communication, work with the devices that support online communication.

Encoders

An encoder is the embedded device used to encode physical keys with configuration data from Ambiance. Before you can encode or read a physical key, you must connect and configure at least one encoder. Encoders that have been configured in Ambiance are listed in Device Management > Encoders with the current status (offline, online or Unsupported configuration), firmware type and communication mode (TCP/IP or USB).

Ambiance supports the following:

  • dormakaba RFID Encoder I—Legacy encoders. Unsupported configuration for enhanced security mode.
  • dormakaba RFID Encoder II—Required for enhanced security mode and all cloud deployments. The part number 75720 displays on the underside of the encoder.

For the latest supported firmware versions, refer to the product release notes.

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites are automatically met during initial Ambiance installation:

  • The Ambiance Client is installed on the workstation.
  • The Ambiance Client service is started.
  • The Ambiance Client configuration file is automatically configured with the correct IP address.

USB connection method

The encoder must be connected via USB cable to the workstation. You must configure an encoder for each workstation used to encode and read physical keys. Multiple workstations can share the same encoder.

TCP/IP connection method

The encoder must be connected via USB cable to the workstation for the initial configuration.

TCP/IP encoders communicate directly with the Ambiance Server (not with workstations) via LAN cable. You only need to configure the encoder once to use with multiple workstations. The encoder must be connected to the local network to be online.

If you change the connection method to TCP/IP after saving the initial configuration, you must reinitialize the encoder (unplug/replug).

Registered gateways and paired access points

Gateways are the network devices which are paired to access points for online communication to perform remote operations and receive access point events. After commissioning and connecting gateways to the Ambiance Server, the devices are listed in Device Management. When a gateway status is Online, access points can be paired. Multiple gateways can be connected to Ambiance, but an access point can be paired with only one gateway. For more information about working with online communication, see the Ambiance User Guide.

Maintenance Unit

The M-Unit (Maintenance Unit) is a hand-held embedded device used to transfer data between Ambiance and the locks installed at access points. The device is used to program and audit locks.

The following M-Unit supported:

  • M-Unit Saflok HH6 NFC–Wireless connection supported. Required for enhanced security mode.
  • M-Unit Saflok HH6–Legacy device. Requires cable connection.

M-Unit authentication is enabled by default but can be disabled in System Settings > Security. When authentication is enabled, M-Unit credentials must be configured for at least one Operator in Staff Management.

When enhanced security mode is enabled, M-Unit authentication is required, and the M-Unit security password (displayed at System Settings > Security > Enhanced Security Mode) is required to program access points. When Enhanced Security Mode is enabled, the M-Unit is site-specific. Using the M-Unit at a different site requires a factory reset.

The type of probe used to connect the M-Unit to locks depends on the lock model.

The M-Unit connects to the workstation using a serial connector.

For additional information about the M-Unit, refer to the documentation distributed with your device.