Network Integration
The Fotokite system and Fotokite API can operate in different network setups depending on your needs. On this page we present supported network configurations.
Choose one of the following network setups and follow the instructions below:
Standalone setup Connect your client device directly to the Ground Station. Select Standalone setup
Integrated setup Connect your client device and one or more Ground Stations to the same local network. Select Integrated setup
A more detailed guide on supported network setups can be found in our user manual in Network Integration and Setup.
Standalone setup
What is a standalone setup?
The Fotokite Ground Station provides its own IP network with DHCP and Internet access via the built-in modem. This network can be accessed by connecting to the Wi-Fi network provided by the Ground Station. It is also possible to connect to the Ground Station network via the Ethernet port on the Ground Station, if it is configured in "Bridged" mode.
When should a standalone setup be used?
This can be used for development and stand-alone deployments. Controlling more than one Sigma system via Ground Station network access is not supported.
Setup
Connect your client device to the Ground Station:
Over Wi-Fi: Connect your client device to the Ground Station Wi-Fi network.
Over Ethernet: Connect your client device over Ethernet with the Ground Station. Make sure the Ethernet port is set to "Bridged" mode in Fotokite Live - System Connect - Advanced Ground Station Settings. Also make sure you pick the correct Ethernet port if you have a Roof Top Box. See Physical Connection
You can now call API endpoints using the following URLs:
Integrated setup
What is the integrated setup?
The Fotokite system can be connected to any local network. Either via Wi-Fi or via ethernet. This network can be, for example a vehicle network, a building/office network or simply a smartphone with an enabled Wi-Fi hotspot.
When should an integrated network setup be used?
We recommend this setup for any deployment that has its own upstream Internet connection. The integrated setup must be used if more than one Fotokite device should be controlled from a single client device.
Using hostname
The Ground Station network will automatically resolve the hostname <gsname>.sigma.fotokite-system.com to the IP address 192.168.2.100, where all Sigma interfaces can be reached.
The Ground Station will issue globally trusted TLS certificates for this domain name, and encrypted communication via HTTPS or RTSPS can be used seamlessly without extra setup. Despite the fully qualified domain name, all communication remains local and an internet connection is not required, apart from initial setup.
Setup
Connect your client device to your local network.
The 192.168.2.X/24 IPv4 subnet is used internally by the Fotokite system. There will be address conflicts if the customer network is configured with an overlapping IP address range. This cannot be changed.
Connect your Fotokite Live tablet to your Ground Station over Wi-Fi. This is required for setup only.
Connect your Ground Station to your local network
Over Wi-Fi: Select your network in Fotokite Live - System Connect - Internet over Wi-Fi.
Over Ethernet: Connect your Ground Station over Ethernet with your local network. Make sure the Ethernet port is set to "NAT (DHCP)" or "NAT (Static)" mode in Fotokite Live - System Connect - Advanced Ground Station Settings.
If "NAT (DHCP)" is selected, the Ground Station will now automatically configure an IP address using DHCP. The IP address will be shown in Advanced Ground Station Settings.
Now you can try to access the API (unencrypted using --insecure) using the displayed IP address shown in Advanced Ground Station Settings (as in the screenshot above).
Setup an encrypted connection The Ground Station will issue globally trusted TLS certificates for the domain name
<gsname>.sigma.fotokite-system.com, and encrypted communication via HTTPS or RTSPS can be used. Despite the fully qualified domain name, all communication remains local and an internet connection is not required, apart from initial setup.Determine your Fotokite system name. You can find it in Fotokite Live > System Connect.
Setup a local hostname binding for <fotokite-system-name>.sigma.fotokite-system.com on your client device or your network router. Usually the easiest is to amend the hosts file Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts MacOS or Linux: /etc/hosts
Now you can try to access the API (encrypted) using the hostname as shown below.
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