Network Setup

AutoHTN requires the IP address of the computer with xPLHal installed on it in order to communicate with a home theater network. The Menu\Configure\Network Settings configuration screen is where the computer's URL and port number is entered. If AutoHTN is used only at home, then the URL address would be the local IP address of the computer with xPLHal is installed. This IP address typically starts with 192.186.0.xxx with the xxx being a number specific to the local computer. Adding a local static IP address to the computer with xPLHal installed is recommended, and will keep a router from randomly changing the computer’s IP address.

Some more router configuration is needed if AutoHTN is to work outside a local home network. AutoHTN will need to have an IP address of the home network (not the same as the computer's local IP address) in order to send commands and receive status.

Internet service providers typically give out dynamic IP addresses to their users. Since dynamic addresses change, a free service such no-ip.com or dyndns.org can be used to keep track of changing IP addresses. No-ip.com and dyndns.org will give a URL such as htn.dyndns.org which will become the address of the home network. Enter the address no-ip.com or dyndns.org gives into the URL input in AutoHTN’s network settings.

The router will also need to be setup to provide noip.com or dyndns.org with IP updates. For example, a D-link DI-624 router’s DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) configuration page is pictured below:

Most new and older routers will have a dynamic DNS option. The D-Link router pictured above is over four years old. Make sure to check the router’s user manual.

Configuring the router to allow port forwarding is also a requirement for AutoHTN to work. Port forwarding will open up a router’s port to allow AutoHTN’s commands and status signals to get through, and then forward the commands to the correct computer on the local network. Port 3865 will need to be opened up to allow xPL commands through. For example, the way to configure port forwarding on a D-Link DI-624 router is pictured below.

The private IP address is the local IP address of the computer with xPLHal installed. The protocol type needs to be set to both UDP and TCP, and the private port needs to be set to 3865. For a security bonus, set the public port number to an open port number (generally, you’ll be OK if you pick any number over 3000). The router will automatically direct the public port to the 3865 private port. The port number set for the public port is the port number entered in AutoHTN’s network settings. Make sure to check the router’s user manual for detailed instructions.