Table of content:
Overview
Network interface(s) (NICs) on an Arcules-enabled gateway can be configured either locally through the gateway's console or remotely via the Arcules web portal. From either method, you can set each available NIC to use DHCP or a static IP address, depending on your network requirements.
Note: By default, the gateway is set to obtain an IP address via DHCP. If this meets your network standards, no further configuration is needed.
Multiple NIC Configurations
This feature supports configuring multiple network interfaces (NICs) for different network roles. A common use case is improving security by separating Internet-facing devices from non-Internet-facing devices, such as a dedicated camera network.
Example configuration:
Primary NIC: Internet-facing network
Secondary NIC: Isolated camera network, with or without Internet access
Note: The roles of the NICs are flexible - either NIC can be assigned to the Internet-facing or isolated network based on your network requirements.
An example of this configuration is shown in the Recommended Network Architectures article (Recommendation 1).
Limitations
The Multiple NIC Configuration currently does not support the following use cases:
Load Balancing
Redundant Connections/Failover
Custom metrics or advanced routing
Best practices
When a secondary NIC is configured - particularly on a non-Internet-facing or isolated network - the Default Gateway field must be left empty to prevent routing conflicts. The default gateway determines which network interface the system uses to reach external networks, such as the Internet.
Configuring a default gateway on the secondary NIC may result in the following issues:
Send Internet-bound traffic to the wrong NIC: The system may attempt to route external traffic through the isolated network, resulting in connectivity failures.
Create routing instability or ambiguity: Multiple gateways can cause the OS to unpredictably choose different paths for outbound traffic, and NICs on different subnets may cause misrouting or inconsistent application behavior.
Cause asymmetric routing or split-brain issues: Responses to outgoing requests may return via a different NIC, which some firewalls or routers could drop, leading to intermittent connectivity.
Disrupt portal access, updates, or cloud communication: The gateway for the isolated network will not lead to the Internet, causing these services to fail.
Even if both NICs have Internet access, setting a default gateway on the secondary NIC can still cause misrouting.
Additional guidance
DHCP: When using DHCP, it is generally advised to create a DHCP reservation for the gateway to ensure consistent network connectivity.
Supportive documents:
Configuring the NIC at the Gateway's Console
The gateway's console can be used to configure network interface(s) (NICs) at any time. This method requires a monitor and USB keyboard connected to the gateway.
Two common scenarios include:
During the initial gateway setup: When special network settings are required for the gateway to gain network and Internet access.
After the initial setup: If network requirements change, leaving the gateway offline in the Arcules web portal.
Monitor Requirements
Small Form Factor and Micro Form Factor Gateways: HDMI or DisplayPort (Depending on physical model of the Arcules gateway appliance)
Rack Mount Gateways: VGA
Configuration
When a monitor and USB keyboard are connected to the gateway, the console output should appear as illustrated below.
Illustration - Primary NIC (DHCP).
Illustration - Secondary NIC (Static).
From this screen, press F2 to access the IP Configuration menu.
Illustration - The IP Configuration menu.
On this screen, the following fields can be configured:
Note: For fields that offer a selection list (e.g., Select NIC and Configure IPv4), press Enter or the Down (↓) key to view available options. Use Tab to move between fields.
Select NIC: Choose the network interface (NIC) to configure.
Configure IPv4: Select the IP assignment method for the selected NIC.
Automatic (DHCP): The selected NIC obtains an IP address automatically from a DHCP server.
Manual (Static): Assign a static IP address to the selected NIC.
IP Address: The IP address for the selected NIC (e.g.,
###.###.###.###).DHCP: Greyed out.
Static: Enter your static IP address.
Network CIDR: The subnet for the selected NIC in CIDR notation (e.g.,
###.###.###.###/##).DHCP: Greyed out.
Static: Enter the network in CIDR format.
Example: If your IP address is
192.168.0.50with subnet mask255.255.255.0, enter192.168.0.0/24.
Default Gateway: The default gateway address for the selected NIC (e.g.,
###.###.###.###).DHCP: Greyed out.
Static: Enter the IP address of the default gateway.
DNS Servers: The DNS servers assigned to the NIC.
DHCP: Leave this empty.
Static: Enter your DNS servers’ IP addresses. Multiple servers can be separated by commas with no spaces (e.g.,
8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4,192.168.0.1).
Verify Connection: Verify Internet connectivity.
Default: Checked. The system confirms network connectivity with the new configuration before applying changes. If connectivity fails, the previous configuration or DHCP is restored.
Unchecked: The configuration is applied immediately, which may cause the gateway or NIC to go offline.
Save: Apply the network configuration to the selected NIC.
❗️When a secondary NIC is configured - particularly on a non-Internet-facing or isolated network - the Default Gateway field must be left empty to prevent routing conflicts. Visit the Best practices section above for more information.
Examples
Illustration - Primary NIC set to DHCP.
Illustration - Secondary NIC set to Static IP address (no default gateway and DNS servers specified).
Once complete, press F1 to return to the main status screen. The IP Configuration displayed will cycle through the network interfaces configured on the system.
Configuring the NIC within the Arcules Web Portal
The Arcules web portal can be used to configure network interface(s) (NICs) after the gateway has been successfully added to an organization and is in an Online state. This allows administrators to manage network settings remotely without requiring physical access to the gateway.
Common scenarios include:
Maintenance: Updating network settings when changes are required for the gateway to maintain network and Internet connectivity.
Configuring a secondary NIC: For example, connecting the gateway to an isolated camera network. (Please see Multiple NIC Configurations and Best practices for more information)
Configuration
Once logged in to the portal, navigate to the Devices page.
From this page, select the gateway to be maintained and open the device properties.
Illustration - Gateway properties.
The Connection section shows each network interface (NIC) in the gateway and its current configuration.
To make changes, click the name of the NIC you want to modify.
On this screen, the following fields can be configured:
With Automatic (DHCP) selected:
Automatic (DHCP): The selected NIC obtains an IP address automatically from a DHCP server.
Manual (Static): Assign a static IP address to the selected NIC.
Cancel: Discard the network configuration on the selected NIC.
Save: Apply the network configuration to the selected NIC.
With Manual (Static) selected:
IP Address: Enter your static IP address for the selected NIC (e.g.,
###.###.###.###).Network CIDR: Enter the network in CIDR format for the selected NIC in CIDR notation (e.g.,
###.###.###.###/##).Example: If your IP address is
192.168.0.50with subnet mask255.255.255.0, enter192.168.0.0/24.
Default Gateway: Enter the IP address of the default gateway for the selected NIC (e.g.,
###.###.###.###).DNS Servers: Enter your DNS servers’ IP addresses. Multiple servers can be separated by commas with no spaces (e.g.,
8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4,192.168.0.1) for the selected NIC.Cancel: Discard the network configuration on the selected NIC.
Save: Apply the network configuration to the selected NIC.
❗️When a secondary NIC is configured - particularly on a non-Internet-facing or isolated network - the Default Gateway field must be left empty to prevent routing conflicts. Visit the Best practices section above for more information.
Examples:
Illustration - Primary NIC set to DHCP.
Illustration - Secondary NIC set to Static IP address (no default gateway and DNS servers specified).
After clicking Save, the network interface’s configuration is transmitted to the gateway. Status updates will be displayed as the change is applied, including confirmation of a successful update.