How is Access to the LightRules Appliance Controlled?
The LightRules Appliance (LRA) is a closed embedded Linux system, running on a compact industrial appliance in a “headless” mode. Digital Lumens also offers a 1U rack-mounted server-grade hardware option for larger installations. The LRA software architecture is built around a stable Gentoo Linux distribution, set up as a dedicated server. System updates are applied to this base system.
It is helpful to think of the LRA as two different computers because there are two different Network Interface Cards (NICs). One NIC controls communications on the lighting network and the other is designed to be connected to the enterprise network. As a web application, LightRules listens for web traffic on both the NICs.
Additionally, the LRA comes configured with an internal firewall enabled to continuously characterize network traffic and prevent unauthorized access. The firewall is configured to support inbound traffic only — internal gateways and switches cannot be compelled to solicit outside connections.
The only user access to the LRA is via the LightRules web application running on the LRA. Through a browser running on a computer connected to the enterprise network, the user can login to a password-protected LightRules account to access and modify lighting network settings.
