Talk2M pro

Why choose the Talk2M Pro cloud service?

• Secure remote access via Ewon routers
• Suitable for industrial remote connections with an emphasis on access control and security
• 5 simultaneous VPN connections to Ewon routers in the basic package
• Option to increase the number of concurrent VPN connections, payable from credit
• Unlimited mobile access via M2Web or eCatcher Mobile
• Advanced management of users, permissions and access to individual routers
• Prepaid credit for the basic service for 1 year; further usage reduces the remaining period

Comparison of Talk2M Free, Talk2M Light and Talk2M Pro

• Talk2M Free - one concurrent VPN connection for the entire account
• Talk2M Light - 2 users can be connected to Ewon routers simultaneously under a single account
• Talk2M Pro - five VPN connections included as standard, with the option to expand and advanced access management

When should you choose Talk2M Pro?

Talk2M Free can be used free of charge for 12 months from the date of registering a new Ewon device to your account. Registering another new device will start a new twelve-month period. If 12 months have elapsed since the last registration, you must either register a new device or switch to the paid Light or Pro plan.

Talk2M pro (TM50041) is suitable for businesses for whom the free version is no longer sufficient free nor a more cost-effective option light. It is particularly suitable where several technicians connect to Ewon routers simultaneously, where access needs to be managed according to users and roles, or where a large number of remote installations need to be managed.

The basic Talk2M Pro plan includes 5 simultaneous VPN connections, an unlimited number of mobile connections, 20 GB of VPN traffic, 10 million DataMailbox data points and 50 SMS messages per month. VPN usage and DataMailbox uploads exceeding the included allowance are charged against your credit. Unused monthly allowances are not carried over to the following month. Monitor current rates and usage in the ‘Credit & Contract’ section.

The number of concurrent VPN connections can be increased with the Pro plan. Additional connections and services used are charged from the prepaid balance in accordance with the current account terms and conditions. To top up this balance, use additional Talk2M Pro credit TM50042; set the required extension in eCatcher or discuss it with FOXON.

When the limit is reached 50 SMS messages per month it is possible top up with more SMS credit.

Example of use

A machine manufacturer needs to separate access for its own service team and that of its international partners. In the Pro plan, it divides users into groups and routers into device groups (Pools). Each team is granted access only to designated installations. The number of technicians connected simultaneously is still governed by the capacity of the entire account.

Remote data acquisition via Talk2M

The Flexy router can collect and store operational data. Using DataMailbox and the Talk2M API, you can transfer this data to a downstream system for monitoring, alarm evaluation or your own application.

• DataMailbox - temporary storage of historical data sent from the Flexy router
• DMWeb API - an interface for reading data stored in DataMailBox and transferring it to higher-level systems
• M2Web portal - web-based access to real-time readings and devices without the need to install a VPN client
• M2Web API - an interface for reading selected values and connecting your own applications or dashboards

Select the method of data collection and transmission based on the supported functions of the specific router and the requirements of the target application.

Availability and Talk2M cloud infrastructure

The paid version includes an SLA, i.e. the contractual terms and conditions governing service availability. Specific commitments and their scope are governed by the applicable Talk2M terms and conditions; these may vary for individual services.

Talk2M servers primarily provide connectivity between Ewon routers and users. It is therefore a cloud infrastructure for remote access, not a general data hosting service for user applications.

How does the Talk2M connection work?

The Ewon router on the machine side and the service computer connect to the Talk2M cloud service. After logging in, the technician selects a specific router and accesses authorised devices on its network via VPN.

Both the router and the computer establish an outbound connection to Talk2M. UDP 1194 or TCP 443 is used for VPN; HTTPS communication uses TCP 443. Neither a public IP address nor port forwarding for incoming traffic is required for standard connections. The IT administrator must enable the necessary outbound communication in accordance with Talk2M’s network requirements.

Create a personalised access account for each technician and enable multi-factor authentication. Configure the scope of access to devices behind the router according to service role and network configuration. For advanced organisation of users and routers into groups with different permissions, choose Talk2M Pro.

Connection mode

An Ewon router can be connected to the Talk2M service permanently or only when required. The connection can be activated, for example, by a service intervention, a digital input or according to a scheduled task. Once the task is complete, the router can be disconnected again.

User access

eCatcher for Windows is used to connect a local programming or diagnostic tool to the PLC. Portal M2Web It allows you to use supported device websites and access remote screens via VNC or RDP in your browser. Mobile access is also provided by eCatcher Mobile for Android and iOS.

Secure remote access in industry

Secure service requires technicians to have their own accounts, multi-factor authentication, appropriate permissions and isolation of the network being serviced. Recommendations for wiring design can be found in article on secure remote access.

What do you need for remote access via Talk2M?

• Industrial Ewon router connected to the internet via LAN, Wi-Fi or a mobile connection
• Created account in the cloud service Talk2M
• A computer or mobile device with the app eCatcher, or access via M2Web

The app is used for remote connection eCatcher, which acts as a VPN client and establishes a connection between the user and the Talk2M cloud service. The app is available for computers as well as for devices running Android and iOS.

An Ewon router must be installed on the machine or production line (for example Cosy+ or Flexy). Devices that will later need to be accessed remotely - typically a PLC or HMI panel - are connected to the router.

To connect their service computer directly, the user logs into eCatcher, selects a router and establishes a VPN connection. M2Web is used independently for supported web interfaces and VNC/RDP screens.

How do I create an account on the Talk2M cloud service?

A Talk2M account is created directly within the app eCatcher. After installation, launch the app and click on the option to create an account Talk2M Free+ (1). You will then enter your account name, username, email address and password (2). You will then provide your company details and address, and confirm the terms of service. Once you have confirmed the activation email, your account is ready to use.

How do I add Ewon to my Talk2M account?

To add an Ewon router to your account, you need to connect to the device, for example using the eBuddy tool, and go through Quick Launch Wizard, i.e. the basic configuration guide. In it, you will set the router’s name and password (1), internet connection (2) and finally, use the activation key from eCatcher to pair the router with your Talk2M account (3).

How do I connect remotely to a machine using an Ewon router?

Once you have registered the router with your Talk2M account, simply run the programme on your computer eCatcher and log in with your account. Then select the relevant Ewon router and click the button Connect (1). Once a VPN connection has been established, you can connect to the device using the relevant software or via the web interface by entering its IP address.

Account limits and service usage

Concurrent VPN connections and included monthly data allowances are calculated for the entire account, not for each router individually.

Visualisation and centralised updates

The Pro plan includes Talk2M Visualisation for displaying historical data collected by the Flexy router and transferred to DataMailbox. It also offers centralised firmware management for the Cosy+ series. This feature does not generally apply to all Ewon routers.

DataMailbox counts individual recorded values over time, i.e. data points. A volume of 10 million points per month does not mean 10 million different PLC variables.

Guides and corporate IT access authorisation

Set up the initial connection, user permissions and network requirements for your IT. FOXON will help you choose a tariff and configure the settings.