MAWi Zero - Quick Installation Guide - utilizing HDMI over LAN/Ethernet zero clients

MAWi Zero - Quick Installation Guide - utilizing HDMI over LAN/Ethernet zero clients


MAWi Zero - Quick Installation Guide


Introduction


MAWi Zero is a tool for managing screen displays. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Display unique content on individual screens.
2. Link several screens to show identical content.
3. Design large video walls, either in standard rows and columns or in your own unique and creative layout.

To set it up:

1. Begin with the 'MAWi Server', which acts as the system's control center.
2. Next, add 'MAWi Agents' to PCs or virtual machines linked to the screens you wish to manage.
3. Lastly, 'Zero Clients' connect to these agents online to showcase the desired content.






Please note


1. If you only have one location, you can put both the MAWi Server and MAWi Agent on the same computer.

2. To download the MAWi installer click here


3. Need to check if your computer can run it?
Click here to see the  System Requirements



What to select when you begin installing MAWi:





- Choose "Install MAWi Agent and MAWi Server" if you're using one machine for everything. This is typical for just one location.

- Choose "Install MAWi Server only" if you're putting the server on a different computer than the agent. This is common for setups with several locations and agents.

- Choose "Install MAWi Agent only" if you're setting up the agent on its own computer or for a MAWi Standalone setup.
 

 

 

MAWi Agent installation guide



In MAWi Zero:
- The agent communicates with the Zero Clients through the OSBASE drivers.
- To have these drivers automatically set up, choose: 'Install additional drivers for MAWi Zero'.

Please remember to tick this box! 
Doing this is crucial for the Zero Clients to function correctly.
   
 
      

If you missed checking the box during installation, you can find the OSBASE drivers here.


Use HTTPs Connection 
If you select to use this option, please read the information in this guide.

Additional components
By default, the MAWi Agent will be installed with the additional components:
 – VLC Media Player v3
– PowerPoint Viewer


Location name
You can name the agent according to its actual physical location or leave it blank and it will be name 'Untitled'.

 



You have the option to specify the location's name during installation or adjust it later in the MAWi Agent settings or in the Admin panel of MAWi > Manage System panel.


Installing the MAWi Agent only

If installing only the MAWi Agent component, enter here the IP address or hostname of your MAWi Server and leave the port number on 60668.




Once the installation is completed, you will see this Login screen:


Use your username and password credentials that you set while installing the MAWi Server to login the Agent. 


Supported operating systems
Windows® 10/11 32 or 64bit, Server 2016/19/22
MAWi Agent can run on a PC or a virtual machine (VM) that is connected to one or more monitors.
The monitors can be connected directly or via a multi-display video card, LAN-based zero clients, Android-based devices, Thin Clients, or USB to HDMI adapters. 

Network
Gigabit Ethernet network is recommended for the connection between the MAWi Player and host PC. 
MAWi Agent Connects over the default port no. 60668 to MAWi Server. This port number can be changed.


CPU and RAM
Click here to see the  System Requirements

 


MAWi Server Installation Guide 


MAWi Server runs an IIS Web app and a database that is running over MS SQL Server.



Please note:
In case you have just a single site you can choose to install both, MAWi Server and MAWi Agent, on the same PC or virtual machine.

 

Database

When selecting to install MAWi Server, it will check if the MS SQL Server is installed on the machine.

By default it will install the database on a LocalDB platform but if you untick this option, it will download and install the SQL Server 2019 Express version.

You can also select to install on a remote DB Server. Read more here




Use HTTPS
You can enable the connection to the MAWi Management console and MAWi agent over a secured SSL link. 

In the next step you will have to enter the username and password for the initial setup of the system:



Once the installation is completed, you will see the following page:


It will provide you the URL for logging into the MAWi management console, and the initial username and password configured.


Supported operating systems

Windows® 10/11 64bit PRO or Enterprise, Server 2012 R2, Server 2016, Server 2019, Server 2022

The MAWi Server can be installed on a PC or a VM and can also reside on the same machine with MAWi Agent.

CPU

Intel Dual Core or AMD with similar capabilities. Core i5 of the latest generation is recommended.

If used on a virtual machine, assign at least 2 vCores.
Click here to see the System Hardware Guide

Network

Gigabit Ethernet network is recommended.

Communication with the server-side is done over port 60668

Communication with the client-side is done over port 60669

Those ports can be changed. 

Static IP is recommended.


Others

1. During the installation process, the installer will download the following components from the Internet:

– .NET Framework 3.5

– SQL Server 2014 Express

– Node JS v16

– Web Platform plugin

– Rewrite URL for IIS

Offline installation

In case you wish to install the above components manually please read this guide.

2. In case you’ve installed MAWi Server on Windows 10/11 OS, IIS Express is also installed and running in the background at all times.

You need to make sure that this icon is running in your taskbar:

 




Connect the Zero Clients (C75) to the MAWi Agent

 

MAWi Zero uses HDMI over LAN zero client adapters as the endpoints that connect to the screens.


 


On this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing and configuring your host PC to run with our zero clients.





Step 1: Initial system requirement


Follow the steps in this guide:



Step 2: Zero Client Installation and Configuration

The following steps are for the following devices:

Centerm – C75 V1, V2, V3


ThinGLOBAL – MiniPoint DS Series


Atrust – m320 or m321


HP – T200


Lenkeng – LKV376 (PC to HDMI over LAN)


Phistek – ZE6000 or ZE5000





1. Download the Network USB Utility below and install it. Follow the steps of the setup and finally reboot your system.

Download Link


2. Connect the HDMI over LAN zero client to a monitor and a LAN connection on the same subnet of the host computer. Make sure the HDMI over LAN zero client is connected to a power supply and the indication LED is ON.





Please note:

If a DHCP server is available, the Zero Client will be automatically assigned with an IP address. Otherwise, its default address will be 10.0.0.225
To assign a static IP to the zero client, select the device from the list and click on the Configuration button. more information

 


3. Start the program “Network USB Setting” by clicking on the following icon 





 


The program presents all available Zero Clients found on the local network and allows you to connect to relevant hardware.


Select the device and click “Assign to this PC”This operation will extend the host PC’s desktop to the monitor which is connected to the Zero Client.




 


NOTE:


 


1. This operation will cause the zero clients to automatically re-connect to the host PC on every reboot.


2. If the zero client’s status is showing: Assignment: Other PC Please press on the “Clear PC assignment” button and repeat previous step.


3. To rename the zero client to something more meaningful, for example: the physical location of the unit, or assign a fixed IP address, click on “Configuration” and enter new name / all network details. Zero client cannot be assigned to the PC for this task, “Clear PC assignment” first, modify, then re-assign when changes have been made.




 4. Configure all screens


a. Right click on the desktop and select Display settings
b. Make sure scaling is set to 100% in the “Change the size of text…” section.
c. Set the resolution.
d. Make sure Multiple displays is set to “Extend desktop to this display”
e. Repeat the same procedure for all screens connected to your PC.







Now your system is ready. Please check our knowledge base on how to use the system.