Connecting SOFIA

Physical Connections to the SOFIA

The data connection to the SOFIA is via the RJ45 connector located on the back side of the SOFIA. Use a standard Ethernet cable to connect the SOFIA to your LAN.

SOFIA powers up the network card only when testing the connection or sending results.

How to setup and test the SOFIA connection

Setting up the SOFIA for connectivity is fairly easy. The steps are:

  1. Confirm that the network cable is attached to SOFIA and connected to the LAN

  2. Log in to the SOFIA as Supervisor

  3. Configure the Network Settings:

    Firmware v2.0 and higher - Navigate to the Supervisor Menu -> Settings -> Network Settings -> Set Network Configuration

    Firmware v1.3.1 and lower - Navigate to the Supervisor Menu -> Settings -> General Settings -> Network Settings -> Set Network Configuration

    Based upon the recommendation of the Network Administrator:

    1. Set the Set IP Address setting to Manual or DHCP.

    2. If the setting above is Manual, then enter the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway values.

    3. Leave the Port value at 10001. This setting is internally dependent in SOFIA and should not be adjusted. This setting does not apply to LIS connectivity.

    4. Select OK for the values to be saved and the menu to return to the Network Settings menu. Below is a sample screen showing the default values when the instrument shipped.

      If the SOFIA is currently connected to VIRENA, then these settings will need to coordinate with the Network Administrator and possibly QuidelOrtho Technical Support.

  4. Configure the LIS Parameters:

    Select Set LIS Parameters from the Network Settings menu

    Based upon the recommendation of the LIS Coordinator or LIS Vendor:

    1. Set the LIS Address to the IP address of the external System.

    2. Set the Port Number that the external System is listening for SOFIA to initiate a connection.

    3. Set Auto Send to On for results to automatically transmit to the external System after each test completes.

    4. Set Queue Results to On to allow results to be tagged for sending to the LIS.

    5. For Firmware v2.3 and higher, set the Standard to ASTM to only send results or POCT1A to send results and receive clock and user updates.

    6. Select OK for the values to be saved and the menu to return to the Network Settings menu.

      Below is a sample screen showing an example setup configuration.

  5. Test the LIS connection

    1. Select the Back button several times to get to the Main Menu

    2. Select Review Data

    3. Select Send Results

    4. Select Send Results to LIS

    5. Select Test LIS Connection - After making this selection, the SOFIA will attempt to make a connection to the LIS at the LIS Address and Port Number entered above.

      • If the test is successful, SOFIA will provide the message “The Analyzer can be connected to LIS.”

      • If the test is unsuccessful, SOFIA will provide the message “The Analyzer cannot be connected to LIS.” In this situation, the SOFIA connection to LIS needs to be investigated by the LIS Coordinator or LIS Vendor with the person setting up the SOFIA and the assistance of the Network Administrator.

        Troubleshooting an unsuccessful LIS connection test.

        PING Test – Turn on the the SOFIA Network Interface and test

        Important Note: The SOFIA Ethernet network interface is off by default and not powered on until SOFIA has a result to send. A PING test to confirm network connection will fail unless the NIC is manually turned on prior to the PING test

        To enable the network connection in SOFIA, enter the code 5261 at the SOFIA keypad. SOFIA will confirm receipt of this code with an audible beep. It will turn on the network connection and enable the link and activity lights located at the network cable connection on the back of the SOFIA. If you do not see light on the link and activity lights at the network cable connection on the SOFIA, check your cable connection to the wall jack or consult with I.T. support. The link and activity lights confirm you have a working electrical connection to the network after entering 5261 to turn on the network interface.

        Attempt to PING the assigned SOFIA’s IP Address from another computer on the network. If the PING test is successful, you have confirmed it has a good network address and connection. If the PING test fails, work with I.T. to make sure the assigned network address is input properly in SOFIA and that the connection to your network is provisioned to support the SOFIA connection.

        Note that after performing a “Test LIS Connection” or attempting to send a test result, SOFIA will turn off the network connection. To manually turn it back on for further network testing, enter 5261 again. Entering the code 5260 will turn it off. Once your interface to LIS is established and LIS communication is proven, it is no longer necessary to use the network enable and disable codes as they are used for testing purposes only.

        Special Network Considerations for SOFIA

        On some networks during normal operation, when a SOFIA network card turns on, the network does not immediately give SOFIA an indication that it has a network link. In that case, SOFIA will display an LIS connection error.

        If you are having LIS connection errors after completing successful manual connection testing, the Network Administrator should enable the “PortFast” networking protocol for the SOFIA network connection. This will allow SOFIA to sense it has usable connection the instant it turns on its network adapter.