Application Note #731

Revision A
November 2019
RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS Networking Guide

This document will act as a guide for establishing communication with a RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS system and
will describe various ways to overcome the network and computer challenges that you may encounter.

Table of Contents
1.0 Glossary and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.0 Network and IT Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.0 Communication Port Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.0 Connecting to the RadioRA 2 Main Repeater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.1 Important Notes when Connecting to a Two Main Repeater System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (RadioRA 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.0 Connecting to HomeWorks QS Processors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.1 Network Hops with HomeWorks QS Processors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (HomeWorks QS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
8.0 Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.1.1 Check Inbound Firewall Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.1.2 Allow Lutron Programs through the Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.1.3 Using a Work or Home Network Connection to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
8.1.4 Force TCP Software-to-Processor Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.1.4.1 Changing to TCP Communication in HomeWorks QS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
8.1.4.2 Changing to TCP Communication in RadioRA 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.1.5 Disable Firewall Temporarily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8.2 Using Wi-Fi with Lutron Programming Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.3 Running Windows OS on Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.3.1 Parallels and VMware Fusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
8.4 Multiple Network Adaptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
8.5 VPN Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.6 Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.6.1 How do switches route multicast traffic?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.6.2 What is IGMP Snooping?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.6.3 IGMP Snooping and Lutron Residential Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.6.4 Connect Bridge and Lutron Residential Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8.6.5 Appendix – HWQS System on Network with Snooping Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8.6.6 Appendix – HWQS System on Network with Snooping Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.7 Setting Static IP Addresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
8.7.1 General Static IP Best Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
8.7.2 DHCP Reservation vs. Setting Static IP in the Programming Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
8.7.3 Setting a Static IP Address in Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9.0 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.1 RadioRA 2 Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.2 HomeWorks QS Activate Processors/Connect Bridge Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
9.3 Using a Direct Connection to a Lutron Processor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
9.3.1 Direct Connection using Static IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
9.3.2 Direct Connection using Link Local Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
10.0 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

1 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

1.0 Glossary and Abbreviations

HomeWorks Processor – This is the basic HomeWorks QS controller and will be the main HomeWorks component
connected to any network. Each HomeWorks QS Processor has two RJ45 female connectors, one for the HomeWorks
QS LAN/VLAN connection and the other for serviceability.
Main Repeater – This is the basic RadioRA 2 controller and will be the main RadioRA 2 component connected to any
network. Each RadioRA 2 Main Repeater has one RJ45 female connector for the RadioRA 2 LAN/VLAN.
HWQS – Abbreviation of HomeWorks QS.
RA2 – Abbreviation of RadioRA 2.
Processor – May refer to either/both the HomeWorks QS Processors and RadioRA 2 Main Repeaters.
Commissioning Machine – Refers to the PC or laptop which is running the HomeWorks QS or RadioRA 2 software. The
machine must be running a Windows OS.
Lutron Connect App – Phone-based UI to monitor and control HomeWorks and RadioRA 2 systems. Available on
HomeWorks and RadioRA 2 software versions 10.X and higher.
Lutron Designer – Client UI for setup and programming of the HomeWorks system. Primary software for all HomeWorks
software versions.
Hop – The number of intermediate devices which data packets must pass between source and destination to include
layer 3 and layer 2 devices within the network. This includes any device that will delay the data packets from a source
processor to a destination processor.
Hop Limit – A hop is one portion of the path that a packet takes from source to destination. Traditionally, the hop limit
refers to the time to live (TTL) of that packet before it is discarded. With a Lutron system, the hop limit is not concerned
with TTL, rather it is a guideline so that latency of the system commands is kept to a minimum.
Unicast – A communication method over Ethernet TCP or point-to-point communication.
Master Processor – Processor #1 in the system. This processor takes on the role of synchronizing timeclocks in the
system, as well as handling communication with the Connect Bridge.
Multicast – A communication method over Ethernet UDP or as one-to-many communication. Lutron systems use multi-
source multicast communication so that any device on Ethernet can talk to every other device on the Ethernet at the
same time.
IGMP – Lutron processors supports Versions 1, 2, and 3 for multicast communication within a system. Any possible
flooding of multicast traffic can be constrained to a set of interested ports by using IGMP snooping.

PIM – If Lutron processors within a system are deployed on different subnets and need routing, PIM is supported in
both sparse and dense modes. PIM is typically not required if the connections from the commissioning machine to the
processors is configured for Unicast and if all processors are on the same LAN.

Telnet – Telnet is an application layer protocol used to provide a bi-directional text-based communication between client
and server devices. Lutron processors will use this protocol over TCP/IP for two main instances:

2 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

2.0 Network and IT Considerations

Network Architecture Overview
What is on the traditional network IP architecture? – The HomeWorks Processors/RadioRA 2 Main Repeaters, and
client devices (e.g. PC, laptop, tablet, etc.).
What is NOT on the traditional network IP architecture? – The lighting actuators, sensors, and load controllers are
not on the network architecture. This includes keypads, wired and wireless temperature sensors, wired and wireless
occupancy sensors, thermostats, load controllers, dimmers, switches, lighting panels, fluorescent lamp ballasts, or
LED drivers. These devices communicate on a Lutron proprietary wired or wireless communication network.

Physical Medium
IEEE 802.3 Ethernet – Is the physical medium standard for the network between HomeWorks Processors or
RadioRA 2 Main Repeaters. Each HomeWorks Processor and RA2 Main Repeater has female RJ45 connectors for LAN
connection.
CAT5e – The minimum network wire specification of the HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 LAN/VLAN.

IP Addressing
IPv4 – The addressing scheme used for the HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 systems. The IPv4 address should be
static but a DHCP reservation system can also be used. DNS Hostname is not supported. The IPv4 address can be
field set to any range, Class A, B, or C. Static will be assumed.

Class D addressing
HomeWorks QS/RadioRA 2 System – A system is a multicast group of HomeWorks Processors or RA2 Main
Repeaters sharing a unique and common class D address that need to share events. Maximum 16 HomeWorks QS
Processors on a HomeWorks QS system or two RadioRA 2 Main Repeaters on a RadioRA 2 system. Minimum one
HomeWorks QS Processor on a HomeWorks QS system or one RadioRA 2 Main Repeater on a RadioRA 2 system.
Multicast communications – Basic communication to share events between HomeWorks Processors or RadioRA 2
Main Repeaters is based on UDP multicast groups. Below are details on how the Lutron systems deploy this
communication scheme.
• All Lutron processors share events and will need a unique and common class D address. The class D multicast
address can be field set and specified by the customer.
• Any source multicast is used because any Lutron processor may be enacting the event.
• Multicast communication in Lutron systems is primarily event based (e.g., system trigger or change in state for
monitoring). Polling is not a basis of communications in Lutron systems.
• Prior to software version 9.0, the HomeWorks QS commissioning laptop/PC needed to join every multicast group to
communicate to the HomeWorks Processors. Commissioning machines hosting software version 9.0 and newer can
either communicate to the HomeWorks Processors by joining every multicast group or can be setup as TCP unicast
communication. This can be setup during system startup at the customer’s discretion. For RadioRA 2, this functionality
was introduced in software version 11.0.
Note: Multicast communication is still required for communication among the processors in a system.
Setting up the commissioning laptop to talk to a Lutron system using TCP communication only changes processor
discovery and transfers to TCP communication.

3 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

2.0 Network and IT Considerations (continued)

Ports (REQUIRED)
Processor to Processor within a HomeWorks QS or RadioRA 2 system
UDP/2056

Commissioning Machine to Processors UNICAST OPTION

TCP/51023
• TCP available only for commissioning machine hosting HomeWorks software version 9.0 and newer, or
RadioRA 2 software version 11.0 and newer

Commissioning Machine to Processors MULTICAST OPTION

UDP/2056

Upgrading of Processors
TFTP/69, UDP/777

Note: Unicast or multicast communication option is configured on site by a Lutron qualified dealer and at the
customers determination. System will default to multicast if not specified.

Lutron Connect Bridge to Processors

SFTP/22, TCP/23, UDP/1900, UDP/2647, TCP/4548, UDP/5353, TCP/8081, TCP/8083

Lutron Connect Bridge to WAN (initiated by the Connect Bridge – NO PORT FORWARDING REQUIRED)
TCP/80, UDP/123, TCP/443, TCP/7443, TCP/8883

Lutron Connect Bridge to Third-Party Integrators

TCP/1900, TCP/4548, TCP/7782, TCP/8081, TCP/8083, TCP/8090

Ports (OPTIONAL)
Commissioning Machine to Processors
TFTP/69, UDP/777
• Only required when upgrading the system
Processor TELNET
Source TCP/23
• Only required if the Lutron system is integrating with third-party equipment through Serial/IP
• Prior to version 13.0, default Telnet credentials were available for integrators to use. From 13.0 forward, Telnet
credentials need to be set up in the Lutron commissioning software

4 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

2.0 Network and IT Considerations (continued)

Hop Limit for Unmanaged Networks
The required hop limit of any data packet from a source processor to a destination processor is 6.
Note: This rule is only applicable when using an unmanaged network to interconnect the devices of a Lutron system
and is required to ensure optimal performance. The hop limit is more of a suggestion than a rule to keep latency
down between system processors. The requirement is that all processors must be able to communicate to all other
processors with latency under 10 ms.
Latency Requirements for Managed Networks
Note that for managed networks, the maximum latency between any two Lutron processors should be less than 10
ms. The maximum latency between the Lutron commissioning machine and any processor needs to less than 10 ms.

Other Protocols Supported

IGMP – Lutron processors supports Versions 1, 2, and 3 for multicast communication within a system. Any possible
flooding of multicast traffic can be constrained to a set of interested ports by using IGMP snooping.

PIM – If Lutron processors within a system are deployed on different subnets and need routing, PIM is supported in
both sparse and dense modes. PIM is typically not required if the connections from the commissioning machine to
the processors is configured for Unicast and if all processors are on the same LAN.

Telnet – Telnet is an application layer protocol used to provide a bi-directional text-based communication between
client and server devices. Lutron processors will use this protocol over TCP/IP for two main instances:

1. Telnet may be used to run diagnostics and during the support file creation process.

2. If there is a third-party system (e.g., a touchscreen) integrating with the Lutron system, it may communicate to a
Lutron processor over a Telnet session.

Communication Speed and Bandwidth

100 BaseT – Is the maximum communications speed required for Lutron processor and commissioning
machine communication.
1.88 Mbps (Megabits per second) – Worst case bandwidth in a fully loaded system with 16 processors.
Most systems include only 1 to 4 processors.

5 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

3.0 Communication Port Diagram

Connect Bridge
The Bridge initiates all communication to Required for the

TCP 1900, TCP 5353,

Internet the Internet. No port is formally required. Connect App
TCP 80, UDP 123, TCP 443, TCP 7446, cloud/integration for

TCP 7782
TCP 8883,TCP 8081, TCP 8083, TCP 8090 HomeWorks QS and
RadioRA 2

SFTP 22, TCP 23, UDP 4548,

Audio/Visual

UDP 2647
System
Integrate directly to
the processor
(optional)

TCP 23 - Telnet
Commissioning Machine TCP 51023
(Optional - Eliminates the need for the
commissioning machine to talk Any-Source
Lutron Processors
HomeWorks QS Designer Multicast to the processors)
RadioRA 2 Exclusive/Inclusive There can be a maximum of 16
Editing UI Application HomeWorks QS processors per
system

MicrosoftR SQL Server There can be a maximum of 2

Any-Source Multicast
RadioRA 2 processors per system
UDP 2056
UDP 2647

When a system contains multiple processors,

the processors will always communicate with
each other using Any-Source Multicast
UDP 2056

Lutron Processors
There can be a maximum of 16
HomeWorks QS processors per
system

There can be a maximum of 2

RadioRA 2 processors per system

6 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

4.0 Connecting to the RadioRA 2 Main Repeater

Requirements
1. WindowsR OS running the RadioRA 2 programming software
2. Main Repeater(s)
Recommended
1. Wired/Wi-Fi Router
During system commissioning, the RadioRA 2 programming software will first make a connection with the Main
Repeater(s) through the local area network (LAN). It is recommended to perform commissioning using a connection
through a router, either wired or Wi-Fi, but never both wired and Wi-Fi at the same time. Using a router helps to minimize
changes to settings on the Windows machine. A wired LAN connection is always recommended for the highest level of
reliability. Each Main Repeater includes a variety of communication capabilities including:
1. C
 lear Connect Wireless: Used for communication to the up to 99 devices that can be assigned to each Main Repeater
(431-437 MHz)
2. W
 ired Repeater Link: Use a Plenum QS cable to link Repeaters on the same Clear Connect subnet for the purpose of
range extension for outbuildings of up to 1000 ft (305 m) between repeaters (guest house, boat house, pool house, etc.)
3. RS-232: Serial communication port used for some third-party integration
4. E
 thernet: Used for third-party integration, Connect Bridge access, and database uploads from the RadioRA 2
programming software

Figure 1: PC to two Main Repeaters: Ethernet or Wi-Fi (Never Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time)

Wi-Fi or
Ethernet

Connect the Windows machine to the same LAN as the Main Repeater(s) and open the RadioRA 2 programming
software. Use the Room list on the Design tab, on the left, to select a room which contains a Main Repeater.
Click on the blue Find Main Repeater button below the image of the Main Repeater.

7 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

4.0 Connecting to the RadioRA 2 Main Repeater (continued)

The Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge window will open.

If the programming software was able to locate the Main Repeater(s), it will tell you that it “Found x Main Repeater(s) on
the network” where x is typically 1 or 2. The standard fields shown, and their purposes are as follows:
• Room: Name of the room on the area tree where a Main Repeater has been placed
• Serial Number: The unique Lutron serial number for the Main Repeater; found on the product label on the back of each
Main Repeater
• DHCP: Options are Enabled or Disabled
– Enabled: The Main Repeater IP address will be automatically assigned by the DHCP server of the router on the
network
o Used for simple plug and play networks without integration or app control
o Set to DHCP Enabled when a DHCP Reserved address is set on the DHCP server of the router for the

Main Repeater(s)
– Disabled: A static IP address will be assigned using the IP address field in the Find Main Repeater window
o Used when integrating the RadioRA 2 system with a control system or using a Lutron mobile application for control
o Recommended to set the static IP address of each Main Repeater above the DHCP range of the router (common

addresses start at 192.168.x.200 and above)

o On a two Main Repeater system, the two Main Repeaters must have unique addresses

• IP Address: The unique IP address of the Main Repeater on the network; the field will be active for editing when DHCP is
set to disabled

8 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

4.0 Connecting to the RadioRA 2 Main Repeater (continued)

In most cases, these setting fields will be the primary ones that will be used to make a connection to the Main
Repeater(s). In the case of more advanced network needs, for example a virtual private network (VPN) for remote
control/access, the Advanced Settings may need to be configured. They are as follows:

• S
 ubnet Mask: A number screen which the router uses to decide which portions of an address to consider before routing
information within the network
– A common residential LAN subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 which indicates that the first three address octets are the
same for all devices on the network and the fourth octet is the field which is used to identify the unique addresses on
the network
• G
 ateway Address: A router address used for the transmission of packets outside of the network. Should be on the same
subnet as the devices on the network which will be transmitting the data
• P
 referred DNS Server: The preferred or primary domain name system address used for mapping host names to IP
address
• A
 lternate DNS Server: An alternate domain name system address used when the preferred or primary one times out
after an unsuccessful connection
• System Address: Multicast Address used for inter-processor communication; this address typically remains unchanged
– In scenarios where multiple, independent systems are inside the same building, the network can be setup such that
each system is on its own smaller LAN or VLAN, incapable of seeing the other systems through the network
– Each system on the same network must have a unique system address. Changing the last octet to be unique is all that
is needed
• R
 estrict Communications with Processor to Local LAN only (Requires transfer to take effect): A security feature which
disallows all off-network connections to the Main Repeater. This option will not interfere with the Connect mobile app
connecting remotely.
• D
 isable Alarm.com Integration: Option which disallows communication between the Main Repeater and Alarm.com
servers. Keep this option deselected if Alarm.com integration is desired. Select this option if integration with Alarm.com
is not a requirement. This option was introduced in RA2 12.2, and HWQS 15.0.

9 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

4.0 Connecting to the RadioRA 2 Main Repeater (continued)

• S
 ystem Communications: Changes how the software on the commissioning machine communicates with the Main
Repeaters in the system
– Use Multicast Address: The software will communicate to the Main Repeaters in the system using multicast
o Compatible with most unmanaged networks

– Use Repeater’s Address: The software will communicate to the Main Repeaters in the system using TCP
o Most often used with managed networks which do not support multicast traffic
o This setting only changes software-to-processor communication to TCP. Inter-processor communication will

remain multicast
o This option is only available when DHCP is disabled

– U
 se Remote Programming: The software will direct communication to the IP address specified in the “Remote
Programming Address” box which appears. This IP address should be the router’s external WAN IP address. Port
forwarding of the port number which appears in the “Port” box will need to be set up on the router to forward the
traffic to the Main Repeater IP address. There is inherent risk exposing a Main Repeater to the WAN using port
forwarding. If new unexplained control issues arise, disable port forwarding and use a different communication
method.
After completing configuration of all necessary settings on the Find Main Repeater window, click Save and Close. For
more information on setting up a virtual private network and/or domain name service for remote access or programming
of the Lutron system, please see Application Note #231 (P/N 048231) at www.lutron.com.
For more information on setting up multiple independent systems in the same building, please see Application
Note #688 (P/N 048688) at www.lutron.com.

10 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

4.0 Connecting to the RadioRA 2 Main Repeater (continued)

4.1 Important Notes when Connecting to a Two Main Repeater System
Using two Main Repeaters in RadioRA 2 allows for systems that can scale as large as 200 devices. The inclusive
software is required for commissioning a two Main Repeater system.
RadioRA 2 uses an architecture that essentially has what is defined as two device links, each owned by a Main Repeater.
Each link allows for up to 100 total devices where the Main Repeater takes one address and four addresses are reserved
for Auxiliary Repeaters. The RF links, while they use the same protocol, utilize two different wireless channels or
frequencies and thus the two Main Repeaters do not communicate to each other using Clear Connect Wireless.
All communication between Main Repeaters must be done through the local area network with each Main Repeater
being tied to its own port on a switch or router. The subnet referred to in the below image refers to the RF subnet of each
repeater, not to the networking subnet of the Main Repeaters.

11 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

5.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (RadioRA 2)

Requirements
1. Windows machine running the RadioRA 2 programming software
2. Main Repeater(s)
3. Lutron Connect Bridge (max of 1 per system)
4. Wired/Wi-Fi Router or Network switch to place the Connect Bridge onto the same network as the Main Repeater(s)
5. Internet access (for initial setup of Lutron Connect and for remote access to the system)

Figure 2: RadioRA 2 with Connect Bridge One-Line

Lutron Cloud
Server

RadioRA 2 RadioRA 2
Main Repeater Main Repeater

Wi-Fi/Wired
Router

Lutron Connect
Bridge

Connect the Windows machine to the same LAN as the Main Repeater(s) and Connect Bridge. Open the RadioRA 2
programming software. Use the Room list on the Design tab, on the left, to select a room which contains the
Connect Bridge.
Click on the blue Find Connect Bridge button below the image of the Connect Bridge.

12 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

5.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (RadioRA 2) (continued)

The Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge window will open.

Initially, no Connect Bridge will be found. The Bridge must be placed into discovery mode by pressing the button on the
Bridge (as described in the illustration within the software). Discovery mode will last for five minutes. After pressing the
button on the Bridge, click on Find Connect Bridge to try to discover the Bridge.

If the programming software was able to locate the Connect Bridge, it will tell you that it “Found 1 Connect Bridge on the
network.” The standard fields and their purposes are as follows:
• Room: Name of the room on the area tree where the Connect Bridge has been placed
• Serial Number: The unique Lutron serial number for the Connect Bridge; found on the product label on the bottom of
each Connect Bridge
• DHCP: Options are Enabled or Disabled
– Enabled: The Connect Bridge IP address will be automatically assigned by the DHCP server of the router on the
network
o Option 1: Used for simple plug and play networks without integration or app control
o O ption 2: Set to DHCP Enabled when a DHCP Reserved address is set on the DHCP server of the router for the
Main Repeater(s)
– Disabled: A static IP address will be assigned using the IP address field in the Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge
window
o Recommended to set the static IP address of the Connect Bridge above the DHCP range of the router (common

addresses start at 192.168.x.200 and above)

o The Connect Bridge must have a unique IP address

• IP Address: The unique IP address of the Connect Bridge on the network; the field will be active for editing on when
DHCP is set to disabled

13 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

5.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (RadioRA 2) (continued)

In most cases, these setting fields will be the primary ones that will be used to make a connection to the Connect
Bridge. In the case of more advanced network needs, the Advanced Settings may need to be configured. They are
as follows:
• S
 ubnet Mask: A number screen which the router uses to decide which portions of an address to consider before routing
information within the network
– A common residential LAN subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 which indicates that the first three address octets are the
same for all devices on the network and the fourth octet is the field which is used to identify the unique addresses on
the network
• G
 ateway Address: A router address used for the transmission of packets outside of the network. Should be on the same
subnet as the devices on the network which will be transmitting the data
• P
 referred DNS Server: The preferred or primary domain name system address used for mapping host names to
IP address
• A
 lternate DNS Server: An alternate domain name system address used when the preferred or primary one times out
after an unsuccessful connection
For more information on setting up the Connect Bridge and Lutron Connect Mobile Application, refer to the Lutron
Connect Setup Guide App Note #649 (P/N 048649) at www.lutron.com
After completing configuration of all necessary settings on the Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge window, click on
Save and Close.

14 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

6.0 Connecting to HomeWorks QS Processors

Requirements
1. Windows machine running the HomeWorks QS programming software
2. HomeWorks QS Processor(s)
3. Wired/Wi-Fi Router or network switch to place the processors and PC onto the same network
During system commissioning, the HomeWorks QS programming software will first try to make a connection with the
processor(s) through the local area network (LAN). It is typically necessary to perform commissioning using a connection
through a router, either wired or Wi-Fi, due to the number of processors that can be on a single system (up to 16 total).
Using a router helps to minimize changes to settings on the commissioning machine. A wired LAN connection is always
recommended for the highest level of reliability.

Figure 3: PC to Processor(s): Wired or Wi-Fi Connection (Never Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the Same Time)

Laptop PC Ethernet

Wi-Fi or
Ethernet Wi-Fi
Router
Processor 1 Processor 2 Processor 16

In systems with many processors, switch/router ports can be conserved by daisy-chaining processors off one port. Up
to 4 processors can be wired in this manner. Refer to section 3.1 for more information on Ethernet hopping of multiple
processors from a single switch/router port.

Figure 4: PC to Processor(s): Wired or Wi-Fi Connection w/ Daisy-Chaining (Never Ethernet and Wi-Fi at
the Same Time)

Laptop PC Ethernet

Wi-Fi or
Ethernet Proc 1 Proc 2 Proc 3 Proc 4
Wi-Fi
Router

15 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

6.0 Connecting to HomeWorks QS Processors (continued)

Connect the commissioning machine to the same LAN as the processor(s) and open the HomeWorks QS programming
software. Go to the Activate tab and choose the option activate > processors.

Un-activated processors discovered on the network will display on the left side of the Activation screen. Each processor
will display its Lutron device serial number, MAC address, current IP address, and current firmware version. The serial
number and MAC address of each processor can be found on the unit label on the front of the processor. The current IP
address for a processor discovered for the first time is one that likely originated from the DHCP server of the local router.
DHCP is the default mode of each processor.

On the right side of the activation screen, a row for each processor in your database design will appear with a link to
activate the processor on the far right. Prior to activation, it is necessary to properly configure all network settings.

16 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

6.0 Connecting to HomeWorks QS Processors (continued)

• Name: Displays the area tree breakdown of each processor
• #: A number which identifies each processor in the database. Processor #1 takes on the role of the “master processor.”
See 1.0 Glossary and Abbreviations section for more information.
• S
 erial Number: The unique Lutron serial number for the processor; found on the product label on the front of each
processor
• MAC Address: The unique MAC address for the processor; found on the product label on the front of each processor
• D
 HCP: Options are Enabled (checked) or Disabled (unchecked)
– Enabled: The processor IP address will be automatically assigned by the DHCP server of the router on the network
o Option 1: Used for simple plug and play networks without integration or app control
o Option 2: Set to DHCP Enabled when a DHCP Reserved address is set on the DHCP server of the router for the

HomeWorks QS Processor(s)
– Disabled: A static IP address will be assigned using the IP address field in the activate processors screen
o Used when integrating the HomeWorks QS system with a control system or using a Lutron mobile application for

control
o Recommended to set the static IP address of each processor above the DHCP range of the router (common

addresses start at 192.168.x.200 and above)

o Each processor must have a unique IP address

• IP Adress: The unique IP address of the processor on the network; the field will be active for editing on when DHCP is
set to disabled (unchecked)
• S
 ubnet Mask: A number screen which the router uses to decide which portions of an address to consider before routing
information within the network
– A common residential LAN subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 which indicates that the first three address octets are the
same for all devices on the network and the fourth octet is the field which is used to identify the unique addresses on
the network
• Gateway: A router address used for the transmission of packets outside of the network. Should be on the same subnet
as the devices on the network which will be transmitting the data
• P
 referred DNS Server: The preferred or primary domain name system address used for mapping host names to
IP address
• S
 econdary DNS Server: An alternate domain name system address used when the preferred or primary one times out
after an unsuccessful connection
• System Number: A unique identifier for a system to differentiate systems on the same network. Every system on the
same network must have a unique system number
• System Address: Multicast address used for inter-processor communication; this address typically remains unchanged
– In scenarios where multiple, independent systems are inside the same building, the network can be setup such that
each system is on its own smaller LAN, incapable of seeing the other systems through the network
– Every system on the same network must have a unique system address
• R
 estrict Communications with Processor to Local LAN Only (Requires Transfer to Take Effect): A security feature
which disallows all off-network connections system
• System Address: A security feature which disallows Telnet connections to be made with the system. This option is
automatically set when the restrict communications option is enabled (checked)
• System Communications: Changes how the software on the commissioning machine communicates with the Main
Repeaters in the system
– Use Multicast Address: The software will communicate to the Main Repeaters in the system using multicast traffic
o Compatible with most unmanaged networks

– <IP Address>: The software will communicate to the processor IP address specified in the system using TCP traffic
o Most often used with managed networks which do not support multicast traffic
o This setting changes software-to-processor communication to TCP. Inter-processor communication will

remain multicast
o This option is only available when DHCP is disabled

17 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

6.0 Connecting to HomeWorks QS Processors (continued)

For more information on setting up a virtual private network and/or domain name service for remote access or
programming of the Lutron system, refer to Application Note #231 (P/N 048231) at www.lutron.com

For more information on setting up multiple independent systems in the same building, refer to Application Note #688
(P/N 048688) at www.lutron.com

After completing configuration of all of the necessary settings for each processor, activate each processor by clicking
on them one by one using the list of un-activated processors on the left side of the screen and then click on the word
Activate on the far right of the screen for each individual processor. The status field should say “Good .” Be sure to
activate the correct processor to the placeholder in the software. Incorrect processor activation will lead to the inability to
activate devices to the system.

6.1 Network Hops with HomeWorks QS Processors

For optimal system performance, no more than 5 Ethernet hops should exist between any two processors or any
processor and the PC in the HomeWorks QS system. An Ethernet hop is best described as a connection between two
devices (router, switch, processor, or PC). In the following example, there is only 1 Ethernet hop between processor 1
and processor 2, but there are 3 Ethernet hops between processor 2 and processor 3.
1 Hop

1 Hop 1 Hop

1 Hop
1 Processor 1 Processor 1 Processor

18 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

7.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (HomeWorks QS)

Requirements
1. Windows machine running the HomeWorks QS programming software
2. HomeWorks QS Processor(s)
3. Lutron Connect Bridge (max of 1 per system)
4. Wired/Wi-Fi Router or network switch to place the Connect Bridge onto the same network as the processor(s)
5. Internet access (for the initial setup of Lutron Connect)

Figure 5: HomeWorks QS with Connect Bridge One-Line

Lutron Cloud
Server

HomeWorks QS HomeWorks QS
Processor Processor
Wi-Fi/Wired
Router

Lutron Connect
Bridge
Note: The HWQS processor does not support forwarding mDNS discovery packets, so the Connect Bridge should not
be plugged directly into the spare Ethernet port on any HWQS processor.
Connect the commissioning machine to the same LAN as the processor(s) and Connect Bridge and open the
HomeWorks QS programming software. Go to the activate tab and choose the option activate > processor and
Connect Bridge.

Initially, no Connect Bridge will be found. The Bridge must be placed into discovery mode by pressing the button on the
Bridge (as described in the illustration within the software). Discovery mode will last for five minutes. After pressing the
button on the Bridge, click on Start Activation.

19 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

7.0 Connecting to the Lutron Connect Bridge (HomeWorks QS) (continued)

An un-activated bridge discovered on the network will display on the left side of the activation screen. The bridge will
display its Lutron device serial number, MAC address, and current IP address. The serial number and MAC address of
each bridge can be found on the unit label on the bottom of the Bridge. The current IP address for a bridge discovered
for the first time is one that likely originated from the DHCP server of the local router. DHCP is the default mode of
each bridge.
On the right side of the activation screen, a row for each processor in your database design will appear with a link to
activate the processor on the far right. Prior to activation, it is necessary to properly configure all network settings.

• Name: Displays the area tree breakdown of the bridge

• S
 erial Number: The unique Lutron serial number for the Connect Bridge; found on the product label on the bottom of
each Connect Bridge
• DHCP: Options are Enabled (checked) or Disabled (unchecked)
– Enabled: The processor IP address will be automatically assigned by the DHCP server of the router on the network
o Option 1: Used for simple plug and play networks without integration or app control
o Option 2: Set to DHCP Enabled when a DHCP Reserved address is set on the DHCP server of the router for the

HomeWorks QS Processor(s)
– Disabled: A static IP address will be assigned using the IP address field in the activate processors screen
o Recommended to set the static IP address of each processor above the DHCP range of the router (common

addresses start at 192.168.x.200 and above)

o The Connect Bridge must have a unique IP address

• IP Adress: The unique IP address of the Connect Bridge on the network; the field will be active for editing on when
DHCP is set to disabled
• S
 ubnet Mask: A number screen which the router uses to decide which portions of an address to consider before routing
information within the network
– o A common residential LAN subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 which indicates that the first three address octets are the
same for all devices on the network and the fourth octet is the field which is used to identify the unique addresses on
the network
• Gateway Address: A router address used for the transmission of packets outside of the network. Should be on the same
subnet as the devices on the network which will be transmitting the data

For more information on setting up the Connect Bridge and Lutron Connect Mobile Application, refer to the Lutron
Connect Setup Guide App Notw (P/N 048649) at www.lutron.com

After completing configuration of all necessary settings for the bridge, activate the bridge by clicking on the word
Activate on the far right of the screen. The status field should say “Good ”.

20 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs
Often times the difficulty of establishing communication between the PC and the processor(s) has to do with a program
or programs that are restricting the Lutron Programming Software from sending the necessary communications to the
processor. The PC is using these software features to protect itself and the user from security issues such as viruses.
There are two things that you can do to mitigate connection issues when confronted by these PC features.
8.1.1 Check Inbound Firewall Rules
Depending on the operating system, the process to see the current firewall status and allow programs through the
firewall may be different. The below screenshots were captured using Windows 10. From the Start menu, search for and
open Control Panel. Click on System and Security.

Note: Even with all firewalls disabled, it has been seen on multiple machines that firewall rules to block Lutron software
can still operate.

Here you can check on the Windows Firewall status or allow programs through the Windows Firewall.
Click Windows Firewall.

This screen will show the status of each of the Windows firewalls on the machine.
In the left pane, click Advanced settings.

21 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.1 Check Inbound Firewall Rules (continued)
From here more details are given as to the status of each firewall as well as options to manage the firewalls.
In the left pane, click Inbound Rules.

All the inbound firewall rules are listed here. RadioRA 2 software rules are listed with the name “RadioRA2”, and all
HomeWorks QS software rules are listed with the name “Lutron Designer”. For the version of software that is having
trouble communicating, go to the RadioRA2/Lutron Designer rows and find and expand the column named Program to
reveal the version number of software to which the rules correspond.

Check the following for the rules with the troublesome version of software:
• There should be two rules per version of software (they may not be listed next to each other)
• One rule should have the protocol set as UDP
• The other rule should have the protocol set as TCP
• The rules are enabled
• The actions are set to Allow
• The profile is set to All
If the rules are completely missing, proceed to Section 5.1.2. If changes to the rules are needed, close the Lutron
software and refer to the steps below.

If the rule is not enabled, right-click the rule and click Enable Rule. If any of the other items differ, then right-click the
problem rule and select Properties. The option to change a rule to TCP vs UDP is in the Protocols and Ports tab.

22 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.1 Check Inbound Firewall Rules (continued)

The option to Allow the rule is in the General tab.

The option to set the profile is under the Advanced tab. To get “All” the profiles (Domain, Private, and Public) must be
selected (checked).

After saving the changes to the firewall, restart the Lutron software.

23 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.2 Allow Lutron Programs through the Firewall
Firewall rules for Lutron software are created during the installation process of the software. In cases where the firewall
dialog is closed, the rule may be missing from the Windows Firewall inbound rules list. This section covers checking the
firewall to make sure the rules are present, and if they are missing, how to add rules to the firewall.

From the Start menu, search for firewall and click Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

In the pane on the left, click Inbound Rules.

All the inbound firewall rules are listed here. RadioRA 2 software rules are listed with the name “RadioRA2”, and all
HomeWorks QS software rules are listed with the name “Lutron Designer”. For the version of software that is having
trouble communicating, go to the RadioRA2/Lutron Designer rows and find and expand the column named Program to
reveal the version number of software to which the rules correspond.

24 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.2 Allow Lutron Programs through the Firewall (continued)
In the Program column, check to make sure the version of software you are having issue with appears in the list two
times. The two firewall rules may not be in order.

In the event that the firewall rules are missing, click New Rule… in the Actions pane on the right side of the window.

Ensure Program is selected and click Next >.

25 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.2 Allow Lutron Programs through the Firewall (continued)
Click Browse… and navigate to “C:\Program Files (x86)\Lutron” and select the software you want to create a rule for,
and then click Next >.
For HomeWorks QS:
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Lutron\HomeWorks QS <version number>\Lutron.Gulliver.QuantumResi.exe”
For RadioRA 2:
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Lutron\RadioRA 2 <version number>\EssentialsInclusive\RadioRA2.exe”

Ensure Allow the connection is selected, and click Next >. Ensure Domain, Private, and Public are all selected.
Click Next >.

For ease of finding this rule in the future, enter a name for the rule which matches the naming convention we use for
other HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 rules. Then click Finish.
• “Lutron Designer” when naming a HomeWorks QS rule
• “RadioRA2” when naming a RadioRA 2 rule

26 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.3 Using a Work or Home Network Connection to the System
One potential source of firewall issues may result from the default configuration of the type of network that the Windows
machine is connected to. Windows machines can be inadvertently set to identify every network as Public, by default.
Public networks will typically have the greatest threat for issues such as viruses and demand the greatest level of
security protection. As a result, the firewall will be in a state where it is most active and may cause interruptions when
connecting to Lutron processors, typically during the first connection to the processors.

The network type can be changed to Work or Home to avoid issues. This can be done by first going to the Network and
Sharing Center in the Control Panel.

Underneath the network name, click on the link that says Public network.

In the network type window that opens, select either Work or Home for the network type.

27 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.3 Using a Work or Home Network Connection to the System (continued)
Verify that the type of network has changed and proceed with attempting to connect to the Lutron system again.
Changing to Home or Work will enable more through the firewall as the network will be more trusted than Public.

Note that some PCs may not allow changing this setting if managed by a corporate domain. Contact your corporate IT
administrator for assistance.
8.1.4 Force TCP Software-to-Processor Communication
Firewalls can sometimes block the broadcast and multicast communication between the programming software and the
processor(s). The HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 programming software allows the programmer to force the software to
utilize TCP communication instead of multicast which can also help get around firewall blockage. Note that there may be
issues switching over to the TCP communication mode if the processors have not already been activated via multicast.
Please also note that this will only change the communication method for software-to-processor communication.
Communication between processors will remain multicast.
8.1.4.1 Changing to TCP Communication in HomeWorks QS
In order to force the HomeWorks QS software to use TCP communication, first go to the activate tab and select the
option for processors.

Proceed to activate the processors to the database. Be sure to uncheck the option for DHCP and set static IP
addresses.

Below the table listing the system processors and network setting information are three drop down menus. Expand the
one titled System Communication. Using the drop down menu change the selection from Use Multicast Address to one
of the static IP addresses of one of the processors in the system. Click on Save & Apply.

28 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.4 Force TCP Software-to-Processor Communication (continued)
8.1.4.2 Changing to TCP Communication in RadioRA 2
In order to force the RA2 software to use TCP communication, first locate a Main Repeater in the room tree and press
the Find Main Repeater button. Proceed to activate the Main Repeaters in the database. Be sure to disable the option
for DHCP and set static IP addresses. Below the table listing the system Main Repeaters, expand the Show Advanced
option. Next to System Communications, use the drop down menu and select Use Repeater’s Address. This will set Main
Repeater #1 to be the Main Repeater with which the software will communicate via TCP.

29 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.1 Firewalls and Security Programs (continued)
8.1.5 Disable Firewall Temporarily
If there is a special security program or firewall running on the PC, it may be necessary to disable those features while
programming the Lutron system. Firewalls and security programs protect your PC from threats such as viruses. When a
Lutron system tries to find the processor for the first time on a job, it utilizes a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) Broadcast
to find all processors on the network. Since broadcast commands are not directed at specific devices (all devices on the
network hear the command) security programs can often block this to prevent security breaches if unintended devices
answer back, potentially gaining access to your PC through the host software program.

The below images reflect the disabling of one such security program from the system tray. This security program is
called Symantec and by right clicking on the shield, a disable option appears.

In this case, the security program manages the Windows Firewall so disabling the security program subsequently
disables the Windows Firewall. If there is no separate security program, or if the security program is not directly linked
to the PC firewall, it may be necessary to disable the firewall or, at the very least, allow the Lutron programming software
through the firewall.

After the work to the Lutron system has been completed, re-enable your firewall and security programs to ensure
that your PC is protected. Disabling the firewall and security programs should only be used as a quick and temporary
solution. Long term, it would be wise to allow the Lutron software programs through the firewall so that you can be
adequately protected from threats while maintaining the ability to establish communication with the system processors.

30 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.2 Using Wi-Fi with Lutron Programming Software
Utilization of Wi-Fi during certain processes of the Lutron system commissioning process allows for the convenience
of not having to physically wire into the network while on the job site. While using Wi-Fi is convenient, it can also be
problematic for a number of reasons such as inconsistent connectivity and also another layer of security built into the
router which may not allow some packets of information to go from your laptop, through the network and to
the processor.

Both the HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 programming software use User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission
Control Protocol (TCP) for communication over Ethernet to the HWQS Processor or RA2 Main Repeater. TCP is a
reliable means of communication between network devices involving a number of handshake steps between the client
and server. UDP is a method of communication that is targeting efficiency but thus has less handshaking to verify the
successful receipt of data packets. The handshaking differences between UDP and TCP are shown below.

sending the message

received a message

I want to send a
message

I can receive your

message

Sending message

Did you receive it?

Yes

The HWQS Processor or RA2 Main Repeater firmware update process uses UDP Multicast to send the required
information to all of the processors on the system simultaneously to reduce the time required to update the firmware.
If the Wi-Fi connection is unstable it is possible for the communication to drop packets and, as a result of UDP not
handshaking as often, these dropped packets may go unnoticed and lead to improper system performance.

31 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.3 Running Windows OS on Mac
Lutron programming software is designed to run on Windows operating systems. In order to run the programming
software on Mac hardware, Windows must be utilized either as a virtual machine (ex. Parallels or Fusion) or by booting
the Mac up using only the Windows software (Bootcamp). Bootcamp setup is the same as setting up a Windows
machine to connect to a Lutron processor. As a result of increased complexity, the following focuses on using virtual
machine connections.
8.3.1 Parallels and VMware Fusion
Parallels and VMware Fusion software allow for simultaneous or parallel operation of two operating systems: Windows
and Mac OS. From a networking standpoint, the two operating systems each appear as a device on the network when
using a bridged connection. On one side you have the actual Mac hardware running the Mac OS. On the other, you
have a virtual machine emulating the Windows OS. As a result of this setup, initial connection to the Lutron processor(s)
requires a few settings to be implemented to ensure a successful connection. The example below is using a wired
connection into the LAN.

Proper setup can be accomplished in three simple steps. First, go to the Windows OS desktop and set a static IP
address. To do this, first go to the Control Panel. Click on Network and Sharing Center. If you do not see this option,
change the View By option to Large or Small Icons.

In the Network and Sharing Center window, click on Local Area Connection (or sometimes called Ethernet).

On the Local Area Connection Status window, select the option for Properties.

32 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.3 Running Windows OS on Mac (continued)
8.3.1 Parallels and VMware Fusion (continued)
Next, select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click on Properties.

Set up the IP address and subnet mask as a static IP address. Make sure that this address is outside of the DHCP range
of the DHCP server on the LAN router and does not conflict with any other address on the LAN.

Next, go to the Mac OS side and set a static IP address using the Settings menu. This IP address must be different than
the address being used by the Windows OS. This is because there are two machines running on the network (despite the
fact that it is the same Mac hardware). First, go to System Preferences.

Select Network from the System Preferences window.

33 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.3 Running Windows OS on Mac (continued)
8.3.1 Parallels and VMware Fusion (continued)
In the Network settings window, set the IP address for the Mac LAN adapter to a different address than all other network
devices, including the Windows virtual machine, and click on Apply to save the settings.

The last step is the set the network type to Bridged. To do this in Parallels, go to the Windows Desktop view and go to
the Devices menu in the upper left (you may need to bring your mouse pointer to the upper left corner for the menu bar
to appear). In the Devices menu, select the Network sub menu, and then select Bridged Network. Select Ethernet as
the bridged network option.

To do this in VMware Fusion, go to the Windows Desktop view and go to the Virtual Machine menu in the upper left (you
may need to bring your mouse pointer to the upper left corner for the menu bar to appear). In the Virtual Machine menu,
select the Network sub menu, and then select Bridged.

Note: If you are not using a wired Ethernet connection, your bridged network selection may not be called Ethernet.
Examples would be a USB to Ethernet converter or using Wi-Fi (AirPort).

34 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.4 Multiple Network Adapters
It is recommended that you use a wired LAN connection. When using a wired LAN connection from your PC to the
network and/or processor(s) it is good practice to disable the Wi-Fi Network Adapter on the PC. Having the wireless
adapter enabled while using the local wired connection will often cause issues when trying to connect to the Lutron
system. Completely disabling the adapter removes all possibilities for accidental wireless network connections.

Once you have completed working with the Lutron system, and wish to restore Wi-Fi capabilities, remember to enable
the Wi-Fi Network Adapter.

35 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.5 VPN Connections
An open VPN connection, used for the purposes of receiving emails, for example, may limit communications between
the PC programming tool and the Lutron processor when connecting to the Lutron system over a local network. When
trying to communicate with the Lutron system, it will be prudent to disconnect from this VPN connection. The image,
below, shows the Disconnect option for the Cisco AnyConnect VPN connection.

Obviously, if you are using a VPN connection to connect to a client’s house using the wide area network (WAN) to access
the house for programming purposes, this would not apply. Disconnecting from the VPN only applies when you are using
a local network connection to the Lutron system.
Note that not all VPNs support transmitting multicast data through them which is used extensively in Lutron software.
Check with the VPN vendor to find out whether their VPN supports transmitting multicast traffic across their connection.
As a general rule, everything in the software uses multicast communication when interacting with systems. Examples
of multicast usage includes, but is not limited to processor discovery, processor upgrades, device activation, system
transfer, system diagnostics mode, setting shade limits, and the Terminal window. The System Address is the multicast
address used for most multicast communication to the system, besides processor discovery which is hard-coded to
224.0.37.42.
If your VPN does not support multicast traffic, then there are a couple possible options for remote software access to the
system which includes:
• Force the communication method to TCP.
– Refer to section 5.1.4 in this guide for changing to TCP communication for steps on how to set this up.
– Enables you to discover processors and transfer to the system remotely
• VPN into a PC that is on the Lutron system’s network and use the Lutron software from that PC.
– This will bypass any multicast blockage caused by the VPN.
For more information on setting up a VPN to remotely access Lutron systems, refer to Application Note #231
(P/N 048231) at www.lutron.com

36 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.6 Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is an IP networking protocol used to establish multicast groups. There are
three versions of IGMP: v1, v2, and v3. The HomeWorks QS Processor and RadioRA 2 Main Repeater support all three
versions.
In a network, multicast communication is used to allow a small group of clients to communicate with each other. With
multicast communication, a single message can be sent out to all members of a group at once, as opposed to unicast
communication which would require the message to be sent once for each member. For example, an online movie-
on-demand service would use unicast communication. It sends the movie out to each viewer individually (each viewer
requests the movie at different times). An online video conference can use multicast communication. A single presenter
sends out one video to all the viewers at once (with all viewers watching at the same time).
An example of multicast in a Lutron system is an operating system (OS) firmware update for a new revision of the system
programming software. Regardless of the number of RA2 Main Repeaters or HWQS Processors, the firmware update
is performed to all processors simultaneously using multicast. This allows for a more efficient firmware upgrade when
compared to legacy systems.
8.6.1 How do switches route multicast traffic?
While IGMP is used to define network groups, the network switches often have no knowledge of the location of group
members. If the switches do not know what physical ports group members are on, then there is only one way to
guarantee that all group members get the message: broadcast the message to all physical ports. This method works
because clients in the group will hear the message and clients not in the group will process it and then drop it.
The issue with converting multicast traffic to broadcast traffic is the huge overhead on every device which has to process
and drop messages they were never supposed to receive. This will cause unnecessary network traffic and, if there are
other issues in the network, this broadcasted multicast traffic will compound those issues. Depending on the nature of
other network issue, broadcasting multicast traffic may cause an intermittent loop where traffic is repeated unnecessarily.
IGMP Snooping allows network switches to handle multicast network traffic correctly.
8.6.2 What is IGMP Snooping?
IGMP Snooping is a setting on many managed and “smart” network switches. It is used to discover which physical ports
group members reside on. Once the network switch knows the location of group members, it will only route multicast
traffic to those locations. Devices that are not in the group will never see any of the group messages, significantly
decreasing network traffic. This is a great method to limit total traffic seen by clients without having to set up VLANs. The
appendices, in sections 7.0 and 8.0, portray Lutron processors on networks with Snooping disabled and enabled.
8.6.3 IGMP Snooping and Lutron Residential Systems
The HomeWorks QS and RadioRA 2 systems relies heavily on multicast traffic to cut back on total network traffic and
provide timely system response. This is most effective when network switches can properly direct multicast traffic and
not broadcast it. If, for instance, a two processor HomeWorks QS system is connected to a switch with IGMP Snooping
enabled, no multicast traffic generated by the HomeWorks QS Processors will ever enter the rest of the network. By the
same token the HomeWorks QS system will not receive multicast traffic from other devices on the network (multi room
audio systems, video conferencing software, etc.).
Regardless of where multicast traffic comes it should not be treated the same as broadcast traffic if at all possible.
Treating multicast traffic properly limits exposure to network issues (including but not limited to network loops).
Limiting these network issues is done by enabling IGMP Snooping on the network switch. Having IGMP Snooping
enabled will ensure that the network operates efficiently and that all devices on the network can handle the traffic
directed at them.
IGMP Snooping may require an IGMP Querier to be on the network. An IGMP Querier helps keep multicast membership
reports up-to-date and helps prevent the membership reports from becoming stale. If multicast traffic seems to work for
a short time, then fail, it might be because there is no IGMP Querier on the network.
What is required depends on the networking equipment being used on site and what settings they have available on
them. As a last resort, if there are issues getting multicast to properly route on the network, disabling IGMP Snooping on
all switches/routers will cause the network equipment to treat the multicast traffic as broadcast traffic if you need to get
the system working.

37 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.6 Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) (continued)
8.6.4 Connect Bridge and Lutron Residential Systems
The Lutron Connect Bridge creates a link between a RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS system and the Lutron cloud,
enabling local and remote access to your system via the Lutron Connect mobile app. Making a local connection to
the Bridge involves using mDNS to discover the Bridge on the local network. If the Bridge is not discovered, then the
phone will reach out to Lutron servers which maintains communication with the Connect Bridge (provided an Internet
connection is preset at the Bridge). The Bridge starts the initial communication to Lutron servers, the servers will never
initiate first contact to the Bridge. In addition to using mDNS, the Connect Bridge utilizes other multicast traffic to keep
track of the Lutron processors on the network. For control of the Lutron system, the Connect Bridge establishes a Telnet
connection to the master processor in the system.

8.6.5 Appendix – HWQS System on Network with Snooping Disabled

Multicast Data
Source Data Path

Router
(w/ Multicast
Enabled)

Switch
(w/o Snooping
Enabled)

HQP6-2 HQP6-2
HWQS Processor HWQS Processor

Hosts

38 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.6 Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) (continued)
8.6.6 Appendix – HWQS System on Network with Snooping Enabled

Multicast Data
Source Data Path

Router
(w/ Multicast
Enabled)

Switch
(w/ Snooping
Enabled)

HQP6-2 HQP6-2
HWQS Processor HWQS Processor

Hosts

39 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.7 Setting Static IP Addresses
8.7.1 General Static IP Best Practices
Setting static IP addresses on Lutron processors is typically preferred. Configuring a static IP address is ideal for
integration with third-party systems that communicate with Lutron systems over IP. The idea is very similar to that of the
Postal Service delivering a letter to a specific house in a suburban town. In that town it is a guarantee that each house
has a unique address. It is also a guarantee that the addresses on the homes within that neighborhood are fixed or
static, making it easy for the Postal service worker to deliver the message. If the address of the home randomly changed
after an electrical brown out, the Postal Service would be confused and would likely deliver the message to the incorrect
house. The latter scenario is similar to network devices configured as DHCP, where the network device requests and
address from the DHCP server of the router and is automatically assigned an address which can alter over time.
Setting up static IP addresses is simple to do but there are best practices to follow anytime that this occurs.
1. All addresses must be unique so be sure to map out all addresses on the network and ensure that there is no overlap
2. Set the static addresses outside of the DHCP range of the router on the local area network
a. Removes the potential for overlap as devices like mobile phones or tablets come and go from the network
b. C
 onnect to the router and log onto the router (default username and password are usually simple and something like
admin/admin or admin/password; typically a label is on the router indicating what the default log in is)
8.7.2 DHCP Reservation vs. Setting Static IP in the Programming Software
There are two different ways to set a static IP address on a Main Repeater or HomeWorks QS Processor: DHCP
reservation or using the Lutron programming software.
A DHCP reservation is a way of using the router to automatically assign the same IP address to a network device, every
time the device requests an address from the DHCP server. This type of address is configured in the router, using the
DHCP reservation table.
There are pros and cons to doing each. The below table illustrates this.
Pros Cons
– E
 asy to do, using the same screen – Cannot easily change the address
used to discover and activate the without having the programming
Programming Software
Lutron processor software or sending a command
via telnet
– E
 asy for network management – Router could get replaced with little
since Lutron processors will be warning and all addressing lost
DHCP Reservation handled the same way as all other – Requires additional coordination
network devices with the party responsible for the
networking equipment on the site

40 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.7 Setting Static IP Addresses (continued)
8.7.3 Setting a Static IP Address in Windows
Setting a static IP address on Windows is done using the Network and Sharing Center which is a subset of the Control
Panel. While the process to get to the Network and Sharing Center varies slightly between Windows 7, 8, and 10 the
program itself looks similar. It is recommended to use the search function in Windows to find the Network and
Sharing Center.
From the Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings.

Right-click on the network adapter being used (Wi-Fi or Local Area Connection) and select Properties.

Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) then click the Properties button.

41 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

8.0 Best Practices (continued)

8.7 Setting Static IP Addresses (continued)
8.7.3 Setting a Static IP Address in Windows (continued)
Now change the IP, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway addresses by selecting the option to Use the following IP
address. Click OK to finish.

Close out of the Network Connection Properties screen before the changes go into effect.

42 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting
9.1 RadioRA 2 Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge Error Codes
The below table displays all possible error codes that can be encountered when attempting to Find Main Repeaters and
the Connect Bridge on a network along with potential remedies/solutions.

Error Message Potential Remedy

No Main Repeaters were found on the network. 1. Check that the Repeater(s) are powered and connected to the router.
Please check if the Main Repeater is properly 2. A
 llow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall. See
connected to the network and click Refresh. Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.
Only one Main Repeater was found on the 1. Check that the Repeater(s) are powered and connected to the router.
network. Please check to ensure that both 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall. See
Main Repeaters are properly connected to the Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
network and then click "Refresh."
3. Power cycle the Main Repeater that is not being found.
4. Try to direct connect to the Main Repeater which is not being found.
5. If you have a different router, try to discover both Main Repeaters using the
different router.
No Connect Bridge was found on the network. 1. Check that the Connect Bridge is powered and connected to the same local
Please check if the Connect Bridge is properly area network as the Main Repeater(s).
connected to the network and click Refresh. 2. Ensure that the button was pressed on the Connect Bridge in order to enable
Discovery Mode.
3. Power cycle the Connect Bridge and try the activation process again.
4. Factory default the Connect Bridge and try again.
No Connect Bridge was found on the network. 1. Check that the Connect Bridge is powered and connected to the same local
Please check if the Connect Bridge is properly area network as the Main Repeater(s).
connected to the network. 2. Ensure that the button was pressed on the Connect Bridge in order to enable
Discovery Mode.
3. Power cycle the Connect Bridge and try the activation process again.
4. Factory default the Connect Bridge and try again.
Safe Mode Detected. Follow on-screen steps for resolution.
The Main Repeater was found on multiple PC The PC has multiple network connections to the same LAN.
network connections (wired or Wi-Fi). Please 1. Disable all but one and then re-start software. See Section 5.4.
disconnect the extra connections and refresh
to try again. 2. Best practice - use a wired connection, when possible.
PC and Main Repeater cannot communicate Main Repeater and PC have IP addresses on different subnets.
using the IP address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. Please 1. Ensure that both devices are on the same subnet by changing the IP addresses
pick an IP address in the range between: 'yyy. to the correct scheme.
yyy.yyy.yyy to zzz.zzz.zzz.zzz'.
Communication to the repeater has failed. 1. Check that the Repeater(s) are powered and connected to the router
Please check if all devices are connected and 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
click Refresh. See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.

43 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting (continued)

9.1 RadioRA 2 Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge Error Codes (continued)

Error Message Potential Remedy

Activation Request Timed out for Connect 1. Check that the Connect Bridge is powered and connected to the same local
Bridge. area network as the Main Repeater(s).
2. Ensure that the button was pressed on the Connect Bridge in order to enable
Discovery Mode.
3. Power cycle the Connect Bridge and try the activation process again.
4. Factory default the Connect Bridge and try again.
An error has occurred. Please try again. 1. Re-start the RadioRA 2 programming software.
2. Check that the Repeater(s) are powered and connected to the router; power
cycle Main Repeater.
3. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
Communication to the repeater with serial All devices on a LAN must have a unique IP address.
number yyyyyyyy failed. Please check if the 1. Ensure that each Main Repeater’s IP address is unique from all other network
Main Repeater is properly connected to the devices.
network and click "Refresh."
2. Set the IP addresses outside of the DHCP range of the router.
The same serial number is selected for multiple Two Main Repeater system where, in the Find Main Repeater window, a serial
repeaters. Please select a unique serial number number that is already in use is being assigned to the second Main Repeater.
for each repeater. 1. Choose the second, correct, serial number for the Main Repeater.
Cannot assign the same IP address to multiple All devices on a LAN must have a unique IP address.
Main Repeaters. Please make sure each Main 1. Ensure that each Main Repeater’s IP address is unique from all other network
Repeater has a unique IP address and devices.
try again.
2. Set the IP addresses outside of the DHCP range of the router.
Cannot use IP address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx for All devices on a LAN must have a unique IP address.
the repeater with serial number yyyyyyyy. The 1. Ensure that each Main Repeater’s IP address is unique from all other network
IP address is already being used by another devices.
device on the network. Please select another
IP address for this repeater. 2. Set the IP addresses outside of the DHCP range of the router.
Communication to the Connect Bridge with 1. Check that the Connect Bridge is powered and connected to the same local
serial number yyyyyyyy failed. Please check if area network as the Main Repeater(s).
the Connect Bridge is properly connected to 2. Ensure that the button was pressed on the Connect Bridge in order to enable
the network and click "Refresh." Discovery Mode.
3. Power cycle the Connect Bridge and try the activation process again.
4. Factory default the Connect Bridge and try again.
Communication to the bridge has failed. Please 1. Check that the Connect Bridge is powered and connected to the same local
check if all devices are connected and click area network as the Main Repeater(s).
Refresh. 2. Ensure that the button was pressed on the Connect Bridge in order to enable
Discovery Mode.
3. Power cycle the Connect Bridge and try the activation process again.
4. Factory default the Connect Bridge and try again.

44 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting (continued)

9.1 RadioRA 2 Find Main Repeater/Connect Bridge Error Codes (continued)

Error Message Potential Remedy

Cannot use IP address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx for the All devices on a LAN must have a unique IP address.
Connect Bridge with serial number yyyyyyyy. 1. Ensure that each Main Repeater’s IP address is unique from all other network
The IP address is already being used by devices.
another device on the network. Please select
another IP address for this Connect Bridge. 2. Set the IP addresses outside of the DHCP range of the router.
The Main Repeater did not get an IP address 1. Connect the Main Repeater(s) to a router to allow for an address to be assigned
from a DHCP server on the network. Please from the DHCP server.
connect a router (or other DHCP server) to the 2. Set the Main Repeater to DHCP Disabled and provide a static IP address.
network or set 'DHCP' to 'Disabled'.
Communication to the Main Repeater failed. 1. Check that the Repeater(s) are powered and connected to the router.
Please review network settings and check if all 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
devices are connected correctly. See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.
The connection to the repeater was changed Network adapter change after opening the programming software.
after opening RadioRA 2. Please restart 1. Restart the RadioRA 2 programming software.
RadioRA 2, and try again.
IP multicast failed for repeater with serial 1. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall. See
number xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. Please check the Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
network connections to this repeater and 2. Best practice - restart the RadioRA 2 software after making changes.
firewall settings and try again.
Main Repeaters are on different network. All Multiple Main Repeaters on a system but the current IP addresses of each are on
the Main Repeaters should be on the same different subnets.
network. 1. Make sure that the two Main Repeaters are connected to the same local area
network.
2. Ensure that the IP addresses of each Main Repeater follow the numbering of the
local area network.
Could not establish connection to processor 1. Check that the Repeater(s) are powered and connected to the router.
with IP Address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.

45 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting (continued)

9.2 HomeWorks QS Activate Processors/Connect Bridge Error Codes
The below table displays all possible error codes that can be encountered when attempting to activate processors and
the Connect Bridge on a network along with potential remedies/solutions.

Error Message Remedy

The current subsystem does not contain any 1. Verify that processors have been added to the database in Design > equipment.
activated processors to allow for a transfer. 2. Verify that the processors are activated using activate > processors and
Connect Bridge.
Communication to one or more 1. Check that the Processor(s) are powered and connected to the network.
processors failed. 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall. See
Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.
6. Re-try activate > processors.
Processor upgrade cannot be continued, 1. Check that the processor(s) are powered and connected to the network.
because no processor is available. 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.
6. Re-try activate > processors.
Communications to one or more 1. Check that the processor(s) are powered and connected to the network.
processors failed. 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
Would you like to continue the OS upgrade? See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
This may cause the system to behave in an 3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
unexpected manner. 4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.
6. Re-try activate > processors.
Transfer cannot complete because there are no Nothing is activated to the system; activate devices.
components to transfer.
Unable to find processor. Note that the 1. Check that the processor(s) are powered and connected to the network.
communication mechanism is set to a specific 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
processor’s IP address in the “System See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
Communication” section of Processor
Activation. 3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
If the processor at that address has had 4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
its network configuration changed, or the versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
processor was replaced, please revert to 5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
multicast to discover the processors. Also connection. See Section 5.3.1.
disable any firewalls and router filtering of
multicast messages during this process. 6. Re-try activate > processors.

46 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting (continued)

9.2 HomeWorks QS Activate Processors/Connect Bridge Error Codes (continued)
Error Message Remedy
Status while activating a processor or Bridge Some other device on the network is using the same IP address; change the
shows “Subnet Conflict.” processor/Bridge IP address or the address of the other conflicting device and
re-try activation.
Status while activating a processor shows 1. Check that the processor(s) are powered and connected to the network.
“Not Responding.” 2. Allow exception for the software through the firewall or turn off firewall.
See Section 5.1.2/5.1.5.
3. Turn off any active VPN connections. See Section 5.5.
4. If using a wired LAN connection, disconnect from any Wi-Fi networks. Vice
versa for when using Wi-Fi. See Section 5.4.
5. For Macs running Parallels or VM, ensure that you are using a Bridged network
connection. See Section 5.3.1.
6. Re-try activate > processors.

47 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting (continued)

9.3 Using a Direct Connection to a Lutron Processor
During the troubleshooting process, it may become important to attempt a direct connection from the Windows
computer to the Lutron processor. This can be useful as the removal of all potential network issues causing components
between the Windows computer and Lutron processor. This helps to narrow down the troubleshooting and get closer to
a root cause by minimizing the scope of the network.
In a direct connection, the only components now on the LAN are the Lutron processor and Windows computer.
Figure 6: PC to RadioRA 2 Main Repeater: Direct Connection
Main Repeater

PC

Ethernet

Figure 7: PC to HomeWorks QS Processor: Direct Connection

Laptop PC Ethernet

Processor

Figure 8: PC to Multiple HomeWorks QS Processors: Direct Connection

Laptop PC

Proc 1 Proc 2 Proc 3 Proc 4 Proc 5

Ethernet

48 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

9.0 Troubleshooting (continued)

9.3 Using a Direct Connection to a Lutron Processor
9.3.1 Direct Connection using Static IP Address
Start by configuring a static IP address on Windows by using the Network and Sharing Center. Refer to Section 5.7.3 for
directions on how to set a static IP in Windows.
If a Mac is being used with VM Ware or Parallels software, refer to Section 5.3.1 for information on how to configure both
the Windows and Mac OS for static IP addresses.
Once the computer running the RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS programming software is setup with a static IP address,
open the programming software and open the database for the residence.
If the system is a RadioRA 2 system, proceed to Section 2.0 to configure a static IP address on the Main Repeater and
to then attempt to find the Main Repeater on the network.
If the system is a HomeWorks QS system, proceed to Section 4.0 to configure a static IP address on the HomeWorks QS
Processor and to then attempt to discover the processor on the network.

9.3.2 Direct Connection using Link Local Addressing

A link local address is an address that the computer and Lutron processor will negotiate after a couple of minutes of
a direct connection once both devices have determined that there is no DHCP server on the network to assign each
device an address. This is an alternative approach to using a static IP and is beneficial for those who may have trouble
configuring their Windows machine with a static IP address.
Connect the Lutron processor to the Windows machine in one of the methods shown in Section 6.3. Wait approximately
2 minutes for the two devices to negotiate the link local addresses upon discovering that there was no DHCP server on
the network.
Proceed to open the RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS programming software and attempt to locate the processors using
Find Main Repeater (RA2) or activate > processors (HWQS).

49 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

10.0 Frequently Asked Questions

What is a network?
A network is a set of devices that are connected together to exchange digital information or commands. Devices can
include desktop computers, laptops, Wi-Fi routers, or Lutron processors. A local area network, or LAN, is a network of
devices that are connected together by physical wires or over Wi-Fi and are in close physical proximity to each other.

What is an IP address?
An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique way to identify a device on your network. An IP address is
analogous to a house number. On any given street, all the house numbers are unique just as on any given network all the
IP addresses are unique.
An IP address consists of 4 “octets” of numbers ranging from 0 to 255.
Example:
IP address: 192.168.1.100

How does a device on my network get an IP address?

Devices can get an IP address in multiple ways:
1. T
 he device can have a static IP address assigned to it. The static IP address can be manually changed using
configuration software for that device. See “What is a static IP address?”
2. A network device can hand out IP addresses when the network is powered up. See “What is DHCP?”
3. A
 device can choose its own IP address if set to DHCP and no network device is handing out IP addresses. See
“What is Link Local?”

What is DHCP?
DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, defines a series of events which would allow devices to systematically
allocate IP addresses. In networks where DHCP is used, one device, called the DHCP host, is responsible for handing
out IP addresses to all the other devices. The IP addresses are temporary and are re-allocated any time the host or
devices are powered up.
The DHCP host hands out IP addresses from a range that was set up during the host’s configuration. Devices that would
like to receive IP addresses from the DHCP host are set up to obtain IP addresses automatically using DHCP. The DHCP
host is usually your home router.
Example:
DHCP IP address range: 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.149

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is an IP address that doesn’t change. A static IP address is manually configured before the network is
used. Static IP configuration requires careful planning so that all devices have unique IP addresses.

What is Link Local?

If a device is configured to use DHCP but no DHCP server exists on the network, the device may choose to implement
the Link Local protocol. This protocol allows the device to assume an IP address and verifies that no other device is
using that IP address. This process may take up to two minutes. Link Local IP addresses all begin with 169.254.x.x.
Example:
Link Local IP address: 169.254.1.123

50 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

10.0 Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

Can I mix a DHCP network with a static IP addresses?
Yes, however careful planning must be given to the static IP addresses. The static IP addresses cannot be the same as
the DHCP host’s IP address and must fall outside of the range of the IP addresses the DHCP host hands out.
Example:
– Router (DHCP host) IP address: 192.168.1.1
– Router DHCP range: 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.150
– HomeWorks QS Processor static IP address: 192.168.1.2
– Wi-Fi laptop using DHCP: given out from router. Changes each time laptop is connected to network

What is a subnet mask?

A subnet mask is used to tell what messages are for this network and which are for another network. A subnet mask
consists of 4 “octets” of numbers ranging from 0 to 255. The subnet masks should match on all devices that are part of
the same network.
Example:
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
The 255 in the first three octets forces the listening device to listen to any messages where the first three octets of the
incoming IP address match. If the receiving device’s IP address is 192.168.1.100 and the incoming message is from IP
address 192.168.1.2, then the device should listen.

What is a straight through or patch Ethernet cable?

A straight through or patch Ethernet cable (often referred to as simply an Ethernet cable) is a cable consisting of 4 pairs
of twisted wire with an RJ-45 connector on each end. The wires connect straight through from one connector to the
other (i.e. pin 1 connects to pin 1, pin 2 connects to pin 2, etc). This is the most common type of network cable and is
used when connecting a device to a network through a router or switch.

What is a crossover Ethernet cable?

A crossover Ethernet cable is similar to a straight through Ethernet cable, with the exception that the pairs of wire are
reversed from one connector to the other. This allows the transmit pairs on one connector to connect to the receive
pairs on the other connector. This cable is often used when connecting two devices directly without a router in between,
however it is not necessary in HomeWorks QS or RadioRA 2.

What is a Wide Area Network?

A wide area network is collection of networks that are not physically connected together. Accessing your home network
remotely from an office or other place away from your home is a WAN. The Internet is the most commonly known Wide
Area Network.

How does your home network connect to the Internet?

Your home network is connected to the Internet via a gateway device. Cable modems and DSL modems are examples of
gateway devices. Sometimes gateway devices are also routers.

What is a gateway IP address?

A gateway is a device that connects your network to the Internet such as a cable modem or DSL router. The gateway
address only needs to be setup when you want to remotely access a device on your network from another device on the
Internet. If your network is not connected to the Internet, then the gateway address is not used. If your device does not
need to be accessed from the Internet, then the gateway address is also not used. The gateway address on a device
should be set to the address of the gateway device. In most cases this is your network router.
Example:
– Router IP address: 192.168.1.1
– Gateway address of devices attached to router: 192.168.1.1

51 Customer Assistance — 1.844.LUTRON1

 Application Note #731

10.0 Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

What is a VLAN?
A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a segmented local area network created through the utilization of managed
switches. VLANs are implemented on networks that have a lot of devices tied to it (200+) or a lot of broadcast traffic. The
switches help to only pass the commands that the devices housed on the VLAN wish to listen to and not allow them to
be bombarded with extraneous network traffic.

What is the difference between a LAN and a VLAN?

Normally, in a local area network, the routers create the broadcast domain. In VLANs, the managed switches can create
the broadcast domains and, because switches can talk between themselves, ports on different switches can share the
same VLAN.

Why would I use a VLAN over simply sub-netting the network?

While each VLAN will have its own unique subnet, VLANs are different from sub-netting in that devices in a VLAN do
not have to be connected to the same physical router or switch. For example, Switch A can have a port which is tied
to VLAN 5 and so could a second switch, Switch B. Switch A and B are two different physical pieces of equipment but
devices on the ports share the same VLAN and thus can talk to each other.

Can I use a Layer 2 switch for VLAN functionality?

Yes, Layer 2 switches can be used but they would then require a router to pass commands across VLANs. Layer 3
switches are switches that maintain normal switch functionality with the addition of routing capabilities. They can be
used in place of a Layer 2 switch and router.

What needs to be implemented within the VLAN switch settings for HomeWorks QS to work?
As Lutron systems, such as HomeWorks QS, rely upon multicast communication for various system operations, it is
imperative that multicast be allowed to travel through the VLAN and across VLANs. Settings that should be enabled
within the switches for each VLAN are:
1. Routing Information Protocol (RIP) or Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
2. P
 rotocol Independent Multicast (PIM) – PIM is a group of multicast routing protocols for IP networks that provide one-
to-many and many-to-many distribution of data over a LAN, WAN. It uses more traditional routing protocols to send
information such as RIP or OSPF.
a. Dense Mode (DM) or Sparse Mode (SM)
i. D
 ense Mode – builds shortest path trees by flooding the network with multicast and then prunes branches
where no receivers are present, not as scalable
ii. S
 parse Mode – uses a shared tree or rendezvous point (RP) to then send unicast data out to devices,
very scalable
Enabling these settings differs based on the switch hardware being employed for the VLAN implementation.
VLANs should be designed and setup by a qualified networking professional with a solid understanding of VLAN
implementation. If you are not qualified or unfamiliar with VLAN implementation, we recommend outsourcing the network
design and implementation to an IT professional in your area.

What is the best way to go about troubleshooting issues that arise during implementation of the VLAN setup?
If you are experiencing issues with network connectivity between processors on a VLAN network, we recommend
isolating the processors from the network, via direct connections, to help determine if the issue is caused by the network
or the processors. If an issue with the network is determined, please contact an IT professional in your local area, for
further assistance.

52 www.lutron.com/support
 Application Note #731

Lutron, HomeWorks, Clear Connect, Connect Bridge, Lutron Connect and RadioRA 2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. in the US and/or other countries.
Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.

Lutron Contact Numbers

WORLD HEADQUARTERS UK AND EUROPE: ASIA:
USA Lutron EA Limited Lutron GL Ltd.
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. 125 Finsbury Pavement 390 Havelock Road
7200 Suter Road 4th floor, London EC2A 1NQ #07-04 King’s Centre
Coopersburg, PA 18036-1299 United Kingdom Singapore 169662
TEL: +1.610.282.3800 TEL: +44.(0)20.7702.0657 TEL: +65.6220.4666
FAX: +1.610.282.1243 FAX: +44.(0)20.7480.6899 FAX: +65.6220.4333
[email protected] FREEPHONE (UK): 0800.282.107 Technical Support: 800.120.4491
Technical Support: +44.(0)20.7680.4481 [email protected]
www.lutron.com/support
[email protected]
North & South America Asia Technical Hotlines
Customer Assistance Northern China: 10.800.712.1536
USA, Canada, Caribbean: Southern China: 10.800.120.1536
1.844.LUTRON1 (1.844.588.7661) Hong Kong: 800.901.849
Mexico: Indonesia: 001.803.011.3994
+1.888.235.2910 Japan: +81.3.5575.8411
Central/South America: Macau: 0800.401
+1.610.282.6701 Taiwan: 00.801.137.737
Thailand: 001.800.120.665853
Other Countries: +65.6220.4666

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

53 7200 Suter Road
Coopersburg, PA 18036-1299 U.S.A.
11/2019 P/N 048731 Rev. A