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Connecting Stacks to Ethernet

UpdatedMay 8, 2025

Welcome to Interstacks! This quick start guide will walk you through the process of connecting your stack to your Ethernet network using our online configuration tool.

Note: If the network you are connecting to uses a firewall, your stack can be prevented from accessing the internet even when connected to your network. Consult your IT administrator for assistance.

Before you begin

Please gather the following items in a convenient location:

Your preassembled stack and power cord

A USB-A to Mini-USB cord

A PC or laptop with internet access

An Ethernet cable

You will also need to have the Ethernet settings that your network uses on-hand during setup. Ask your IT network administrator to confirm the information below, and document it for future reference.

Note: Choosing automatic DHCP means your stack will automatically complete all other fields. If you choose to use static DHCP, your IT administrator must ensure that no other devices are using the IP address below.

  • DHCP Setting (1 for automatic, 0 for static IP)
  • DNS Address 1
  • DNS Address 2
  • IP Address
  • Router Address
  • Subnet Mask

Connect to your stack

  1. Plug in your stack’s power supply. It takes five to ten seconds for the stack to boot up.
  2. Connect your stack’s Base module to your PC using the USB-A to Mini-USB cord.
  3. Ensure you are using a Microsoft Edge or Chrome browser window, and click here to launch the Stack Configuration Tool.
  4. Click the ‘Connect to stack’ button, and select the stack you wish to configure from the list.
  5. Click the ‘Get Info’ button to load in your stack’s current settings

You now have direct edit access to your stack. Please review the primary buttons and their functions below before proceeding.

Get Info:

Refresh the stack editor window.

Save:

Save the currently entered settings to the stack.

Revert:

Restore all settings to the last saved state.

Disconnect:

Disconnect from the stack.

Note: Please proceed carefully and double-check for typos while directly editing your stack’s settings.

Configure Ethernet settings for DHCP 1 (automatic)

If your Ethernet network is set to DHCP 1, configure your stack as follows:

  1. In the stack editor window, look for the property ‘eth.dhcp’ and confirm that it is set to 1, as below.
  2. If ‘eth.dhcp’ is not set to 1, hover to the right of the ‘eth.dhcp’ property to reveal the green ‘edit’ icon, and click it to begin editing.
  3. Change the value to 1, and click the green checkmark icon to confirm your change.
  4. Click the ‘Save’ button to send your changes to the stack.
  5. Click the ‘Disconnect’ button to disconnect from your stack.

Configure Ethernet settings for DHCP 0 (static IP)

If your Ethernet network is set to DHCP 1, configure your stack as follows:

  1. In the stack editor window, look for the following properties:
    • eth.dhcp
    • eth.dns_address_1
    • eth.dns_address_2
    • eth.ip_address
    • eth.router_address
    • eth.subnet_mask
  2. Hover to the right of the ‘eth.dhcp’ property to reveal the green ‘edit’ icon, and click it to begin editing.
  3. Change the value to 0, and click the green checkmark icon to confirm your change.
  4. Referring to the network settings provided by your administrator, enter the corresponding value for each other property listed above. Take care to double-check for typos.
  5. When each of the six properties has been filled out correctly, click the ‘Save’ button to send your changes to the stack.
  6. Click the ‘Disconnect’ button to disconnect from your stack.

Verify your Ethernet connection

  1. To confirm that your changes were saved, open a private browser window (incognito mode) or clear your cache and navigate to the configuration tool.
  2. Click ‘Connect to Stack’ and select the stack from the list.
  3. Click the ‘Get Info’ button to load in your stack’s current settings.
  4. Confirm that each property value matches the network settings provided by your administrator.
  5. Click ‘Disconnect’, unplug the USB cord from the computer, connect your ethernet cable to your stack, and cycle power on your stack.
  6. To confirm that your stack is connected, check the LED in the corner of your Ethernet block after about 30 seconds.

Intermittent green and orange flashing indicates that your Ethernet block is connected and communicating with your network.

A repeating orange / red pattern indicates a problem. Reconnect to your stack using the previous instructions and re-enter your Ethernet network settings, being cautious of typos.

Confirm that data is flowing

Log into MyStacks.interstacks.com and confirm that data is flowing from your stack to your dashboard. If this is your first time logging in, you can follow our step-by-step tutorial on dashboard creation and adding your first data widget.

Check the sensors and accessories section for installation tips and wiring guides.

For additional technical support, please contact us at info@interstacks.com with a description of your issue.

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