How do BlueNote clients communicate with other users?

BlueNote Communicator Lights makes setup easy by automatically connecting all users on the same local network - no IT support or manual setup is needed because all computers can communicate with one another directly.

Network Detection

When launching BlueNote for the first time, it looks at all available network adapters on that computer (like Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

Smart Connection

BlueNote will usually choose the most reliable connection - typically the wired (Ethernet) connection if it's available.

Automatic Discovery with Multicasting

Once connected, BlueNote sends out a "hello" message on the network. Any other computers running BlueNote will hear that message and respond - allowing all users to see each other automatically.

No Manual Configuration Needed

There's no need to type in IP addresses, change router settings, or install a server. As long as everyone is on the same local network, BlueNote will take care of the rest.

BlueNote Communicator Lights was designed to be a self-hosted (not cloud-based) serverless communication system that starts up as part of each Windows user's session every day. The first time that a BlueNote app comes online, it creates a unique session identity that self-discovers the network settings, and connects with other users on a subnet automatically. Serverless means that installations are fast, and that BlueNote does not have a single point of failure. 

BlueNote Lights is serverless because it is capable of multicasting its data stream out to all users at once over a local network, without being controlled by a single point. BlueNote data does not leave the network, which ensures total compliance with patient privacy guidelines outlined by HIPAA and PIPEDA. As each user comes online, it shares in the multicasting stream automatically. By default, all BlueNote clients will use this serverless mode, because it is the most flexible and reliable, especially if a network has its settings changed from time to time. 

The network settings at each client are found under Menu > Preferences > Network if you'd like to view the adapter(s) that BlueNote can utilize.

Ethernet

Computers that are hard-wired together over ethernet cable typically maintain stable network connections with one another, and rarely need any network adjustments for BlueNote simply to stay connected at all times. 

Wireless Adapters

If ethernet adapters are not available, BlueNote usually works well over a local secure wifi network; however, because the data occasionally becomes infrequent, the connection sometimes is unstable. In this case, a user may not want to connect BlueNote clients together in serverless mode.

VPN

Offsite users must tunnel their connections through a site-to-site VPN. This type of connection cannot be achieved in BlueNote's serverless mode. Multiple offices may connect via VPN, but they cannot directly connect from the internet.

An Alternative to Serverless

There are times when a serverless design is not as desirable. An example of this would be with wireless networks that are designed for maximum security. Most Wi-Fi networks used by medical offices are protected from the main wired network to prevent unauthorized access. 

A Lights Gateway is the remedy when any of these types of connections are in place and a BlueNote client is not effectively sending and/or receiving data in the default serverless mode. In these scenarios, one of the BlueNote clients on the wired network may be used to assist the BlueNote clients needing an alternate connection by turning on a Gateway mode that is included with each BlueNote client. Click on the related link below for more information about setting up and using the Lights Gateway.