Product FAQ

Which operating systems are supported?

Protonet is mainly used through the Web interface through an encrypted connection. Protonet thus can be used with all popular operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, or Linux. The file-access is possible within the intranet via standard network protocols. The communication between the Protonet Server and Apple devices is done via the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP). Communication between the Protonet Server and Windows devices is done via the Server Message Block Protocol (SMB). It’s also possible to establish network connections via the Internet. For this, Protonet uses the WebDAV protocol (“Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning”).

Can I reach Protonet SOUL through any web browser?

Protonet SOUL offers a web interface, which is constantly being optimized using the latest web technologies and standards. Therefore, the use of a current Internet browser is essential to use all the features of Protonet SOUL. The video calling feature requires the use of Firefox, Chrome or Opera.

Are there any requirements for my existing infrastructure?

We have built Protonet with the best performing parts in the market. For example, our Protonet Server currently offers a built-in Wi-Fi router which has a transfer rate of 150 Mbit/s – 300 Mbit s in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The server also has a gigabit ethernet port. However, these high data rates can only be achieved if the network environment in which the Protonet server is integrated support it. Otherwise, here applies that the data transfer rates and thus the transmission speed depend on the weakest members of the network.

In Short: A “slow ” internet connection affects the transmission speed of Protonet-data!

Therefore, the following minimum requirements and recommendations:

Internet connection

  • Minimum requirement: 2 Mbit/s upstream (with low data transfer)
  • Recommended: 5 Mbit/s upstream and more ( SDSL / VDSL)
  • Minimum requirement: 6 Mbit/s downstream (with low data transfer)
  • Recommended: 16 Mbit/s downstream and higher

Internet Router

  • Minimum requirements: 1 free Ethernet connection to your modem
  • Minimum requirements: IP address assignment by DHCP server

Local Network

  • Minimum requirements: 100-Mbit/s-Standard
  • Recommendation: Gigabit switches and port on the router

Wi-Fi

  • Minimum requirements: wireless card with n- standard support (802.11n)

Can I deploy additional software on the server?

It is possible to install various other services or software on the Protonet server before delivery or while it’s already running. This is done using virtual machines that simulate another server.
Basically, almost any solution based on Windows or Linux / Unix, can be provided in a virtual machine. Eg. the following software has been implemented yet: ecoDMS, cobra CRM, Microsoft Small Business Server (Exchange Mailserver, Domaincontroller), Linux Server with GitLab, PostgreSQL, PostGIS .
Please contact our customer advisors regarding specific requirements.

How do I get software updates?

Our development department is constantly working on improvements, new applications and features. We regularly provide software updates with the latest available advancements.

Updates can be downloaded in Protonet SOUL in the system settings and are available for free. Any further applications (eg CRM application) be offered in the future in an online app store.

We maintain close contact with our customers and look forward to further development suggestions.

How is the communication with the Protonet server protected?

The use of Protonet server can be done via LAN cable, Wi-Fi or via the Internet browser. In order to guarantee the security of data, an encryption of the data transfer is done with the highest standards. When using the Protonet server via WiFi we guarantee security through a WPA2 encryption. When reaching the server over the internet the transmission of data occurs via 2048-bit SSL encryption, which is the standard for online banking.

How is data loss prevented?

Within the Protonet solution, the hard drives are redundantly stored in a RAID construct (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). RAID 1 stores the same data on all disks (mirroring). When a hard disk fails, the other one can supply all the data. RAID 5 is a composite of hard disks, where each disk stores a portion of the total data and part of the parity files. When one harddrive fails it can be reconstructed out of the parity files.

The server versions with 2×2 TB or 2×4 TB hard drive constellations have RAID 1 redundancy, the 4×4 TB variant has RAID 5.

The Protonet server comes with an unalterable software called SOUL which ensures the stability of the solution and the safety of the data. Desired Additional services can be run on the Protonet server within virtual machines.

How can my Protonet data be backed up?

Files can easily be backed up on network enabled harddrives.

Furthermore, it is possible to set up regular backups on attached hard drives and other systems, even at remote sites. Get in touch with us if you’re interested in this.

Experienced users can for example realize the backup with rsync and cron own.