Network and time

The Network tab has four parts: Interfaces, DHCP Server, Time Server and Peer Server.

Most schools only need to check Interfaces once. The other parts are for schools without a network router, and for keeping every lab computer on the same time.

Interfaces

Lists the server's network connections (cable and Wi-Fi). Tick each one that students can reach the server on.

  • Ticked connections decide which addresses appear on the Overview tab and in the QR code.
  • Set primary chooses the connection the server mainly uses.
  • Set all to static IP fixes the server's address, so lab computers always find it in the same place. The tab explains how to do this in Windows Settings if you prefer.

Changing the selection restarts Surepass. Avoid doing it during an exam.

Giving out network addresses (DHCP Server)

Every computer on a network needs an address. Normally your router gives them out. If your lab has no router, only a network switch, the server can do this instead.

  1. Connect all the computers to the same switch.
  2. On the server, set the connected network to the fixed address 192.168.100.1 (use Interfaces).
  3. Turn on the DHCP Server.
  4. Leave the lab computers set to get an address automatically (the Windows default).

Connected Devices lists each computer that has received an address. Click a device to give it a name, or to fix its address so it always gets the same one. This is useful when your seats are labelled.

Do not turn this on if your network already has a router: two devices giving out addresses cause connection problems.

Time Server

Exam timers depend on correct clocks. The server keeps the time for every computer on the network.

  • Internet Sync sets the server's clock from the internet.
  • Set Manually lets you set the date and time when there is no internet. On Windows, click Yes when Windows asks for permission.
  • The time zone is always Africa/Lagos (WAT).

Computers with the Client Edition set their clocks from the server every hour by themselves.

Peer Server (working beside an SMS server)

If your school also runs an Academium SMS server on the same network, the two servers find each other. Only one of them should give out network addresses and the time:

  • The SMS server looks after the network and time.
  • The Surepass server shows Standby Server. It takes over by itself only if the SMS server goes offline.

There is nothing to set up.

With Academium SMS

See Network and time settings on the SMS server.

Common problems

Lab computers cannot find the server after the server restarted. Its address may have changed. Use Set all to static IP so it keeps the same address.

Time Server shows "Stopped — client clocks will not sync". Switch it back on, or click Restart.

The time is wrong after a power cut. The server may warn System clock is incorrect, often because the computer's clock battery is flat. Click Fix Clock and set the time, then have the battery replaced.