Server, Server Connection Method, and Test and Measurement System

Abstract

To easily perform secure access to a server of a measuring device.SOLUTION: A test measurement system 100 includes a measurement device 104 that can initiate a connection, and a remote server 112 that provides an activation code for a user to input to a communication device 102 to connect the measurement device 104 to a cloud or web-based service. The user can use the activation code in combination with the communication device 102 of the user to enhance security, perform various settings, and provide security credentials to the cloud or web-based service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods related to test measurement systems, and more particularly to techniques for securely connecting a measurement device to a cloud or web-based service.

Background Art

[0002] Measurement devices, including test measurement devices such as oscilloscopes and network analyzers, may require a secure and efficient method for connecting to cloud services, remote databases, and other application program interface (API)-driven web services in order to enhance their operability, functionality, and performance.

[0003] Users of measurement devices typically obtain secure access by providing some additional "factors" such as a short message service (SMS) code, email confirmation, security questions, a paired authentication application, or other "two-factor" authentication methods in addition to a username and password.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, measuring devices are known to be difficult to use for users to input long, arbitrary numbers, symbols, and characters required for secure usernames and passwords.

[0006] This invention aims to solve these and other defects of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The test and measurement system disclosed herein allows users to easily and securely access the server of a measuring device. Users can use an activation code in combination with their own communication device (such as a smartphone) to provide security credentials to cloud or web-based services, with enhanced or granular security settings.

[0008] The test measurement system consists of a measuring device that initiates the connection and a remote server. The remote server provides the user with an activation code. Once the user enters the activation code into their communication device, the measuring device can connect to a cloud or web-based service. The user can use the activation code and communication device together to enhance security, configure various settings, and provide security credentials to the cloud or web-based service.

[0009] The aspects, features, and effects of the embodiments of the present invention will become clear from the accompanying drawings and the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a test and measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of a window that may be displayed on the user interface of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a window that may be displayed on a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a test and measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following explanation uses several terms to cover a variety of topics. “Communication device” means a device capable of communicating with the cloud or a remote server, such as a smartphone, tablet, computing device, or a future device that replaces smartphones or tablets. A communication device has at least one communication link, which allows it to communicate with measuring instruments, at least in terms of sending messages to them, and may also use this same or a different communication link to communicate with a remote server or storage. A communication device has a processor, which, when programmed (code-driven), can communicate with cameras and other imaging sensors, actuators that activate the cameras / imaging sensors, and memory.

[0012] As used in this application, the term "measuring device" refers to, but is not limited to, test and measurement devices such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and various meters, as well as devices that collect or generate data, such as sensors that collect environmental data such as temperature, wind speed, humidity, light intensity, and acoustic level. These are just a few examples, and the explanation is not limited to these specific examples.

[0013] "Measurement device data" refers to data collected by a measurement device, and may include, but is not limited to, the configuration and settings of the measurement device during its setup, screenshots of the measurement device's display screen, the model number and serial number of the measurement device, specific tests performed by the measurement device on the device under test or specific processes during testing, waveform data applied to or obtained from the device under test, and status information of the measurement device (CPU load, measurement device setup information, software licenses available on the measurement device, and other status-based information). If the measurement device is a test measurement device, the information may also include connection information between the test measurement device and any other measurement device (such as other test measurement devices), and measurement data files.

[0014] In embodiments where the measuring device is a sensor, the measuring device data may include the type of sensor, its current state, the manufacturer and model number of the sensor, and samples of any parameters detected by the sensor, such as the time and date stamp of the samples stored by the sensor.

[0015] The "user information" used in this application is typically collected from a communication device. This user information identifies the user and provides user account information, such as email accounts, cloud accounts, and other storage accounts, and includes usernames and passwords. This allows photographs, related data, and measurement device data (if separate) to be stored in that user's account.

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a test and measurement system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary system 100 of Figure 1, the communication device 102 and the measuring device 104 are connected via a network 106 by communication links 108 and 110, respectively. Communication link 110 may also be connected to the measuring device 104 via port 118. Communication links 108 and 110 may be wired or wireless connections.

[0017] Server 112 may be a dedicated server owned by the entity (such as a corporation or individual) that owns the measuring device 104 and the communication device 102, or it may be a cloud server for which the entity has an account. Server 112 may have cloud software, a web application, or other API-driven public web service. Server 112 may have a database or be able to access a database containing data. Server 112 has one or more inputs and is connected to other devices via a network 106 through a connection line 114 using one or more ports. The communication device 102 and the measuring device 104 may also have a communication link 116 via port 119. The communication link 116 may be a wired or wireless connection line. Server 112 may have an activation code generation unit, an authentication unit (authenticator), and a key generation unit. As will be explained in detail below, the activation code generation unit can generate an activation code when it receives a request from the measuring device 104 via the connection line 114. The authentication unit can authenticate the user based on the information received from the communication device 102. The key generation unit can generate an access key for the measuring device 104 that grants access to the server 112 and any database associated with the server 112.

[0018] In addition to the processor 120 and the memory 122, the measuring device 104 may also have a display 123. Although the figure shows that the communication link 116 is bidirectional, as will be described later, a unidirectional link between the communication device 102 and the measuring device 104 may also be used. The measuring device 104 may have a user interface 121 for receiving commands, selections, or other inputs from the user. Also, as shown in the figure, the measuring device 104 may be connected to a device under test (DUT) 124.

[0019] The user can start an attempt to connect to the server 112 through the user interface 121 of the measuring device 104. Also, while attempting to connect to the server 112, the user can enhance security or make detailed security settings as desired and then configure the connection to the server 112.

[0020] For example, when the user starts an attempt to connect to the server 112, the user may set device configuration settings for the connection. Some examples of device configuration settings include, but are not limited to, settings that allow pairing with the server 122 for a predefined period, settings that do not permit the same connection from different Internet protocol (IP) addresses, settings that automatically disconnect the connection to the server 112 during shutdown, restart, or other events of the measuring device, settings that provide a name or other metadata for connecting to the server 112, and so on. In some examples, the user may accurately enter an allowed IP address, such as a range of IP addresses. Conversely, if a non-allowed IP address is entered, access will be denied, so IP address-based restrictions will be imposed.

[0021] These options for device configuration settings may be provided to the user as a menu displayed on the user interface 121. When the measuring device 104 receives the device configuration settings, it can combine these device configuration settings and send a request to obtain an activation code that is valid for a short time towards the API endpoint (network terminal) of the network 106. The activation code itself does not provide any access or other permissions. Rather, the activation code merely represents an opportunity to log in and reference the activation code on the communication device. If access does not occur in the manner described above, the activation code becomes invalid after a specified time has elapsed or after other triggers occur, such as the user instructing to cancel this activation code on the measuring device 104.

[0022] After sending the request to the API endpoint, if the measuring device 104 receives the activation code from the API endpoint, it can display the activation code to the user on the display 123. For example, the measuring device 104 can display a window 200 on the display 123 (Figure 2). This window 200 may display, in addition to the activation code, an activation URL (uniform resource locator). In some examples, the expiration date of the activation code may be displayed to the user. The display of the expiration date may be indicated by a countdown or by indicating a specific time when the activation code becomes invalid. In addition to, or instead of, this, the URL may be displayed in the form of a QR code (registered trademark).

[0023] Figure 2 shows an example of a window 200 that may be displayed on the display 123 of the measuring device 104. However, the examples of the present invention are not limited to this window 200, and the activation code and activation URL may be displayed to the user in some way. The window 200 may include a QR code (registered trademark) 202, which allows the user to quickly access the activation URL using the communication device 102. The window 200 also displays an activation URL 204 for the user to enter into the communication device 102. An activation code 206 is also provided to the user. The activation code is a string of any length and may include numbers, letters, and symbols. In some examples, the activation code may be case-sensitive, as shown in Figure 3.

[0024] When the measuring device 104 receives the activation code and displays it on the display 123, the measuring device 104 waits for information from the server 112 indicating that the user is proceeding with entering credentials. The measuring device 104 may either periodically poll the server 112 to determine whether the user has completed activation, or the measuring device 104 may receive a signal from the server 112 indicating that activation is complete.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of an activation URL 204 displayed on the communication device 102. The user enters the URL into a browser or navigates to the specified activation URL 204 by following the QR code (registered trademark) 202. The activation website provides the user with a secure way to provide credentials along with a short-term valid activation code displayed on the measuring device 104. For example, Figure 3 shows a location 302 for entering the activation code displayed on the measuring device 104 in the activation URL 204 displayed on the communication device 102.

[0026] The user can provide login credentials on the communication device 120 at the activation URL 204 before, after, or simultaneously with entering the activation code. The server 112 can receive the login credentials and the activation code, and the authentication unit (authenticator) can verify that the received activation code matches the activation code sent to the measuring device and authenticate the user using the credentials. The server 112 can then associate the user with the correct measuring device 104.

[0027] After entering credentials and an activation code at the activation URL 204, the user may be prompted to further verify on the communication device 102 the access made to the measuring device 104, detailed preference settings, and other device configuration settings when initiating this connection. For example, the user may be shown which measuring device 104 is requesting access and what type of access (read, write, delete, etc.) is being requested. This verification can serve as a security step to guard against devices attempting to access the measuring device 104 more than originally specified by the user. The user then needs to verify activation on the communication device 102, which completes the process.

[0028] Once the login process is complete, the measuring device 104 can securely connect to the server 112 according to the settings and permissions configured by the system and the user. In other words, the measuring device 104 can receive a temporary key or other credential mechanism, which provides a specific access level previously specified by the user.

[0029] In some examples, the measuring device 104 may display the server 112 as if it were a drive mounted alongside the measuring device 104's original C:\ drive. The user can treat this connected server 112 like a regular drive, and data is automatically synchronized to the server 112 via the network 106. In addition, or alternatively, once the measuring device 104 is securely connected to the server 112, the server 112 can store measuring device data, configure the measuring device from the server 112, remotely assist the processing of the measuring device 104, perform asset management, and distribute data to other paired devices.

[0030] Figure 4 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the operation of connecting the measuring device 104 to the server 112 using the communication device 102.

[0031] First, in step 400, the user initiates an attempt to connect to the server 112 on the measuring device 104. During this attempt, in some examples, the user may also enhance security and make finer settings regarding the connection, as described above. For example, the user may specify that connections should only be allowed for a specific period of time, that the same connection should not be allowed from different IP addresses, that the connection should be automatically disconnected upon reboot or other events, or that a name or other metadata be provided for the connection.

[0032] The measuring device 104 consolidates the device configuration settings set by the user and sends a request to the API endpoint at the server 112. The server 112 receives the device configuration settings and connection request and generates a short-lived activation code associated with the measuring device 104. As mentioned above, the activation code itself does not provide access to the measuring device 104 or any other privileges. The activation code represents an opportunity to log in, refer to the activation code, and actually create a connection to the measuring device 104. The server 112 then sends the activation code to the measuring device 104 in step 402.

[0033] In step 404, the measuring device 104 may receive the activation code and display the code on the display 123, or present the code to the user using other means of providing the activation code, such as the measuring device 104's audio output, LED, or onboard communication port. The activation code may also be presented together with the activation URL, or in some cases, the user may already be aware of the activation URL, so only the activation code may be presented to the user.

[0034] After the activation code is presented to the user in step 404, the measuring device 104 then enters standby mode in step 406. The measuring device 104 may periodically poll the server 112 to check whether the user has completed the authentication process, or it may wait for a signal from the server 112 indicating that the authentication process has been completed.

[0035] While the measuring device 104 is waiting in step 406, in step 408, the user can enter an activation code at the activation URL on the communication device 102. At the activation URL on the communication device 102, the user is presented with an input text field to provide the activation code.

[0036] In step 410, the server 112 receives and verifies the user's credentials along with the activation code. The server 112 can then associate the communication device 102 with the measuring device 104. In step 408, the server 112 sends back the device configuration settings that the user initially sent in step 400 to the communication device 102. In step 412, the user can review or modify the device configuration settings and permissions of the communication device 102 initially provided via the measuring device 104. This verification process is a security step to prevent more devices from attempting to access than initially specified by the user. This verification process can also indicate which measuring device 104 is requesting access.

[0037] In step 408, if incorrect credentials or an incorrect activation code are received, the process will fail, and a message may be displayed to the user on either the measuring device 104 or the communication device 102, or both.

[0038] If the user has confirmed the device configuration settings and privilege settings, in step 414, the server 112 may generate and send a temporary key for the measuring device 104 to access the server 112, or provide other credential mechanisms. If the measuring device 104 periodically polls the server 112, in step 406, the server 112 may update its status for the polling mechanism to update. In addition, or alternatively, the server 112 may provide a webhook or other notification, publication, or subscription model method to notify the measuring device 104 that the activation was successful.

[0039] In step 416, the measuring device 104 receives a key or other credential mechanism and becomes able to access the server 112 according to the user-defined permissions. The measuring device 104 may display the server 112 as if it were a mounted drive, and as described above, the server 112 can be displayed in the folder system alongside the original C:\\. This allows the user to treat the connected server 112 like a regular drive for ease of use. Data is automatically synchronized to the server 112 based on the user-defined permissions. The connection to the measuring device 104 can be examined in various ways to provide node-locked access levels and other security measures based on user settings and system requirements.

[0040] The connection between server 112 and measuring device 104 is temporary and may be revoked at any time, including remotely. Server 112 may revoke access at any time without invalidating the user's credentials. Server 112 may also revoke access based on the device configuration settings initially set by the user, such as the occurrence of events such as the elapsed time, the restart of measuring device 104, or the use of multiple user credentials for different measuring devices 104. In some examples, server 112 may revoke access based on the detection of data misuse or system abuse.

[0041] Aspects of the present invention can operate on a specially programmed general-purpose computer, including specially created hardware, firmware, a digital signal processor, or a processor that operates according to programmed instructions. The terms “controller” or “processor” in this application mean microprocessors, microcomputers, ASICs, and dedicated hardware controllers, etc. Aspects of the disclosed technology can be implemented by one or more computers (including monitoring modules) or other devices, using computer-readable data such as program modules and computer-executable instructions. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which, when executed by a processor in a computer or other device, perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data formats. Computer-executable instructions may be stored on computer-readable storage media such as hard disks, optical disks, removable storage media, solid-state memory, RAM, etc. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the functions of the program modules may be combined or distributed as needed in various embodiments. Furthermore, these functions can be embodied in whole or in part in firmware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). One or more aspects of the disclosed technology can be more effectively implemented using specific data structures, such data structures are considered to be within the scope of computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[0042] The disclosed embodiments may, in some cases, be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried or stored in one or more computer-readable media that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Such instructions may be referred to as computer program products. The computer-readable media described herein means any medium accessible by a computing device. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media.

[0043] Computer storage media means any medium that can be used to store computer-readable information. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory and other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), DVD (Digital Video Disc) and other optical disc storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices and other magnetic storage devices, and any other volatile or non-volatile removable or non-removable media implemented by any technology. Computer storage media exclude signals themselves and temporary forms of signal transmission.

[0044] A communication medium means any medium that can be used for the communication of computer-readable information. Examples of communication mediums, though not limited to them, include coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, air, or any other medium suitable for the communication of electrical, optical, radio frequency (RF), infrared, sound, or other forms of signals. Examples

[0045] The following examples are provided that are useful for understanding the technology disclosed herein. These embodiments may include one or more of the examples described below, or any combination thereof.

[0046] Embodiment 1 is a server for connecting to a measuring device, comprising: one or more ports for receiving connection requests and configuration settings from the measuring device, and user-entered codes and credentials from a communication device; an activation code generation unit configured to generate an activation code and associate the activation code with the measuring device; an authentication unit (authenticator) that authenticates the user based on the credentials and determines whether the user-entered code and the activation code are the same; and a key generation unit that, if the user is authenticated and the user-entered code and the activation code are the same, generates an access key that provides access based on the configuration settings and transmits the access key to the measuring device.

[0047] Embodiment 2 is the server of Embodiment 1, wherein the above configuration setting includes a time limit for connecting the measuring device to the server, and the key generation unit is further configured to cancel access to the measuring device when the above time limit has expired.

[0048] Example 3 is a server according to either Example 1 or 2, wherein the above configuration settings include settings that restrict access to the server based on one or more Internet Protocol addresses (IP addresses).

[0049] Embodiment 4 is a server according to any of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the above configuration setting includes a command to disconnect the connection when an event occurs, and the key generation unit is further configured to cancel access to the measuring device when the above event occurs.

[0050] Example 5 is the server of Example 4, and the event described above is the restart of the measuring device.

[0051] Example 6 is a server from any of Examples 1 to 5, and the above configuration settings include metadata.

[0052] Embodiment 7 is a server according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the authentication unit is further configured to transmit the configuration settings to the communication device and to receive confirmation of the configuration settings from the communication device.

[0053] Embodiment 8 is a method for securely connecting a server to a measuring device, comprising: a process of receiving a request from the measuring device to connect to the server along with configuration settings; a process of generating an activation code and associating the activation code with the measuring device; a process of receiving user credentials and a user input code from the communication device; a process of authenticating the user credentials; a process of determining whether the user input code matches the activation code; and, if the user credentials are authenticated and the user input code matches the activation code, a process of establishing a connection with the measuring device based on the configuration settings.

[0054] Example 9 is the method of Example 8, wherein the above configuration setting includes a time limit on which the measuring device can be connected to the server, and the method further includes a process to cancel access to the measuring device when the above time limit has elapsed.

[0055] Example 10 is one of the methods of Example 8 or 9, wherein the configuration settings include settings that restrict access to the server based on one or more Internet Protocol addresses (IP addresses).

[0056] Example 11 is one of the methods of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the configuration setting includes a command to disconnect the connection when an event occurs, and the method further includes a process to cancel access to the measuring device when the event occurs.

[0057] Example 12 is the method of Example 11, wherein the event is the restart of the measuring device.

[0058] Example 13 is one of the methods described in Examples 8 to 12, wherein the configuration settings include metadata.

[0059] Example 14 is a method according to any of Examples 8 to 13, further comprising the process of transmitting the above configuration settings to the above communication device and the process of receiving confirmation of the above configuration settings from the above communication device.

[0060] Example 15 is a test measurement system, A user interface configured to receive database connection requests along with configuration settings, A port configured to receive an activation code, A display configured to show the activation code and It is equipped with a measuring device that has [a certain characteristic]. The test measurement system further includes a server connected to the above-mentioned measuring device, One or more ports that receive the above connection request and configuration settings from the above measuring device, as well as user input codes and credentials from a communication device, An activation code generation unit configured to generate an activation code, associate the activation code with the measuring device, and transmit the activation code to the measuring device, An authentication unit (authenticator) configured to authenticate the user based on the above credentials and to determine whether the above user input code and the above activation code are the same, A key generation unit is configured to generate an access key for the database that provides access based on the above configuration settings when the above user is authenticated and the above user input code and the above activation code are the same, and to transmit the access key to the above measuring device. The above-mentioned server has the following features.

[0061] Example 16 is the system of Example 15, wherein the above configuration setting includes a time limit for connecting the measuring device to the server, and the key generator is further configured to cancel access to the measuring device when the time limit has elapsed.

[0062] Example 17 is a system of either Example 15 or 16, wherein the configuration settings include a setting to restrict access to the server based on one or more Internet Protocol addresses.

[0063] Example 18 is a system of any of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the configuration setting includes a command to disconnect the connection when an event occurs, and the key generation unit is further configured to cancel access to the measuring device when the event occurs.

[0064] Example 19 is a system from any of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the above configuration settings include metadata.

[0065] Example 20 is a system according to any of Examples 15 to 19, wherein the authentication unit is further configured to transmit the configuration settings to the communication device and to receive confirmation of the configuration settings from the communication device.

[0066] Embodiment 21 is a measuring device comprising a user interface configured to receive connection requests for connecting to a database along with configuration settings, a port configured to receive an activation code, and a display configured to display the activation code.

[0067] Example 22 is the measuring device of Example 21, wherein the above configuration settings include settings to restrict access to the server based on one or more Internet Protocol addresses, commands to disconnect the connection when an event occurs, or metadata.

[0068] Embodiment 23 is a measuring device according to either Embodiment 21 or 22, wherein the port is further configured to receive a key for connecting to a database generated by the server, and the display is configured to display the accessed server as a mounted drive.

[0069] The above-described forms of the disclosed subject matter have many effects that have been described or would be obvious to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, not all of these effects or features are required in all forms of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0070] In addition, the description of this application refers to specific features. All features disclosed herein, in the claims, abstract and and in the drawings, and all steps in all disclosed methods or processes, may be combined in any way, provided that at least a part of them is not mutually exclusive. Each of the features disclosed herein, in the claims, abstract and and in the drawings may be replaced by alternative features that serve the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless otherwise specified.

[0071] Furthermore, when this application refers to a method having two or more defined steps or processes, these defined steps or processes may be performed in any order or simultaneously, as long as the circumstances do not rule out such possibilities.

[0072] For the sake of explanation, specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, but it should be understood that various modifications are possible without deviating from the gist and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to anything other than the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 Test and Measurement Systems 102 Communication devices 104 Measuring device 106 Network 108 Communication Links 110 Communication Link 112 Servers 114 Connection lines 116 Communication Links 118 ports 119 ports 120 processors 121 User Interface 122 memory 124 Device under test

Claims

1. A server for connecting to a measuring device, One or more ports for receiving connection requests and configuration settings from the above measuring device, and user-entered codes and credentials from a communication device, An activation code generation unit configured to generate an activation code and associate the activation code with the above-mentioned measuring device, An authentication unit authenticates the user based on the above credentials and determines whether the user input code and the activation code are the same. A key generation unit generates an access key that provides access based on the above configuration settings when the above user is authenticated and the above user input code and the above activation code are the same, and transmits the access key to the measuring device. A server equipped with [the following features].

2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the above configuration settings include a setting to cancel the server's access to the measuring device when a time limit is exceeded or an event occurs, a setting to restrict access to the server based on one or more Internet Protocol addresses, and a command or metadata to disconnect the connection when an event occurs.

3. The authentication unit is further configured to transmit the configuration settings to the communication device and to receive confirmation of the configuration settings from the communication device.

4. A method for securely connecting a server to a measuring device, The process involves receiving a request to connect from the above measuring device to the above server, along with the configuration settings. A process of generating an activation code and associating said activation code with the above measuring device, The process of receiving user credentials and user input codes from the communication device, The process of authenticating the above user credentials, The process involves determining whether the user input code matches the activation code, When the above user credentials are authenticated and the above user input code matches the above activation code, the process of establishing a connection with the above measuring device based on the above configuration settings is performed. A server connection method that includes the following.

5. The server connection method according to claim 4, wherein the above configuration settings include a setting to cancel the server's access to the measuring device when a time limit is exceeded or an event occurs, a setting to restrict access to the server based on one or more Internet Protocol addresses, and a command or metadata to disconnect the connection when an event occurs.

6. The server connection method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising the process of transmitting the above configuration settings to the above communication device and the process of receiving confirmation of the above configuration settings from the above communication device.

7. A test and measurement system, A user interface configured to receive database connection requests along with configuration settings, A port configured to receive an activation code, A display configured to show the activation code and A measuring device having, A server connected to the above measuring device, One or more ports that receive the above connection request and configuration settings from the above measuring device, as well as user input codes and credentials from a communication device, An activation code generation unit configured to generate an activation code, associate the activation code with the measuring device, and transmit the activation code to the measuring device, An authentication unit configured to authenticate the user based on the above credentials and to determine whether the above user input code and the above activation code are the same, A key generation unit is configured to generate an access key for the database that provides access based on the above configuration settings when the above user is authenticated and the above user input code and the above activation code are the same, and to transmit the access key to the above measuring device. The above server having A test and measurement system equipped with [the following features].

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