Test Access Control ports from the local network using Ncat with macOS

To prepare a macOS computer to test for port communication:

A macOS computer can be prepared to test for port communication by opening a Terminal window.

1. Using the macOS computer, open the Applications folder.
2. Double-click Utilities.
3. Double-click Terminal to open the Terminal window.

To test TCP port communication with macOS and Netcat:

1. In the Terminal window, enter the following command for Mercury or Aero:
   • For Mercury boards, enter nc -vz mercury.g4c5j.com 7001.
   • For Aero boards, enter nc -vz mercury.g4c5j.com 8001.
2. Press return.
3. Verify if port communication is successful or unreachable.
   • If port communication is successful, a message similar to the following will display: Connection to mercury.g4c5j.com port 7001 [tcp/*] succeeded!
   • If the port is blocked or unreachable, a message similar to the following will display: nc: connect to mercury.g4c5j.com port 8001 (tcp) failed: Connection refused

To determine a potential TCP port issue:

If Connection refused or Operation timed out displays for either port, there may be a firewall rule or network policy preventing access to the desired TCP port.

To resolving port blocking issues:

If it is determined a firewall or restriction is in place, contact your network IT Administrator and provide them with the following information:

• Request that access is opened for outbound communication to the following:
  • TCP/7001 (communication with Alarm.com)
  • TCP/8001 (communication with Alarm.com)
• Include screenshots of your test results from the Terminal window.
• Provide information on how you are connected to the network (i.e., using Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• If possible, inform the IT Administrator about the purpose of the connectivity test.