The Master Controller is the central management hub for an ESCTL installation. It manages the logic, security permissions, and data logging for all connected door controllers and temperature monitors.
Core Functions
- Identity Management: Integrates with LDAP/Active Directory to manage user permissions and card serial numbers.
- Access Logic: Determines real-time access rights based on groups, time of day, and door ID.
- Data Logging: Centralized logging of all events (access granted, access denied, temperature readings) to a MySQL/MariaDB database.
- API Access: Provides an interface for remote commands and configuration.
System Architecture
The Master Controller typically runs on a Linux-based server (or Raspberry Pi). It consists of several perl-based services:
esctl-node.pl: The main service communicating with hardware nodes.ldap.pm: Handles integration with the identity provider.functions.pm: Core utility logic.
Configuration
The system is configured via a central configuration file (typically config.pm). Key settings include:
- Database connection strings.
- LDAP server details and search bases.
- Network port assignments for node communication.
Monitoring
The Master Controller includes monitoring capabilities for:
- Power status of connected nodes.
- VPN connectivity for remote sites.
- System health and log rotation.