Internet Access Requirements

Why ARC Needs Internet Access

Synthiam ARC uses secure cloud services to provide licensing, software updates, project synchronization, and many optional robot skills that rely on online AI or data services. These cloud connections help ARC remain up to date, operate safely, and deliver the most reliable robotics experience.

ARC does not browse unrelated websites or share data with advertisers. Internet access is limited to connections required for ARC features to function. Many robot operations will continue to work offline, but cloud-dependent features (skills, authentication, syncing, and updates) will be limited or unavailable without network access.

What is a Firewall and Why It Matters?

A firewall is a network security system used by schools, companies, and other organizations to control what traffic is allowed into and out of the network. It helps block malicious sites, malware, and unauthorized connections.

Some firewalls block outgoing connections (traffic originating inside the network). Even when normal web browsing works, ARC may be unable to reach its required servers unless those destinations are explicitly permitted by the network policy.

If ARC cannot contact its servers, cloud skills may fail to load or authenticate, licensing may not validate, and update or sync services may appear offline. In most cases, IT teams only need to allow ARC’s outbound HTTPS connections to restore functionality.

Access Requirements for Cloud-Based Robot Skills

Many optional robot skills connect to third-party cloud AI providers. Examples include:

• OpenAI (ChatGPT and related APIs)
• Azure Cognitive Services
• Google Cloud AI
• Amazon Web Services (AI/ML services)

If these external connections are blocked by network controls, the corresponding cloud skills will not load or authenticate. IT administrators may need to allow outbound HTTPS access to the specific provider domains used by installed skills.

Firewall and Network Considerations

Educational institutions and corporate networks commonly restrict outbound traffic. To ensure ARC operates correctly, IT staff may need to permit outgoing HTTPS connections to:

• synthiam.com
• admin.synthiam.com
• Any external cloud AI providers used by installed robot skills

Additional considerations

• SSL inspection / Deep Packet Inspection: Devices that intercept or re-sign SSL/TLS traffic can break ARC’s secure connections. If SSL inspection is enabled, allow exceptions for the Synthiam endpoints or disable inspection for those hosts.
• DNS filtering: Security filters (for example, Cisco Umbrella, Fortinet, or Palo Alto) may block required domains unless they are whitelisted.
• Captive portals / Guest Wi‑Fi: Guest networks that require web-based login or isolate devices may prevent ARC from connecting to its servers. Use an authenticated network or provide exceptions as needed.
• Proxies: ARC follows the host operating system’s proxy settings. Authenticated proxies must be configured at the OS level so ARC can use them; unauthenticated forward proxies typically work without additional configuration.
• Offline operation: Local robot control generally continues to work without internet, but cloud skills, online licensing, updates, and project synchronization require outbound access.

Summary

To enable full functionality, Synthiam ARC requires outbound HTTPS access to its secure servers (TCP port 443). Cloud-enabled robot skills may require additional access to the service providers they use. In restricted network environments, IT administrators should allow the hosts listed above and consider exceptions for SSL inspection, DNS filtering, captive portals, and proxy authentication.

With appropriate network configuration, ARC will operate reliably and cloud-based skills will function as intended.