telequte User Manual

Overview

telequte is a cloud-based remote maintenance solution that enables you to remotely support your customers without complicated network configuration or external tools like TeamViewer. The solution is based on a small Raspberry Pi computer at the customer's location that automatically connects to the telequte cloud service.

Getting Started

1. Login and Client Creation

• Log in to the telequte customer portal: https://telequte.quokkabyte.org/
• After login, click on "Add Client" or the corresponding icon
• Assign a meaningful name for the client (e.g. "Customer Miller - Office PC")
• The client is created and you receive a unique client token

2. Download and Configure Client Image

• Click on the "Image" link for the corresponding client in the client table
• A modal box opens with a configuration form
• Enter the customer's network data:
  • IP Address: Static IP in the customer network (e.g. 192.168.1.100)
  • Subnet Mask: Usually 255.255.255.0
  • Gateway: Customer's router IP (e.g. 192.168.1.1)
  • DNS Server: Usually identical to gateway or 8.8.8.8
• Click on "Download Image"
• The personalized Raspberry Pi OS image is generated
• Save the file on your computer

3. Prepare SD Card

• Use an SD card with at least 8 GB storage space
• Use a tool like the "Raspberry Pi Imager" or "Balena Etcher"
• Flash the downloaded telequte image onto the SD card
• ⚠️ Warning: All data on the SD card will be overwritten!

4. Raspberry Pi Initial Setup

• Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi
• Connect the Pi with monitor and keyboard
• Turn on the Pi - it boots automatically from the telequte image

During first start, the setup wizard appears:

• Select the desired keyboard layout (German: "German")
• Set a secure password for the user "pi"
• The network configuration is already preset
• After completing the setup, the client is ready for operation
• The Pi automatically connects to the telequte service

5. Installation at Customer Site

• Turn off the configured Pi
• Transport it to the customer
• Connect the Pi to the customer network (Ethernet cable)
• Connect the power supply - the Pi starts automatically
• No monitor or keyboard needed at the customer site!
• The Pi runs "headless" and automatically connects to telequte

Performing Remote Maintenance

6. Start Remote Desktop Connection

• Open the telequte customer portal
• The client should be displayed as "Online" (green status)
• Click on "Start Remote Maintenance"
• Wait 30-60 seconds until the VPN connection is established
• Click on "Open Desktop"
• A new browser window opens with the Raspberry Pi desktop

7. Maintain Customer System

You are now in the customer's network and can:

• Install software: Open a terminal and use sudo apt install [package]
• Update system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
• Use network tools: ping, nmap, etc. to analyze the customer network
• Transfer files: Via the web interface or using scp/rsync
• Remote control Windows PCs: Install RDP clients or VNC viewers on the Pi
• Special maintenance tools: Install required software directly on the Pi

Example workflow for Windows PC maintenance:

# Install RDP client
sudo apt install freerdp2-x11

# Connect to customer PC
xfreerdp /v:192.168.1.10 /u:administrator

8. End Session

• Close all open programs on the remote desktop
• Close the browser window
• Click on "Terminate Connection" in the telequte customer portal
• The client remains online for future maintenance

Tips and Notes

Client Management

• Deactivate client: Reduces the polling rate to 5 minutes (server relief)
• Delete client: Permanently removes the client (cannot be undone)
• Monitor status: 🟢 Green = Online, ⚫ Gray = Offline, 🔴 Red = Error

Security

• Each client has unique credentials
• All connections are encrypted (VPN + HTTPS)
• No incoming ports required at the customer
• Works through all standard firewalls

Troubleshooting

• Client not online: Check the network connection at the customer
• Remote maintenance not working: Wait 2-3 minutes and try again
• Slow connection: Depends on the customer's internet speed
• Client offline after update: Restart of Pi at customer required

Maintenance

• Security updates must be installed manually (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade)
• A monthly restart is recommended
• The SD card should be checked/replaced annually
• In case of defect: Simply insert SD card into new Pi