Supported Protocols

Supported Protocols

OPC-UA

General Description

OPC Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) is a communication protocol developed for industrial automation and data exchange between different systems and devices. It builds upon the older OPC standard but offers enhanced features and flexibility for modern applications.

Key uses of OPC-UA include:

• Interoperability: OPC-UA facilitates seamless communication between diverse devices and systems, regardless of manufacturer, ensuring that they can work together effectively.
• Data Integration: It allows for the integration of data from various sources, enabling comprehensive data analysis and reporting across different platforms.
• Real-Time Data Access: OPC-UA provides real-time data access and monitoring, which is crucial for control and automation processes in industrial environments.
• Scalability and Security: The protocol supports a wide range of devices, from simple sensors to complex control systems, and includes built-in security features like encryption and user authentication to protect data integrity and privacy.
• Flexible Data Modeling: OPC-UA supports complex data models and hierarchies, allowing for the representation of intricate systems and relationships in a standardized way.

OPC-UA includes built-in security using x.509 Self-Signed certificates.

For more details on OPC-UA visit:

https://opcfoundation.org/about/opc-technologies/opc-ua/

Related Links: Creating a OPC-UA Device {add more later, make them open in new tabs}

OPC-UA Certificates

OPC-UA was built with a focus on security using x.509 certificates. The x.509 certificate used for OPC-UA authentication in Koios is a self-signed certificate with a ten (10) year expiration date.

There are multiple ways of dealing with self-signed certificates. Currently, the Koios is designed work with the accepted OPC-UA Automatic Certificate Management service provided within most OPC-UA Server providers. In order for the Certificate to be automatically discovered by the server, you must:

1. Create a device using OPC-UA.
2. Test the Connection. The server should receive the Certificate upon testing.
3. Once you Accept/Trust the Certificate in the server software, run Test again and the Connection should succeed.

Microsoft SQL Server

General Description

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. It is used to store, manage, and retrieve data as requested by software applications. The platform supports a wide range of data types and complex queries, making it suitable for diverse applications from small business solutions to large enterprise systems.

Key uses of Microsoft SQL Server include:

• Data Analysis and Reporting: tools for complex data analysis, reporting, and business intelligence, helping organizations make informed decisions.
• Transaction Processing: efficiently handles transactional data, making it ideal for applications requiring reliable and consistent data operations.
• Data Integration: integrates with various data sources and applications, facilitating data movement and synchronization across systems.
• Security and Compliance: provides robust security features, including encryption, access controls, and auditing, to help protect sensitive information.

For more details on Microsoft SQL Server, please see:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/what-is-sql-server

Related Links:

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SOAP

General Description

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a protocol designed for exchanging structured information in the implementation of web services over a network. It uses XML to encode its HTTP-based requests and responses, making it both platform and language agnostic.

Key uses of SOAP include:

• Web Services Communication: SOAP facilitates communication between web services, allowing different systems and applications to interact regardless of their underlying technology.
• Standardized Protocol: It provides a standardized framework for defining messages and operations, ensuring consistent communication between disparate systems.
• Extensibility: SOAP supports a range of extensibility features, such as security (WS-Security), transactions, and reliable messaging, which can be added through additional headers and specifications.
• Complex Transactions: It is well-suited for complex and enterprise-level transactions that require high reliability, security, and formal contracts (WSDL—Web Services Description Language).
• Cross-Platform Integration: SOAP enables integration across different operating systems, programming languages, and network protocols, making it ideal for enterprise environments with heterogeneous systems.

For more details on SOAP, please see:

https://www.w3.org/TR/soap12-part0/

Related Links:

Supported Sub-Protocols

RDM (Remote Device Management)

RDM refers to the management of data across remote systems or locations. It encompasses activities such as data retrieval, updates, synchronization, and control, which are performed remotely. RDM protocols enable users to interact with data stored in remote databases, servers, or applications as if they were local, providing flexibility and efficiency in data handling.

Related Links:

Ethernet/IP

General Description

Ethernet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an industrial communication protocol that leverages standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technologies for real-time control and data exchange in industrial automation systems. Developed by ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association), Ethernet/IP is designed to integrate with a wide range of industrial devices and systems.

Key uses of Ethernet/IP include:

• Industrial Automation: Ethernet/IP is widely used in manufacturing and process control systems for connecting and managing various industrial devices like sensors, actuators, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Real-Time Data Exchange: It provides real-time, high-speed communication for control and monitoring applications, facilitating efficient and precise operations in industrial environments.
• Device Integration: The protocol supports interoperability between devices from different manufacturers, allowing for flexible and scalable system designs.
• Network Scalability: Ethernet/IP leverages standard Ethernet infrastructure, enabling easy scalability and integration into existing network architectures without the need for specialized hardware.
• Data and Control Communication: It supports both discrete and process control applications by handling both real-time I/O data and network-wide data exchange, such as alarms and configuration settings.

For more details on Ethernet/IP, please see:

https://www.odva.org/technology-standards/key-technologies/ethernet-ip/

https://www.odva.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PUB00138R8_Ethernet.pdf

Compatible Devices

ControlLogix

ControlLogix is a sophisticated line of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) developed by Rockwell Automation under the Allen-Bradley brand. Designed to cater to complex and demanding industrial automation requirements, ControlLogix is renowned for its high performance, flexibility, and scalability. This in-depth description covers the system’s architecture, components, software, advanced features, and applications, providing a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and uses.

Related Links: