MODULE 5.1 PLATFORMS VS. STATIONS

MODULE 5.1 PLATFORMS VS. STATIONS Platform According to www.bellevuelinux.org The term platform as used in a computer context can refer to: (1) the type of processor and/or other hardware on which a given operating system or application program runs, (2) the type of operating system on a computer or (3) the combination of the type of hardware and the type of operating system running on it. In computing, a platform describes some sort of hardware architecture or software framework (including application frameworks), that allows software to run. Typical platforms include a computer's architecture, operating system, programming languages and related runtime libraries or graphical user interface. Everything that is installed on a Niagara AX host that is not part of a Niagara AX station. Station According to www.dictionary.com An entity (place, building, or establishment) from which services are provided or operations are directed. An input or output point along a communications system. A facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose. Software running on a Niagara AX platform that is the main unit of server processing in the Niagara AX architecture. A station runs the components of the Niagara framework and provides the access to view and control these components via the Workbench or web browser. Think of the station as the application built by the engineer to integrate the data and design a user interface. The main unit of Niagara server processing, a station is custom designed to interact with specific devices or objects (components) as determined by those persons (engineers/designers/integrators) who are responsible for defining its control logic and data flow paths. Objectives Platform Platform Categories Define the term platform and explain its purpose as part of the Niagara framework. Define the term station and explain its purpose as part of the Niagara framework. Differentiate between a platform and a station. Through the platform interface, you can perform all the tasks that allow you to set-up, support and troubleshoot a Niagara AX host. There are two general categories of platforms, depending on the operating system used: QNX-based Windows-based 1

QNX-based platforms Windows -based platforms Station Sometimes called "embedded" JACE controllers, these include JACE-2, -4, - 5, and -6 series controllers, all shipped with the QNX operating system. These devices use onboard flash memory for file storage. Win32 (Windows 32-bit) platforms include: the JACE-NXS the AX SoftJACE any AXSupervisor" PC host As their operating system, Windows XP (if an AXSupervisor, possibly Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows 2000) is used, and file storage is typically a hard drive. A station is essentially the combination of a database, web server and control engine. The primary parts of a station include: COMPONENTS VARIOUS SERVICES DRIVERS CONTROL LOGIC FILES & DATABASES HISTORIES Running station The 3 containers under a station contain the following components. Non-running station CONFIG Runtime views of the configuration database in a RUNNING station: Services Drivers Logic FILES Persistent databases reside here: Alarms database Histories database Px graphics Config.bog NavFile HISTORY Views of the history database in a RUNNING station: Various history views To view the database files in a non-running station, look in the associated platform s Remote File System container under the Stations folder. Platform > Remote File System > stations TOOLS Whether local or remote, the Remote File System view is ALWAYS: READ-ONLY NO EDITS!! Nav Tree 2

LAB You will have opportunity to work with stations and platforms in the Niagara Technical Certification Program on-site training course. JOB AIDS LINKS Quik Review: Platforms vs. Stations Topic 5.2, Platform Daemon Topic 5.3, Connections: Platform vs. Station Topic 5.4, Establishing a Platform Connection Topic 5.5, Establishing a Station Connection Topic 5.6, The Demo Station Topic 5.7, Creating a New Station QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. TRUE OR FALSE? A Niagara station is everything that is not part of a platform. 2. The JACE-2, -4, -5 and -6 series JACE controllers are all shipped with which operating system? 3. What are the primary components of a station? 4. TRUE OR FALSE? Persistent station database files reside in the Files container. 5. TRUE or FALSE? A Niagara station is the combination of the hardware and operating system on which the Niagara framework runs. 3

MODULE 5.2: THE PLATFORM DAEMON Daemon According to Answers.com A program or process that sits idly in the background until it is invoked to perform its task. According to PC Magazine Functioning like an extension to the operating system, a daemon is usually an unattended process that is initiated at startup. Platform Daemon Other sources: a system task that runs as a background process (usually initiated at system boot time) to perform a particular system function (http://www.eos.ncsu.edu/guide/glossary.html) a system-related background process that often runs with the permissions of root and services requests from other processes (http://freebooks.by.ru/view/shellprogin24h/31480175.htm) a persistent process that services requests as they arrive, without human intervention server processes, such as those for HTTP and FTP, run as daemons (http://www.bbn.com/utility/glossary/d) a process lurking in the background, usually unnoticed, until something triggers it into action (http://www.linuxhq.com/guides/sag/g2531.html) A compact executable program (or server process) that enables a user to access platform tools through the Workbench. Describe the purpose of the platform daemon. Identify the default HTTP port used for the platform daemon. State where to view the output for the platform daemon. Objectives Platform daemon Functions The platform daemon is pre-installed onto every JACE from the factory, runs whenever the JACE has booted up, and is installed and started on a workstation PC during the installation of Niagara AX. You need the platform daemon installed and running to gain access to the platform administration tools (views). Through the Platform Tools, the platform daemon allows you to perform functions such as: Start and stop a station Connect to a platform Reboot a platform 4

The platform daemon also allows you to: Host a Niagara station on your local PC, such as for an AX Supervisor. This allows you to open a Workbench client platform connection to your local (My Host) platform, and allows remote client platform connections to your local PC as well. Run a PC as an AX SoftJACE (a JACE running on a PC dedicated to this application). Listed as a Niagara service niagarad Once installed and started on a PC, you can see the platform daemon listed as a Niagara service from the Windows Control Panel, by selecting: Administrative Tools > Component Services > Services The platform daemon is called: niagarad.exe It is the executable used for Workbench-to-daemon communication. PORT 3011 Port 3011 When shipped, a JACE platform daemon is configured to monitor HTTP Port 3011. Often, this is left as the default. However, this can be changed if a different port is needed for a platform connection (perhaps for firewall reasons) using the Platform Administration tool. 3011 Workbench-to- Platform connection When connected to a Niagara platform, the Workbench communicates (as a client) to that host's platform daemon (the Niagara daemon or "niagarad"), a server process. Host-level authentication* Platform daemon (niagarad) Where to install Following Niagara AX installation on your PC, you can alternately install and start the platform daemon at a later time, if needed. Under the Windows Start menu, do this by selecting: Start > All Programs > Niagara AX 3.x.x > Install Platform Daemon 5

Is platform daemon running? Viewing the output There are several ways to determine if the platform is running on a Windows platform: START MENU Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Component Services > Services (local) > Niagara > shows Started in status column Double-click Niagara to see which version of niagarad.exe is running. DESKTOP My Computer > Manage > Services and Applications > Services > Niagara > shows Started in status column Double-click Niagara to see which version of niagarad.exe is running. CTRL-ALT-DELETE Task Manager > Processes tab > niagarad is listed You cannot tell which version of niagarad.exe is running. The platform daemon s output can be viewed by using the Platform Administration tool, and selecting View Daemon Output. Connecting to a platform TOOLS OPEN PLATFORM The most common way to access the platform tools is through the Workbench. A connection to the platform is provided by the platform daemon via the Open Platform command. Platform Administration 6

JOB AIDS Quik Review: The Platform Daemon LINKS Topic 5.1, Platforms vs. Stations Topic 5.3, Connections: Platform vs. Station Topic 5.4, Establishing a Platform Connection QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. TRUE OR FALSE? The platform daemon starts whenever a JACE is booted up. 2. To establish a connection to the platform daemon, which command would you select from the Toolbar? 3. From which file is the platform daemon started? 4. Which port does a JACE s platform daemon monitor? 5. From where can you view the output of the platform daemon? 7

MODULE 5.3 PLATFORM VS. STATION CONNECTIONS Objectives Connection types Platform connections Connection According to www.wordnet.princeton.edu: Joining; the act of bridging two things into contact (especially for communication) Being joined for the purposes of communication Differentiate between a platform connection and a station connection. Identify the various ways to connect to a platform or station. Recognize the various ports used to connect to platforms and stations. Match the types of authentication required for platform and station connections. A JACE controller can be connected to via: The Workbench An AX Supervisor or some other station A web browser That connection can be to either the JACE platform itself or the station running on it. Platform connection refers to a connection from a Workbench-based engineering tool to the host s platform via the platform daemon. Workbench connections to a platform are facilitated by the platform daemon (or niagarad) via Port 3011. Authentication Workbench connections to platforms require Host-level authentication. Host-level access is controlled by one or more user accounts and passwords that are separate from any station user account. DIGEST AUTHENTICATION (1-level access): Encrypted o QNX and Windows o Specify a single user name/password for all users BASIC AUTHENTICATION (2-level access): NOT Encrypted o Windows o User name(s)/ password(s) depend on those set up in the Windows User Groups Configuration You can configure platform daemon authentication in Step 7 of the Commissioning process for a JACE (see Topic 6.3), or via Update Authentication using the Platform Administration tool. Station connections Station connection refers to a connection: from the Workbench to a Niagara station, from a web browser to a station, or from one station to another station. 8

Authentication User accounts have properties that determine how they navigate in the station, their language preferences, time/unit preferences, etc. The main properties of a User related to security and station connection are their login credentials (e.g., user name, and password). Whenever a connection attempt is made, these credentials are checked against the users that have been configured in the station via the station s User Service. This process is called Authentication. Workbench-tostation connections The actual process (and authentication mechanism used) can differ, depending on the type of connection: Workbench-to-station connection: Fox authentication mechanism Web browser-to-station connection: HTTP authentication mechanism Station-to-station connection: Fox authentication mechanism Workbench connections to a station are facilitated by the Fox Service using a proprietary protocol called Fox via Port 1911. Workbench connections to stations via the Fox Service require authentication, using the User Service: DIGEST MD5 AUTHENTICATION default: Encrypted BASIC AUTHENTICATION must be used if using LDAP*: NOT Encrypted Each user is prompted for a unique user name & password. * LDAP = Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (Central location for administering users of an enterprise-wide system) Configuration You can configure Fox authentication for a station using the Fox Service, located in: Config Drivers NiagaraNetwork View: Property Sheet Web browserto-station connections Web browser connections to a station are facilitated by the Web Service using either HTTP via Port 80, or HTTPS (secure) via Port 443. Web browser connections to stations via the Web Service require authentication, using the same User Service as Workbench-to-station connections. COOKIE * AUTHENTICATION: NOT encrypted o DEFAULT, LDAP-compatible BASIC AUTHENTICATION: NOT encrypted o Required if site security policy does not permit using cookies, LDAP-compatible COOKIE DIGEST * AUTHENTICATION: Encrypted o PREFERRED more secure 9

Configuration You can configure authentication for a station using the Web Service, located in: Config Services View: Property Sheet Station-tostation connections Station-to-Station connections are facilitated by the Fox Service using the Fox protocol via Port 1911. Station-to-station connections via the Fox Service require authentication, using the same User Service as Workbench-to-station connections. TOOLS DIGEST MD5 AUTHENTICATION default: Encrypted BASIC AUTHENTICATION must be used if using LDAP*: NOT Encrypted Each user is prompted for a unique user name & password. Platform Administration Application Director User Service LAB You will have opportunity to practice connecting to platforms and stations in the Niagara Technical Certification Program on-site training course. JOB AIDS LINKS Quik Review: Connection Authentication Services Quik Review: Platform vs. Station Connections Topic 5.1, Platforms vs. Stations Topic 5.2, Platform Daemon Topic 5.4, Establishing a Platform Connection Topic 5.5, Establishing a Station Connection Topic 5.6, The Demo Station Topic 5.7, Creating a New Station 10

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. Workbench connections to a platform are facilitated by the platform daemon via which port? 2. Which type of connection is depicted by the following description? Niagarad.exe is monitoring Port 3011 and senses a connection is requested. Based on successful host-level authentication, the connection is established. 3. TRUE OR FALSE? Digest authentication is required for a platform connection to all Windows-based JACE controllers. 4. Which port facilitates a: secure connection to a JACE via a web browser? connection to a JACE via the Workbench? station-to-station connection via the Workbench 5. TRUE OR FALSE? A platform connection is unavailable using a standard web browser. 11

MODULE 5.4 ESTABLISHING A PLATFORM CONNECTION Demonstrate how to connect to and disconnect from a JACE platform. Recognize how the Nav Tree displays a connected and disconnected platform. Objectives Platform connection Platform connection refers to a connection from the Workbench to the platform enabled by the platform daemon (niagarad). For a platform open and connected, the Nav Tree displays the platform icon. For a disconnected platform, the Nav Tree displays the platform icon, but it is dimmed. For a closed (and disconnected) platform, the Nav Tree no longer displays the platform icon. Platform Connected Platform Disconnected Platform Closed RIGHT-CLICK POP-UP MENU RIGHT-CLICK POP-UP MENU TOOLBAR SELECTION 12

Connecting to a platform 1. To connect to a platform, click the Open (folder) icon on the Toolbar. Open Disconnecting from a platform 2. Complete the fields in the Open Platform dialog box Enter IP address of the JACE Set to whichever port is used for the platform daemon. (Port 3011 is the default.) Type in the user name & password 3. Click the OK button to accept all settings. 4. The Platform connection is established, its icon is displayed in the Nav Tree, and its container view displays in the View Pane. To disconnect from a platform and dim the platform icon on the Nav Tree, right-click on the platform icon in the Nav Tree and select DISCONNECT from the resulting pop-up. Platform Disconnected RIGHT-CLICK POP-UP MENU To disconnect from a platform and remove the platform icon from the Nav Tree, right-click on the platform icon in the Nav Tree and select CLOSE from the resulting pop-up. Platform Closed TOOLBAR SELECTION 13

TOOLS Nav Tree Toolbar DEMO LAB Establishing a Platform Connection You will have opportunity to practice connecting to platforms in the Niagara Technical Certification Program on-site training course. JOB AIDS LINKS Quik Review: Connection to a Platform Process Quik Review: Platform Connections Nav Tree Topic 5.1, Platforms vs. Stations Topic 5.2, Platform Daemon Topic 5.3, Platform vs. Station Connections QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. What enables a platform connection to occur? 2. What happens to the platform icon in the Nav Tree when disconnecting from a platform using the Disconnect command? 3. What happens to the platform icon in the Nav Tree when disconnecting from a platform using the Close command? 4. Where is the command located to connect to a platform? 14

MODULE 5.5 ESTABLISHING A STATION CONNECTION Demonstrate how to connect to and disconnect from a station. Recognize how the Nav Tree displays a connected and disconnected station. Objectives Station connection Station connection refers to a connection from the Workbench to a Niagara station, from one station to another station, or from a web browser to a Niagara station. For a station open and connected, the Nav Tree displays the station icon. For a disconnected station, the Nav Tree displays the station icon, but it is dimmed. For a closed station, the Nav Tree no longer displays the station icon. Station Connected Station Disconnected Station Closed * ** TOOLBAR SELECTION RIGHT-CLICK POP-UP MENU RIGHT-CLICK POP-UP MENU 15

* An open platform is NOT required to open a station. ** A station MUST be running to connect to it. Connecting to a station 1. To connect to a station on a local or remote platform, click the Open (folder) icon on the Toolbar. Open 2. Complete the fields in the Open Station dialog box: Enter IP address of the JACE Set to whichever port is used for the platform daemon. (Port 3011 is the default.) Type in valid station user name & password Disconnecting from a station NOTE: You can also right-click directly on the host IP (for remote platforms e.g., JACE) in the Nav Tree and select Open Station (fox) from the popup menu. 3. Click the OK button to accept all settings. 4. The Station opens in the Nav Tree, and the Station Summary view displays in the View Pane. To disconnect from a station, right-click on the station icon in the Nav Tree and select DISCONNECT from the resulting pop-up. Station Disconnected RIGHT-CLICK POP-UP MENU Disconnecting from a station will not stop the station; it will continue to run until you STOP or KILL it from the platform tool Application Director. 16

Using the CLOSE command will disconnect and delete the icon from the Nav Tree. To close a station, right-click on the station icon in the Nav Tree and select CLOSE from the resulting pop-up. Station Closed Opening a station on the local host TOOLBAR SELECTION Closing a station will not stop the station; it will continue to run until you STOP or KILL it from the platform tool Application Director. If you are switching between multiple stations on your local host (workstation PC), you must first connect to the platform on your local host before you can start a different station, using the Application Director. 1. Before starting (and then connecting to) a different station on the local host, you must first STOP the currently running station. 2. Highlight the running station and click the STOP button to stop the running station. 3. Click Yes to stop the running station. 4. The station status displays Stopping. (Platform daemon has ordered the station to stop) 5. The station status displays Idle and then disconnects (station icon is dimmed). 6. Highlight the station you wish to start. 7. Click the START button to start the station. 17

Multiple stations TOOLS 8. The station status displays Starting. (Platform daemon has ordered the station to start) 9. The station status displays Running. 10. You must now connect to the running station by right-clicking on the dimmed station icon. 11. Enter the user name and password (if not already entered) and click the OK button to accept all settings. 12. The new station opens in the Nav Tree, and its Station Summary view displays in the View Pane. On a Windows based platform, multiple stations can co-exist, but normally only one station should be running at a time. CAUTION: You should ONLY have multiple stations running at the same time on your local host when those stations have been configured to use different server ports: Fox: 1911, 1912, 1913, etc. Web: 80, 81, 82, etc. Otherwise, they will be in conflict with each other and you will only be able to connect to the first station that was started. Nav Tree Toolbar DEMO LAB Establishing a Station Connection You will have opportunity to practice starting and connecting to stations in the Niagara Technical Certification Program on-site training course. JOB AIDS LINKS Quik Review: Establishing Station Connections Topic 5.1, Platforms vs. Stations Topic 5.3, Platform vs. Station Connections Topic 5.6, The Demo Station Topic 5.7, Creating a New Station 18

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. TRUE OR FALSE? An open platform is NOT required to open a station. 2. In what condition must a station be to open or connect to it? 3. Which of any of the following statements is/are true regarding station connections? Disconnecting from a station will not stop it. A dimmed station icon in the Nav Tree means it is closed. A station must be running to connect to it. An open platform is required to open a station. A station may be connected to via the Menu Bar, Tool Bar or Nav Tree. 4. With a station s icon visible in the Nav Tree, which of any of the following actions can be performed from the Nav Tree? Disconnecting from a station using the Close command Disconnecting from a station using the Disconnect command Connecting to a station using the Connect command Connecting to a station using the Open Station command Starting a station Stopping a station 19

MODULE 5.6 THE DEMO STATION Demonstrate how to connect to the Demo Station. Recognize the features available in the Demo Station. Objectives Location http://axdemo.tridium.com Sample Demo station Custom menus Every instance of the Workbench software comes with a sample Demo station designed to demonstrate typical Niagara control and monitoring features and techniques. Graphics Alarming Reports Schedule History User Service 20

Graphics Alarming 21

Reports Schedule 22

History The Chart Builder tool builds the type of chart specified, with the time frame specified, and with the title specified. You can set different parameters, such as: Time range last year, month, week, 24 hrs, etc. Title user specified Gridlines show or hide 23

Background visuals Using the Workbench s presentation graphics (Px), you can use any visual as the background and then build on it. Buildingspecific floor plans Using the Workbench s presentation graphics (Px), you can create actual floor plans for any of your buildings. 24

Real-time display of data and system status Niagara AX is able to plot real-time data and system status. Note that each line chart receives it own color. LINKS Topic 5.1, Platforms vs. Stations Topic 5.3, Platform vs. Station Connections Topic 5.5, Establishing a Station Connection Topic 5.7, Creating a New Station 25

MODULE 5.7 CREATING A NEW STATION Demonstrate the process of creating a new station using the New Station Wizard. Objectives New Station Wizard TOOLS 1. Create a brand new station by using the New Station Wizard, which can be accessed via the Menu bar: Tools > New Station. 2. The New Station Wizard dialog appears. Give the new station a name. Then click the Next button. As you enter the new station s name, a new directory is automatically built for it. 3. Then enter and confirm an admin password. Finally, the process is concluded by clicking the Finish button. 4. The Nav Tree and View Pane immediately reflect the addition of the new station to the local host. New Station Wizard Nav Tree View Pane DEMO LAB Creating a New Station You will have opportunity to practice creating a new station in the Niagara Technical Certification Program on-site training course. LINKS Topic 5.5, Establishing a Station Connection Topic 6.3, Commissioning Process QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. What tool is used for creating a new station? 2. Where can you access the New Station Wizard? 26

MODULE 5.8 WORKBENCH HELP DATABASE Objectives Help access Interface Initial loading Explain how to initially load the Niagara Help system. Discuss how to access help for any view or component currently in the View Pane. Explain how to find specific search terms within a help file. Recognize the differences between the various types of help. State how to determine in which document any given help file is located. You can access the Help System via the Menu Bar > Help. The Help Menu provides you with either common help or context-sensitive help. The Help System has a similar interface to the Workbench. The HELP SIDEBAR provides a view of the available Help. When you open the Help Side Bar for the first time, it is empty except for the Load Help button. The Load Help button will reappear and alert you to reload help: any time any module's timestamp is changed when a new module is added or removed When you click the Load Help button, the Workbench searches through all the available modules to create the Help Directory. The resulting Help folder is located at: My Host > My File System > Sys Home > help 27

Common help Clicking on Help >? Help Contents provides a common point of access to all system documentation. Searching a topic Select Doc User or Doc Platform for the most help with regard to user- or platform-related issues. Results at the top of the list are those documents with the MOST number of instances of the search term(s); results at the bottom of the list indicate those documents with the LEAST number of instances of the search term(s). THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE THAT FILES AT THE TOP OF THE LIST ARE MORE APPLICABLE TO YOUR SEARCH, BUT ONLY THAT THEY HAVE A GREATER DENSITY OF THOSE TERMS. Search Tips When searching for a topic, use search terms that are as specific as possible. For example, when searching for information about platform connections, type the entire phrase platform connections into the search box as opposed to just platforms. There may be a number of applicable topics related to your original search terms that you might look at to determine the applicability to your specific need. Adding quotations around your search terms will yield different results, most of the time more narrow and in different order. That s because now, the search engine is looking for every instance of the phrase in quotes. Making the search term(s) plural AND/OR putting it in quotes can narrow the results considerably, but may remove applicable documents from the list. 28

Contextsensitive help Clicking on Help > On View provides context-sensitive help for the current view (or plug-in) displayed in the View Pane. Clicking on Help > Guide On Target provides context-sensitive help for the current component displayed in the View Pane. Searching in a help file Ord TOOLS If searching for specific text within a help file, use the Find command. 1. Anchor the cursor in the View Pane and access Find via the Search menu, the Find icon (binoculars) in the tool bar, or using the F5 key on the keyboard. 2. Type in the desired search terms and click the OK button. The first instance of the search term is highlighted. 3. Hold down the CTRL key and press the F key to advance to the next instance of the desired search term. The next instance of the search term is highlighted. To determine the location from which document a help file originates, select File > Open Ord from the menu bar, or press the CTRL-L keys on the keyboard. Help system CTRL-L (open Ord dialog) LAB You will have opportunity to practice using Help in the Niagara Technical Certification Program on-site training course. LINKS Topic 7.5.8, Workbench Menu Bar: Help Menu 29

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW: 1. TRUE OR FALSE? There are generally 2 types of help available: common help and contextsensitive help. 2. What would you click on to access common help? 3. What will adding quotation marks around search terms yield? 4. How can you determine from which document a help file originates? 5. TRUE OR FALSE? Context-sensitive help provides help for both current view and the component displaying in the View Pane. 30