KEPServerEX is on-line all the time. To acquire data from a PLC or device, a channel and device must be configured in the server, and a client application must be requesting data. The full time on-line mode of operation allows a KEPServerEX project to be modified while the server continues to supply data to client applications. Almost every parameter can be changed while the server is operating. Parameters like communication port or baud rate can be changed while a client application is active, if needed. More importantly, user defined tags can be added to the server without shutting down client applications. When new tags are added to the server, they are immediately added to the OPC browse space, and will be available to OPC clients.

With a powerful feature like on-line full time operation, managing what your users can do in your OPC application becomes a necessity. KEPServerEX includes a built-in User Manager that allows complete control over what types of functionality each individual user can access. The default administrator account allows you to add multiple users, each with their own set of rights for server access. Any user action that can influence or disrupt server operation is logged to KEPServerEX's event logging system. By default, all server operations are available at all times. The User Manager functions of KEPServerEX are available only if you need them.

KEPServerEX's new user defined tag management features allow you to create a tag database structure that fits the nature of your application. Multiple tag groups can be defined to segregate your tag data on a device-by-device basis. Drag and drop editing makes adding large numbers of tags easy. Additionally, CSV import and export allows tag editing to be done in any application you desire. Like all other features in KEPServerEX, new tags can be added to your application at any time.

Network Interface Selection

KEPServerEX allows you to specifically select a NIC card for use with any Ethernet driver or serial driver running in Ethernet Encapsulation mode. The Network Interface feature allows you to select a specific NIC card based on either the NIC name or its currently assigned IP address. This list of available NICs will include both unique NIC cards or NICs that have multiple IPs assigned to them. Additionally the selection will also display any WAN connections you may have active such as a dialup connection.

Modem Support

KEPServerEX supports the use of modems on all serial communication drivers. Modem control is provided by a set of new modem tags. Once modem operation is enabled for a KEPServerEX project, a predefined set of modem tags becomes available to client applications. The modem tags provide control of dial, dial number, hang up, and auto answer mode. Additional modem tags provide status of the modem connection. Using these modem tags, client applications can be designed to control all aspects of a modem connection. KEPServerEX's modem support allows you to extend your system management and data gathering needs beyond the control room.

For more detailed information on how to enable modem functionality, access modem tags using Kepware's OPC Quick Client, and to view an example of dial scripting in a client view our KEPServerEX Modem Example Application (PDF).

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