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Version: 5.5

Edge Device Architecture

This chapter describes the architecture recommendations for using the OPC Router on edge devices. These recommendations are specifically intended for companies that want to use a distributed architecture in which data processing and integration take place at the edge of the network.

Definition and characteristics of edge devices​

Edge devices are specialized hardware devices that are used at the edge of a network to process and store data locally. This reduces latency and bandwidth usage, as only relevant data is forwarded to central systems.

Typical characteristics​

  • Local data processing and integration
  • Low latency
  • Reduced bandwidth usage
  • High availability and reliability
  • Easy scalability

Typical application examples​

Production monitoring​

An edge device used in a production facility to collect and process data from machines and sensors in real time.

Condition monitoring​

An edge device that collects data from various sensors and devices in a warehouse or plant to monitor the condition of the equipment and predict maintenance measures.

Minimum hardware and software requirements​

Hardware requirements​

  • Edge device or powerful embedded PC
  • Sufficient CPU capacity (at least 4 cores)
  • At least 4 GB RAM
  • SSD with sufficient capacity for data processing and storage

Software requirements​

  • Operating system: Linux or Windows IoT
  • OPC Router software with the necessary plug-ins for communication with existing machines and devices
  • Network infrastructure: LAN or WLAN with sufficient bandwidth and stability

Implementation on edge devices​

Docker container: OPC Router can be run in a Docker container on the edge device. This offers portability and isolation of the application, as well as easy management and updates.

Installation and configuration​

  • Docker installation: Ensure that Docker is installed on the edge device.
  • Docker Compose: Use Docker Compose to configure and orchestrate the OPC Router and the required plug-ins as containers.
  • Configuration: Customize the configuration of the OPC Router and plug-ins to the specific requirements of the environment.

Sample Configuration​

  • Docker Compose File:
version: '3'
services:
  opc-router:
    image: opc-router:<major>.<minor>
    container_name: opc-router
    ports:
      - &quot;8080:8080&quot;
    volumes:
      - ./config:/config
      - ./data:/data

Management of Edge Devices​

Portainer​

You can use Portainer to simplify the management of Docker containers on edge devices. Portainer provides a user-friendly web interface for managing and monitoring containers.

Deployment Templates:​

Create and use deployment templates to quickly and consistently implement OPC Router on multiple edge devices.

Documentation and Resources:​

opc-router-portainer-app-template-deployen.md

opc-router-portainer-edge-template-deployen.md

konfigurierbare-umgebungsvariablen.md

Integration with Industrial Platforms​

Siemens Industrial Edge​

Use Siemens Industrial Edge to integrate OPC Router into an industrial edge platform designed specifically for use in production environments.

Azure IoT Edge:​

Use Azure IoT Edge to integrate OPC Router into the Azure cloud and benefit from the extensive IoT services and features of the Azure platform.

Documentation and resources:​

siemens-industrial-edge.md

azure-iot-edge-marketplace.md

Security aspects​

Security is also an important aspect for edge devices. The following measures should be taken into account:

  • Network security: Implement firewalls and network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Data encryption: If possible, data transmission between machines and OPC Router instances should be encrypted. However, older systems used in industry often do not support this. In such cases, it is recommended to implement physical separation or segmentation via VLANs. The OPC Router system can be present in multiple networks so that web management can be accessed from "outside." For OPC Router management, HTTPS should always be configured and secure passwords should be used.

https-verwenden.md

https-verwenden-windows.md

  • User access control: Set up user accounts and roles to control access to the OPC Router instance and data. Each user should have their own user account, or a connection to Azure EntraID / Active Directory, for example, should be established.

connecting-microsoft-entra-id-azure-ad

user management

Backup and Updates​

Regular Backups:​

  • Automated Backups: Implementation of automated backups of the OPC Router configuration and databases on the edge devices.
  • External storage locations: Store backups in external storage locations, e.g., in the cloud or on external hard drives.

Regular updates:​

  • Software updates: Keep OPC Router and all plug-ins used on the edge devices up to date.
  • Easy updates in container environments: In Docker environments, updates can be performed by simply updating the image tag in the Compose file and re-executing the Compose command. Alternatively, a new container with the updated version can be created, which continues to use the volume with the data from the previous version.

Summary​

Using edge devices with OPC Router offers a flexible and efficient solution for local data processing and integration. By using Docker containers and management tools such as Portainer, companies can easily scale and manage their edge device architecture. Taking security aspects into account protects data and systems. Regular backups ensure data security. Regular updates ensure the continuous performance and security of the entire system.