Communication protocols

Three network protocols integrate the four programs (station, Workbench, daemon and web browser). One or more additional protocols (drivers) communicate with specific devices (Driver XYZ, Protocol XYZ and Fieldbus XYZ).

Figure 3.   Communication protocols using JACE hosts
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  • Fox/Foxs is a proprietary TCP/IP protocol used for station-to-station and Workbench-to-station communication. The Fox Service in each station defines the port to use and manages access.
  • HTTP/HTTPs is a standard protocol used by web browsers to access station web pages. The Web Service facilitates communication over HTTP.
  • Niagarad/platformtls is a proprietary protocol used for Workbench-to-daemon communication. In the Supervisor station, Niagarad also communicates with the Provisioning Service. This service automates the performing of tasks on remote controllers.

Encrypted versions of these protocols: Foxs (Fox-secure), HTTPs (HTTP-secure), and platformtls (secure niagarad) are the preferred configuration defaults.