Edge and Cloud Connect
Last updated
Last updated
Collecting data from the edge can be undertaken by installing a computer at the edge. This is known as "Edge Connect". Alternatively, you can use an Ardexa "Cloud Device" and connect it to your plant via your VPN. This is known as "Cloud Connect". The diagram below shows the concept of the 2 methods to collect data from your plant network. The "Cloud Device" is automatically provisioned by the Ardexa Cloud. It is separate to the Ardexa Cloud infrastructure, and can be controlled and/or managed by the client, if required.
An Edge Device allows for maximum reliability. Data is collected at the edge, and stored on the local device potentially for many, many years if required. It is sent to the cloud in real time. If the Internet connection is disrupted, the Ardexa Agent will automatically store the data to persistent "disk" storage, and send the data to the cloud when the connections is restored. This solution does require the operator to place an industrial computer at the edge, with ArdexaLinux - a hardened version of Linux. Ardexa will then automatically configure the device, install and update the software from the cloud, using secure software repositories. Local operator intervention is NOT required to maintain the Edge Device.
A Cloud Device allows for quick connection to an existing plant that is serviced by a client's VPN network. The VPN server MUST exist for the Cloud Connect method to work. Ardexa will automatically create Cloud Devices based on the user's requirements. The connection to the plant is made once the VPN credentials are entered by the user on the Ardexa Cloud. Ardexa will then create a new Cloud Device (the process takes a few seconds), and connect to the plant. The user can then select the machine plugin(s) to use to connect to the plant. The downside of a Cloud Device is that data may be lost if the VPN or Internet connection to the edge is disrupted.
