System Architecture
Review the following information to learn more about the system architecture and network architecture of Litmus Edge.
The diagram below shows the system architecture of Litmus Edge and the different paths that data can travel through Litmus Edge.
[1] You have the option of accessing Litmus Edge through the Web UI, the Terminal User Interface (TUI), or REST API.
See the following to learn more:
[2] To get data into Litmus Edge, you will need to configure a connection between PLCs and DeviceHub drivers. Review the list of available drivers and the parameters that need to be configured in the Industrial Systems Connection Guide. Once the data flows into DeviceHub, it is sent to the message broker for further processing.
[3] Once the data reaches the message broker, there are different paths the data can flow.
- You can store the data in a database. Learn more about database options for Litmus Edge in DataHub.
- There are different options for the data to flow northbound for further processing.
[4] You can send the data northbound to the following:
- You can send the data through an application in Litmus Edge. Learn more about Applications and Applications Guides.
- Integrate Litmus Edge with other applications for Cloud and DB Connectivity. Learn more about Integration and Integration Guides.
The diagram below shows the typical network architecture for Litmus Edge. Refer to the callouts in the diagram and descriptions below to learn more.
You have the following options for setting up Litmus Edge on your site.
Learn more about Installation and Deployments.
Refer to callout [1] in the diagram.
- Litmus Edge in a DMZ is connected to PLCs through a Level 2 switch.
- Only the "Head" PLC has a network connection in a designated VLAN.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ must have access to the same VLAN as the "Head" PLC.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ can read from registers of the "Head" PLC.
- Other PLCs attached to the "Head" PLC must transfer their data to the "Head" PLC to be read.
Refer to callout [2] in the diagram.
- Litmus Edge in a DMZ is connected to PLCs through a Level 2 switch.
- All PLCs have a network connection in a designated VLAN.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ must have access to the same VLAN as the PLCs.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ will be able to connect to all PLCs to read data.
Refer to callout [3] in the diagram.
- Litmus Edge in a DMZ is connected to other data sources through a Level 2 switch.
- All data sources have a network connection in a designated VLAN.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ must have access to the same VLAN as the data sources.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ will be able to connect to all data sources to read data.
Refer to callout [4] in the diagram.
- Litmus Edge in a DMZ is connected to a PLC through a panel switch.
- The panel switch is connected to a Level 2 switch.
- The PLC is connected to the panel switch.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ must have access to the same VLAN as the PLC.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ will read data from any PLC connected to the panel switch.
Refer to callout [5] in the diagram.
- An RS232 to Ethernet converter connects to a PLC through an RS232/484 physical connection.
- Litmus Edge can read from the registers on the connected PLC.
- The Litmus Edge in the DMZ will read the data from the PLC through the Ethernet converter.
Refer to callout [6] in the diagram.
- Litmus Edge in a DMZ connects to a Remote I/O Module/Sensor Gateway.
- The Remote I/O Module/Sensor Gateway is connected to the PLC (or in some cases to the Level 2 switch).
- Sensors are connected to the gateway through wireless or proprietary technology.
- The Litmus Edge reads sensor data through the PLC or through the gateway if it's connected to the Level 2 switch.
Refer to the following options for setting up cloud storage and Litmus Edge Manager.
Refer to callout [7] in the diagram.
Data collected from Litmus Edge is sent to Litmus Edge Manager for consolidation.
Refer to callout [8] in the diagram.
Litmus Edge Manager sends data to cloud systems or other enterprise systems. Learn more about Applications and Applications Guides.
Refer to callout [9] in the diagram.
Litmus Edge can also send data directly to cloud systems/other enterprise systems through integrations. Learn more about Integration and Integration Guides.