FAQs about IT issues

As Niagara AX is designed to connect to TCP/IP networks there are many IP issues which we attempt to cover here.

Q. In what ways is NiagaraAX compatible with IP networks?

A. In order to ensure that Niagara behaves well from an IT Manager's perspective Tridium have built-in various features that are normal for IT devices. These include:

• full SNMP support (Simple Network Management Protocol) so NIagara can both receive and generate SNMP traps (alarms)

• and can integrate with HP OpenView for IT system management

• full port control for safe communications through firewalls and security devices  

• support for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) provides secure communications between browser and NiagaraAX station 

• support for LDAP, so can inherit user privileges set by IT managementuses XML for all configuration data, and supports web services 

Q. How do you deal with high reliability applications that require dual redundancy at controller level?

A. As it is not normally disastrous if building controls are out of action for a short time due to a hardware failure, dual redundancy is rarely required, and there is therefore no specific provision within Tridium's products. As there is full provision for automatic back-up of the a controller to a PC based copy of Niagara (usually the AX Supervisor) elsewhere on the site or remotely, all data and the controller configuration ("station") can be easily downloaded to the replacement hardware over the IP network. If this is regarded as insufficient. the downtime can be further minimised by pre-loading the same software configuration ("station") onto a a second controller mounted adjacent to the active one, and either manually or automatically switching over the network and other wired connections to it in the event of the primary controller failing. 

Q. How do you deal with high reliability applications that require dual redundancy at Supervisor level?

A. Tridium recommend the Marathon Dual Redundancy software solution. This has been successfully used on several large projects including Changi airport in Singapore and Dubai Terminal 3 airport. Marathon's solution uses virtualised PC technology to enable the software application to run virtually between two PC/servers so that if any hardware element of either of the hardware platforms fails, the Niagara software (and any other software that is running) will continue to function. This solution is in many ways superior and more cost-effective than the more traditional failover cluster solution used by others. The two hardware platforms running the "virtual PC" can be located up to 100km apart provided they have a fast Ethernet network connection between them.