FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

Getting Results Guide

Version 6.31.00

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

Supersedes Publication FTLDB-GR001E-EN-E - March 2022

Getting Results Original Instructions

FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Getting Results Guide

Important User Information

Read this document and the documents listed in the additional resources section about installation, configuration, and
operation of this equipment before you install, configure, operate, or maintain this product. Users are required to familiarize
themselves with installation and wiring instructions in addition to requirements of all applicable codes, laws, and standards.
Activities including installation, adjustments, putting into service, use, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance are required to
be carried out by suitably trained personnel in accordance with applicable code of practice.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
In no event will Rockwell Automation, Inc. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use
or application of this equipment.
The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the many variables and
requirements associated with any particular installation, Rockwell Automation, Inc. cannot assume responsibility or liability for
actual use based on the examples and diagrams.
No patent liability is assumed by Rockwell Automation, Inc. with respect to use of information, circuits, equipment, or software
described in this manual.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc., is
prohibited.
Throughout this manual, when necessary, we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations.
WARNING: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can cause an explosion in a hazardous environment, which may lead to personal
injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.

ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.
Attentions help you identify a hazard, avoid a hazard, and recognize the consequence.

IMPORTANT Identifies information that is critical for successful application and understanding of the product.

Labels may also be on or inside the equipment to provide specific precautions.

SHOCK HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a drive or motor, to alert people that dangerous voltage may be present.

BURN HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a drive or motor, to alert people that surfaces may reach dangerous temperatures.

ARC FLASH HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a motor control center, to alert people to potential Arc Flash. Arc Flash will
cause severe injury or death. Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Follow ALL Regulatory requirements for safe work practices and for
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Rockwell Automation recognizes that some of the terms that are currently used in our industry and in this publication are not in
alignment with the movement toward inclusive language in technology. We are proactively collaborating with industry peers to
find alternatives to such terms and making changes to our products and content. Please excuse the use of such terms in our
content while we implement these changes.

2 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Table of Contents
Preface About this publication ................................................................................. 5
Intended audience ....................................................................................... 5
Find additional information....................................................................... 5
Help ........................................................................................................ 5
Release Notes......................................................................................... 5
Knowledgebase...................................................................................... 5
Technical support .................................................................................. 6
Training programs ................................................................................ 6
Consulting services ............................................................................... 6
Legal Notices ................................................................................................ 6

Chapter 1
Welcome to FactoryTalk Linx What is FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge? ...................................................... 9
Data Bridge System configuration model....................................................................... 9
Quick start: Set up and use FactoryTalk Linx Gateway............................ 11

Chapter 2
Install FactoryTalk Linx Data System requirements .................................................................................13
Bridge Hardware requirements .......................................................................13
Tested FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge update rates ............................13
Software requirements ........................................................................ 14
Software compatibility ........................................................................ 14
Prerequisite software ........................................................................... 14
System features .......................................................................................... 15
Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge for the first time ........................... 15
Uninstall FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge ................................................... 17
Upgrade FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge .................................................... 17

Chapter 3
Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge .......................................................... 19
Bridge and explore the user About the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge .................................................. 19
interface General Settings ...................................................................................20
Configurations ..................................................................................... 21
FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log ................................................................ 22
Tag Browser ......................................................................................... 22
About FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge ..................................................23

Chapter 4
Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Add a data group ........................................................................................ 25
Bridge to bridge data Add a data pair ........................................................................................... 25
Search for and select a tag ......................................................................... 26

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Table of Contents

Best practice for configuring the quality and timestamp tags .............. 27
Design considerations .............................................................................. 27
Verify a configuration ............................................................................... 29

Chapter 5
Export and import Export a configuration ...............................................................................31
configurations Import a configuration...............................................................................31
Export a configuration using the command line .................................... 32
Import a configuration using the command line ....................................32

Chapter 6
Back up and restore FactoryTalk Back up the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configurations .................... 35
Linx Data Bridge Restore the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configurations ..................... 35

Appendix A
About Activation Activate FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge..................................................... 37
Activation types .......................................................................................... 38

Appendix B
Secure FactoryTalk Linx Data About FactoryTalk Security ....................................................................... 39
Bridge using FactoryTalk Using FactoryTalk Security with FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge ............ 39
Security Feature Security Properties ...................................................................... 40

Appendix C
Troubleshoot FactoryTalk Linx Typical failures ........................................................................................... 43
Data Bridge View logged diagnostic information for FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge 45
Quality codes .............................................................................................. 45
FactoryTalk Linx Diagnostic Log ............................................................. 46

Appendix D
Command-line syntax install Perform unattended installation .............................................................. 47
Parameters ................................................................................................. 47
Examples .................................................................................................... 49
Glossary A-F ............................................................................................................... 51
H-U .............................................................................................................. 55

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 Preface

About this publication The Getting Results Guide provides you with information on installing and
using FactoryTalk® Linx Data Bridge.
Tip: The Getting Results Guide is included in a PDF on your FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge software
installation DVD. These files must be viewed using the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software.

This section includes the following information:

• Intended audience
• Where to find additional information
• Legal notices
Intended audience You should be familiar with:
• Microsoft® Windows® operating systems
• FactoryTalk Linx (previously called RSLinx Enterprise)
• Allen-Bradley® programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and
programmable automation controllers (PACs)
• Rockwell Automation® control system development software
Find additional information For additional information about FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, consult the
following resources:

Help The Help includes overview, procedural, screen, and reference information
for the product. The Help contains these basic components:
• Overview topics
• Quick start topics
• Step-by-step procedures
• Dialog box descriptions
To view the Help, click Help in FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge.

Release Notes The Release Notes provide information updates that are necessary to use
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge effectively. The Release Notes contain the
following components:
• System requirements
• System features
• Anomalies
• Functional changes
• Application notes
To view the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Release Notes, download them from
the Product Compatibility and Download Center.

Knowledgebase The Rockwell Automation Customer Support Center offers an extensive

online database that includes frequently asked questions and the latest
patches. The Knowledgebase webpage leads to a comprehensive, searchable
database of support information for all Rockwell Automation products.

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 5

Preface
To access the Knowledgebase webpage, visit
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support, then select Knowledgebase
Support Center.

Technical support Questions concerning installation and use of FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
software are handled by the Rockwell Automation Customer Support Center.
The center is staffed Monday through Friday, except on US holidays, from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time zone for calls originating within the US and
Canada.
To reach the Customer Support Center, call 440-646-3434 and follow the
prompts. For calls originating outside the US or Canada, locate the number in
your country by visiting https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/phone.
When you call, you should be at your computer and be prepared to provide the
following information:
• The product version number
• The type of hardware you are using
• The exact wording of any errors or messages that appeared on your
screen
• A description of what happened and what you were doing when the
problem occurred
• A description of how you tried to solve the problem

Training programs Rockwell Automation offers a wide range of training programs, from
regularly scheduled classes to custom-tailored classes conducted at your site.
If you need more information about these training programs, visit the
Rockwell Automation site or contact the Rockwell Automation Training
Coordinator. The website address and telephone numbers are available at the
bottom of the back cover.

Consulting services Rockwell Automation provides expert consulting and turnkey

implementations for making optimal use of Rockwell Automation software
products. Contact your local representative for more information.

Legal Notices Rockwell Automation publishes legal notices, such as privacy policies, license
agreements, trademark disclosures, and other terms and conditions on the
Legal Notices page of the Rockwell Automation website.

End User License Agreement (EULA)

You can view the Rockwell Automation End User License Agreement (EULA)
by opening the license.rtf file located in your product's install folder on your
hard drive.
The default location of this file is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Rockwell\license.rtf.

6 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Preface

Open Source Software Licenses

The software included in this product contains copyrighted software that is
licensed under one or more open source licenses.
You can view a full list of all open source software used in this product and
their corresponding licenses by opening the oss_license.txt file located in your
product's OPENSOURCE folder on your hard drive. This file is divided into
these sections:
• Components
Includes the name of the open source component, its version number,
and the type of license.
• Copyright Text
Includes the name of the open source component, its version number,
and the copyright declaration.
• Licenses
Includes the name of the license, the list of open source components
citing the license, and the terms of the license.
The default location of this file is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Rockwell\Help\<product
name>\Release Notes\OPENSOURCE\oss_licenses.txt.
You may obtain Corresponding Source code for open source packages
included in this product from their respective project web site(s).
Alternatively, you may obtain complete Corresponding Source code by
contacting Rockwell Automation via the Contact form on the Rockwell
Automation website:
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/global/about-us/contact/contact.page.
Please include "Open Source" as part of the request text.

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 7

 Chapter 1

Welcome to FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

This chapter includes the following information:

• What is FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge?
• System configuration model
• Quick start: Set up and use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
What is FactoryTalk Linx FactoryTalk® Linx Data Bridge synchronizes data between FactoryTalk Live
Data Bridge? Data servers that include FactoryTalk Linx, OPC UA, OPC DA, and
FactoryTalk View SE HMI tags. This can be used between devices and servers
in a FactoryTalk application that may not be compatible.
When source tag values change on a server or device, FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge replicates the values to the destination tag on another server or device.
Optional quality and timestamp tags provide metadata about the tag values.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports:
• FactoryTalk Linx devices
• RSLinx® Classic devices
• OPC UA servers that support subscriptions
• OPC DA servers
• FactoryTalk View SE HMI tags
The performances of design time tag browsing and runtime tag value updates
are dependent on:
• Source tag device or server capabilities
• Destination tag device or server capabilities
• FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge host computer capabilities
• Network design and traffic
For best performance, ensure source, destination, and FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge host devices meet the system requirements listed in FactoryTalk Linx
Data Bridge Release Notes. Connect all devices using a 100 MB or higher
Ethernet network.

System configuration model Before using the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to connect tags, there are
several system configuration models you can refer to. Select the appropriate
one for your system. Here list the examples of system configurations,
including the FactoryTalk Linx data server, FactoryTalk Linx OPC UA
Connector, and the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge:
• Single workstation: all the data servers and FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge are installed on the same workstation.

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Chapter 1 Welcome to FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• Partially distributed: the data servers and FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge are installed on different workstations.
• Fully distributed: each of the data servers and FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge is installed separately on different workstations.
Note: The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge can also be installed directly on a 1756 Compute Module
or a CompactLogix° 5480 controller.

Figure1: Example of a single workstation system

Figure2: Example of a partially distributed system

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 Chapter 1 Welcome to FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

Figure3: Example of a fully distributed system

Quick start: Set up and use Use the following checklist to guide you through the process of setting up and
using FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge.
FactoryTalk Linx Gateway
Step Description Refer to:
 1. Read and understand the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
Getting Results Guide.
 2. Verify that your personal computer meets the minimum System requirements on page 13
hardware and software requirements.
 3. Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge. Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
on page 13
 4. Install a valid FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge activation. About Activations on page 37
 5. Configure FactoryTalk Security, if necessary. FactoryTalk Services Platform Help
 6 Create a FactoryTalk application (or point to an existing FactoryTalk Services Platform Help
application).
 7. Add a FactoryTalk Linx data server, OPC DA/UA server, FactoryTalk View Site Edition Help or
or FactoryTalk View SE HMI tags. FactoryTalk Services Platform Help
 8. Create a shortcut between the FactoryTalk application FactoryTalk View Site Edition Help or
and the server or controller. FactoryTalk Services Platform Help
 9. Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge by clicking Start > FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Help
Programs > Rockwell Software > FactoryTalk Linx
Gateway > FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
Configuration.
 10. Select the scope using the FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge Select FactoryTalk Directory dialog box.
 11. Configure source and destination tags in the Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to
Configurations tab bridge data on page 25

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 Chapter 2

Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge installation DVD provides wizards to guide
you through the installation process.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports two installation methods: Setup
wizard installation and automated installation with command-line syntax.
This chapter uses the Setup wizard installation method to illustrate the steps.
The automated installation with command-line syntax reduces user
interaction and provides command-line parameters to install FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge. See Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge with
command-line syntax.
This chapter contains the following information:
• System requirements
• Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge for the first time
• Uninstall FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• Upgrade FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
System requirements To use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, your personal computer must meet the
following minimum hardware and software requirements:

Hardware requirements FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge performance may vary depending on host
computer performance, network, and application configurations.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge recommends the following hardware for
applications with typical data acquisition needs:
• Intel® Core™ i5 Standard Power processor
• 4 GB of memory (RAM)
• 80 GB hard disk space
• 100 MB Ethernet network
Lower level x86 based CPUs will also work in standalone configurations with
reduced data acquisition needs. It is recommended to run performance
validation tests on the planned computer hardware to ensure the desired
capacity and performance can be achieved.

Tested FactoryTalk Linx CPU and memory requirements for the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge increase
as data pairs are bridged. For detailed information, refer to FactoryTalk Linx
Data Bridge update rates Data Bridge Performance Reference in FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Online
Help.

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Chapter 2 Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

Software requirements FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge has been tested on the following operating
systems:
• Windows® 10* (v2004, v20H2, v21H1, and v21H2)
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge adopts .NET 4.8 which is only supported
in Windows 10 v1803 and later.
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
• Windows 11
If you use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge on Windows 11, you must
update Windows 11 with patch KB5008215.
• Windows Server® 2012
• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2022
*For additional information about Windows 10 Support for the FactoryTalk
Suite of Rockwell Software® products, refer to Knowledgebase Document ID:
IN4493 - Windows 10 Support for the FactoryTalk Suite of Rockwell Software
products.

Software compatibility FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge is compatible with these Rockwell Automation
products:
• FactoryTalk Activation Manager version 5.00.11
• FactoryTalk Services Platform version 6.31.00
• FactoryTalk View version 13.00.00
• FactoryTalk Linx version 6.31.00
• FactoryTalk Linx OPC UA Connector version 6.31.00

Prerequisite software FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Setup wizard supports to install a series of
Rockwell software automatically and the prerequisite software including:

Rockwell Software
• FactoryTalk Services Platform version 6.31.00
• FactoryTalk Activation Manager version 5.00.11
• FactoryTalk Linx version 6.31.00
• Rockwell Automation x64 Driver v2.03.04

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 Chapter 2 Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

Prerequisite software
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable (x86) 14.15
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable (x64) 14.15
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client 11.4
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Native Client x64 11.4
• Microsoft ODBC Driver 13.1 for SQL Server 13.1.811
• Microsoft ODBC Driver 13.1 for SQL Server x64 13.1.811
• OPC .NET API 2.01
• Windows Firewall Configuration Utility 1.00.15
• Wibu CodeMeter Runtime Kit v7.30
System features FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge version 6.20.00:
• Supports up to 200,000 tag pairs when the LNXGWPRO activation is
detected. The LNXDB activation is still limited to 2,000 tags.
• Adds support for standalone activation.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge version 6.21.00:
• Supports 500 tag pairs when operating on the CompactLogix5480 at
the "Embedded" level.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge version 6.21.01:
• Supports manually initiating an update or configuring a trigger tag to
initiate an update for the destination tag in a group automatically.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge version 6.30.00:
• Adds the ability to refresh destination tags only when the trigger tag is
set or changed. Destination tags will not be refreshed when the source
tag value changes.
• Adds an option to turn on or turn off the refresh of destination tags
when the trigger tag quality is changed to good quality.
• The tag group subscription rate is changed or updated to reflect the
FactoryTalk Live Data update rate that will be used.
• Raises DCOM authentication level to Packet Integrity.
Install FactoryTalk Linx Data You can install one or more Rockwell Automation software products on a
Bridge for the first time single personal computer.
IMPORTANT The user installing or configuring FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge must have administrative
rights in Windows on the computers where the software is being installed or configured.
The Windows domain Administrator account has these rights, for example.

To install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge software

Start your Windows operating system.
Insert the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
(optional) If FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Setup does not appear, start the
setup utility:

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Chapter 2 Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
a. In Windows, select Start > Run.

b. In Open, type x:\setup, where x is the letter of the drive containing

the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge DVD-ROM, and then click OK.
c. If Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 or later is not installed on your
computer, the Microsoft .NET Framework Setup dialog box shows.
Click Install.
In FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Setup, select a product to install from the
dropdown list.
Choose either:
• Install Now: Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and the
prerequisite software to the default installation directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockwell Software.
• Customize: Specify which software should be installed and select a
different installation directory, then click Install.
In End-User License Agreements, read the agreements, then select Accept all
to continue the installation, or click Decline to return to the previous page.
(optional) If prompted to restart your computer during the installation, click
Restart now to restart your computer and continue the installation, or Restart
later to suspend and exit the installation.
When Almost there appears, select one of the following options, then click
Next.
• Select Activate your software to activate FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge now.
• Select Skip activation to activate FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge later
using FactoryTalk Activation Manager. For more information, refer
to About Activations.
In That's it!, click Restart now to restart your computer and continue the
installation, or Restart later to exit the installation. You must restart your
computer before using FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge. Meanwhile, you can
also:
• Click Installation Summary to see the installation details.
• Click Register for updates to learn how to receive email updates
about product patches.
• Click Download it free to install Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe
Acrobat Reader is required to open the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
Getting Results Guide and other documents.
The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge installation is complete. When you
finish installing the software, remove the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
DVD from the DVD-ROM drive, and store it in a safe place.

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 Chapter 2 Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

Uninstall FactoryTalk Linx To uninstall FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge software, do any of the following:

Data Bridge • Open Programs and Features in the Windows Control Panel,
right-click FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, and then click Uninstall.
• Open Setup.exe, and then click modify or uninstall.
• Open the Command Prompt window and type a command with the
following syntax:
Setup.exe [/Q | /QS] /Uninstall
Note: Components, such as FactoryTalk Activation Manager that are shared with other products
will not be uninstalled.

For more information about the command-line parameter, see Parameters on

page 47.

Upgrade FactoryTalk Linx Perform the following steps to upgrade to the latest version of FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge:
Data Bridge
• Stop the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge services by selecting Windows
Start > Services > FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Server > Stop the
service.
If FactoryTalk Diagnostics Counter Monitor is running, exit the program.
Close FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Configuration.
Insert the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge product DVD. Perform the
installation steps as presented on the screen.
Restart your computer.
Note: You must restart your computer after installing Rockwell Automation software products. If
you are installing multiple products, you must restart your computer after all the products are
installed.

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 Chapter 3

Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and explore

the user interface

This chapter includes the following information:

• Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• About the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge dialog box
Start FactoryTalk Linx Data If you are using Windows 10, select Start > Programs > Rockwell Software >
Bridge FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Configuration.
If you are using Windows 7, select Start > Programs > Rockwell Software >
FactoryTalk Linx > FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Configuration.
• Note: Before you can configure FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, you must configure FactoryTalk Linx
data servers/OPC DA or UA servers/FactoryTalk View SE HMI tags first. For detailed steps, see each
product's Online Help.
• To start or stop the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service, you must be either a Windows Administrator
or a Power User of the computer.

About the FactoryTalk Linx The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge dialog box shows the General Settings,
Configurations, software version and activation information, and diagnostic
Data Bridge information.
The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge dialog box contains the following
information:

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Chapter 3 Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and explore the user interface

Item Description
The File button contains information about:
• Create configuration
• Log On
• Log Off
• Export configuration
• Import configuration
• Exit FactoryTalk Linx Gateway Configuration.
The Help button contains information about:
• Release Notes.
• Help Content
• Software version number
• Activation
• Copyright
• Contact information
The General Settings tab contains information about:
• FactoryTalk Directory scope selection.
• Server status
• Diagnostic logging option
The Configurations tab contains information about:
• Data group
• Data pair
• Properties
• Verification message
The FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log tab contains information about:
• FactoryTalk Diagnostics information.
The Activation to be utilized lists all the activation types. The default option is "Automatic Selection" in which FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge selects the
activation that supports the most tags
Click Refresh to refresh all destination tags in all groups with the last set of source values received.
Click Apply to apply the changes and restart the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service.

General Settings Use General Settings to set FactoryTalk application scope and global server
properties for the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service.

Global Settings
Field Description
FactoryTalk Directory Scope Sets the FactoryTalk Directory path to an application. Tags from the selected application can be used as the source or
destination tags. Use FactoryTalk Administration Console to add, edit, and delete FactoryTalk applications. For more
information, see Manage applications in FactoryTalk Services Platform Online Help.
Changing the FactoryTalk Directory scope removes all configured data groups and pairs.
Activation to be utilized Lists all the activation types. The default option is "Automatic Selection" in which FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge selects
the activation that supports the most tags.
Inhibit Inhibits or enables the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service.
• Checked: Inhibits the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service from operating.
• Unchecked: Enables the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service. (default)
Log diagnostic message on read and write Sets whether a diagnostic message is logged to the FactoryTalk Diagnostics every time a tag cannot be written or read.
error The default setting is Disable.
Refresh Click Refresh to update destination tags in all tag groups with the last received value from the associated source tags.

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 Chapter 3 Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and explore the user interface

Configurations Use Configurations to add data groups and data pairs, set data pair
properties, and verify the configuration.

Data Group Properties

Field Description
Add Group Adds a data group to the configuration.
Remove Group Removes the selected data group and all its tags to the configuration.
Name Sets the name for the data group.
Group Update Rate Sets the update rate for all tags in the data group. If you enter an invalid group update rate, it will be automatically
changed to the next valid update rate. For more details, see Factors that impact FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
performance in FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Help.
Only update destination tags with refresh trigger Refreshes destination tags only when the trigger tag is set or changed. This option will take effect after you click
Apply or OK. Destination tags will not be refreshed when the source tag value changes.
Update destination tags with refresh trigger Adds the option to turn on or turn off the refresh of destination tags when the trigger tag quality is changed to good
quality changes quality.
Ensure data type consistency The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge requires the referenced source and destination tags in a tag pair to match data
types. When disabled, the destination device must ensure that values are formatted correctly for proper usage. By
disabling this setting, the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge will permit the exchange of tags that do not have matching
types.
Example of source tag matching destination tag:
BOOL-> INT
BOOL->DINT
INT->DINT
INT->LONG INT
INT->UINT
BOOL->String
Inhibit tag trigger Sets to inhibit tag trigger. When Inhibit tag trigger is selected, automatic refresh of the tag group will not be initiated
when the trigger tag value or quality value is changed.
Refresh Destination Tags Sets to refresh destination tags under the tag group with the last set of source values received.
Add Data Pair Adds a data pair to the data group.
Remove Data Pair Removes the selected data pair from the data group.

Tip: The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge moves data from source to destination tags both on initial startup
and subsequently when source tag values are changed. Sending values on change reduces network and
controller loading. However, if a destination tag is modified by an external method (for example, project
download, SD Card restoration, or manual change) or if the destination controller is disconnected when a
source value is changed, the destination value may not contain the appropriate value from the source.
To solve this issue, use the Refresh option to initiate an update manually or configure a trigger tag to
initiate an update for the destination tags in a group automatically. See details in Refresh destination
tags in FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Help.

Data Pair Properties

Field Description
Name Sets the name for the data pair. Required.
Source Tag Sets the path to the tag that provides the value to the destination tag. Required.
Source Tag quality [INT/DINT] Sets the path to the tag that receives the quality value from the source tag. Optional.

Tip: Select a tag in the same location as the destination tag to permit the receiving device to verify the status of the
source tag.

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Chapter 3 Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and explore the user interface
Field Description
Source Tag timestamp [LINT] Sets the path to the tag that receives the timestamp value from the source tag. Optional.
The source device or server must support LINT tags. Older devices or servers that do not support LINT tags, such as
SLC° and PLC devices, cannot provide timestamp tags.

Tip: Select a tag in the same location as the destination tag to permit the receiving device to verify when the source
tag was last updated.
Source Tag Timestamp Style Sets the format used for the source tag timestamp.
• Logix - UNIX Time Format (default)
• OPC - Win32 Time Format
• String Time 24 Hour Format
• String Time AM/PM Format
If the Source Tag Timestamp Style differs from the Destination Tag Timestamp Style, the source timestamp tag value
will be converted to the destination tag timestamp style.
Destination Tag Sets the path to the tag that receives the value from the source tag. Required.
Destination Tag quality [INT/DINT] Sets the path to the tag that receives the quality value from the destination tag. Optional.

Tip: Select a tag in the same location as the source tag to permit the sending device to verify the delivery of the
destination tag.
Destination Tag timestamp [LINT] Sets the path to the tag that receives the timestamp value from the destination tag. Optional.
The target device or server must support LINT tags. Older devices or servers that do not support LINT tags, such as
SLC and PLC devices, cannot receive timestamp tags.

Tip: Select a tag in the same location as the source tag to permit the sending device to verify when the destination tag
was last updated.
Destination Tag Timestamp Style Sets the format used for the destination tag timestamp.
• Logix - UNIX Time Format (default)
• OPC - Win32 Time Format
• String Time 24 Hour Format
• String Time AM/PM Format
If the Destination Tag Timestamp Style differs from the Source Tag Timestamp Style, the destination timestamp tag
value will be converted to the source tag timestamp style.

FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log Use FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log to view historical error, warning, and
information level diagnostic messages about the FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge service on the local computer. The information shown is limited to the
selected FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge.
Tip: To view diagnostic messages about a FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge hosted on a remote computer,
either:
• Use the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge on the host computer.
or
• Click Launch FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer and configure it to view logs from an aggregated
diagnostic log on a remote computer.

Button Description
Refresh Clears the FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log and refresh diagnostic messages from the FactoryTalk Diagnostics server on the local
computer.
Launch FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer Starts the FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer to view diagnostic messages for all FactoryTalk devices and services, or to view
diagnostic messages for a remote computer.

Tag Browser Use Tag Browser to select a tag from a device or server as either a source or
destination tag. The application tree is shown in the left pane. When a branch
in the application tree is selected, tags in the branch appear in the right pane.
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 Chapter 3 Start FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and explore the user interface
Note: The source and destination tags must be defined to have the same data type.

To filter the tag list, enter an exact tag name or enter a search term with
asterisks (*) as wildcards. For example, to find the tag
@DAQ_ItemsActiveQty enter *DAQ* or @DAQ* in Tag filter.

About FactoryTalk Linx Data Use About FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to identify the version of the
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge user interface or FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
Bridge service.

Revision
Field Description
Configuration User Interface Revision Lists the version number of the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge user interface
on the local machine.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Service Revision Lists the version number of the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service on the
local machine.

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 Chapter 4

Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to bridge data

To send source tag values to destination tags, add a data group to select an
update rate, then add each source and destination tag in a data pair.
Configure each pair with the required tag names and optional quality and
timestamp tags, then verify the configuration. Once a data pair has been
verified and applied, FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge updates the destination
tags with the source tag values.
This chapter includes the following information:
• Add a data group
• Add a data pair
• Ensure data type consistency
• Search and select a tag
• Verify a configuration

Add a data group Add a data group to contain a new set of data pairs. Each data pair in the data
group is polled at the same update rate. Each data group must have a unique
name.
The update rate is used to request the values of all source tags in the group
from the source servers or controllers. However, the actual update rate of the
destination tag values may be slower due to the performance of the source
servers or controllers and the reliability and performance of the network.

To add a data group

• In FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, select Configurations on page 21.
On Configurations, select Add Group.
(optional) Edit Name and Group Update Rate for the data group.
If you enter an invalid group update rate, it will be automatically
changed to the next valid update rate. For more details, see Factors
that impact FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge performance in FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge Online Help.
Add one or more data pairs on page 25, then click OK.

Add a data pair Add a data pair to synchronize tag values from a source tag to a destination
tag. Each tag may have optional quality and timestamp tags. Each data pair
must have a unique name, and source tags must not be identical to

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Chapter 4 Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to bridge data
destination tags. The source and destination tag must be defined to have the
same data type.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports a maximum capacity of 200,000 data
pairs.
IMPORTANT • To use timestamp tags, the source and destination devices or servers must support
LINT tags. Older devices or servers that do not support LINT tags, such as SLC° and
PLC devices, cannot receive or provide timestamp tags.
• Unsolicited, CIP, and most EDS Parameter tags are read-only. Read-only tags should not
be selected as destination tags.
• As the number of data pairs increases, the update rate they can be communicated will
decrease. For more information, see FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Performance
Reference.
• The source/destination device or server performance will impact the data update rate.

Prerequisites
• Add a data group on page 25

To add a data pair

• In Configurations on page 21, add a group or select an existing group
from the list.
Select Add Data Pair.
(optional) In Properties, enter a unique name for the data pair.
In Properties, select a source tag and a destination tag for the data pair on
page 26.
(optional) In Properties, select a source quality tag, source timestamp tag,
destination quality tag, and destination timestamp tag.
Select Verify to validate the tag selections.
Select OK.
Search for and select a tag Use Tag Browser to search for and select a tag from the FactoryTalk
application scope. Tags may only be selected from FactoryTalk application
servers, or from devices that have a configured shortcut.
IMPORTANT • To use timestamp tags, the source and destination devices or servers must support
LINT tags. Older devices or servers that do not support LINT tags, such as SLC° and
PLC devices, cannot receive or provide timestamp tags.
• Unsolicited, CIP, and most EDS Parameter tags are read-only. Read-only tags should not
be selected as destination tags.
• As the number of data pairs increases, the update rate they can be communicated will
decrease. For more information, see FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Performance
Reference.
• The source/destination device or server performance will impact the data update rate.

Prerequisites
• Add a data group
Add a data pair

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 Chapter 4 Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to bridge data

To search for and select a tag

• In Properties, select the Browse button next to a source tag or
destination tag field.
In the left pane of Tag Browser, expand and select a branch from the
application tree.
(optional) In Tag filter, enter an exact tag name or enter a search term with
asterisks (*) as wildcards to limit what tags are shown in the right pane.
For example, to find the tag @DAQ_ItemsActiveQty enter *DAQ* or
@DAQ* in Tag filter.
In the right pane of Tag Browser, select a tag from the list and click OK.
Best practice for configuring The quality and timestamp attributes permit the controllers involved in the
the quality and timestamp FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge exchange to determine if and when a value is
delivered successfully. The source Quality and Timestamp should be assigned
tags to the destination controller to permit it to determine the status of the tag
value it receives. The destination Quality and Timestamp should be assigned
to the source controller to permit it to determine the status of the tag value
delivery.
Examples:
Source Value [Controller A]Tag_Source
Source Quality [Controller B]Tag_Destination_Quality
Source Timestamp [Controller B]Tag_Destination_Timestamp
Destination Value [Controller B]Tag_Destination
Destination Quality [Controller A]Tag_Source_Quality
Destination Timestamp [Controller A]Tag_Source_Timestamp

Design considerations • Tag quantity limits (2,000 when FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge is
purchased separately and 200,000 when acquired with <FTLGW> Pro)
Tip: The Activation type is only shown when the pair tag is configured or added.

• Source and destination capacity may impact delivery efficiency and

performance OPC servers may have limited capacity for tag quantity
and performance. Logix controllers have a significantly higher read
capacity.
• Change of State delivery
The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge moves data from source to
destination tags both on initial startup and subsequently when source
tag values are changed. Sending values on change reduces network
and controller loading. However, when a destination tag is modified by
an alternative method (for example, project download, SD Card
restoration, or manual change) or if a destination controller is
disconnected when a source value is changed, the destination value
may not contain the appropriate value from the source. Either restart

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Chapter 4 Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to bridge data
the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge or design the system to ensure that
the source values change periodically to ensure the destination
receives updated values.
• Logix communications bandwidth
The communications capacity for Logix controllers prior to L8 is
determined by a user System Overhead Time-Slice (SOTS) setting. The
default setting may need to be adjusted to accommodate larger tag
pair configurations.
• Quality and Timestamp
The quality and timestamp attributes permit the controllers involved
in the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge exchange to determine if and
when a value is delivered successfully. The source Quality and
Timestamp should be assigned to the destination controller to permit
it to determine the status of the tag value it receives. The destination
Quality and Timestamp should be assigned to the source controller to
permit it to determine the status of the tag value delivery.
Example:
Source Value [Controller A]Tag_Source
Source Quality [Controller B]Tag_Destination_Quality
Source Timestamp [Controller B]Tag_Destination_Timestamp
Destination Value [Controller B]Tag_Destination
Destination Quality [Controller A]Tag_Source_Quality
Destination Timestamp [Controller A]Tag_Source_Timestamp
• Admin rights required to make configuration changes
Users are required to sign in with a Windows administration account
or provide a Windows administration account username and
password to apply any configuration changes.
• Changes captured in the FactoryTalk Audit log
Changes related to the configuration will be captured in the
FactoryTalk Audit log, for example, adding, deleting, or editing a tag
pair.
• Information captured in the FactoryTalk Diagnostics log
Information related to system operation will be captured in the
FactoryTalk Diagnostics log, for example, activation confirmation or
failure, start or stop of FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service.
Information on communication failures will be captured in the
FactoryTalk Diagnostics log by the data servers referenced in the
configuration (for example, FactoryTalk Linx, FactoryTalk Linx UA
Connector).
• Check source and destination data type matching in FactoryTalk Linx
Data Bridge
Refer to Ensure data type consistencyfor details.

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 Chapter 4 Use FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to bridge data

Verify a configuration Verify a configuration to ensure that source and destination tags are valid
paths and that their data types are compatible. Verification results appear in
the text pane beneath data pair properties. Configurations with errors cannot
be saved.

To verify a configuration
• In Configurations on page 21, add one or more data groups on page 25
and data pairs on page 25.
Select Verify.
Tip: If errors are detected during verification, double-click the error message in the verification
results to highlight the cause of the error.

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 Chapter 5

Export and import configurations

Export a FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configuration to save it as a backup,

transfer it to a new FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge host, or modify the
configurations using other desktop software. Import a configuration to load
an existing configuration to a FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge host.
This chapter includes the following information:
• Export a configuration
• Import a configuration
• Export a configuration using the command line.
• Import a configuration using the command line.
Export a configuration Export a configuration to save the FactoryTalk Directory scope, data groups,
and data pairs to a file or transport them to a new host computer.

To export a configuration
• Select File > Export configuration.
In Export Configuration, use Save as type to export the configuration as
either XML or CSV.
In Export Configuration, enter a filename and path for the exported
configuration file, then click Save.
Import a configuration Import a configuration to load the FactoryTalk Directory scope, data groups,
and data pairs from a file.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports a maximum capacity of 200,000 data
pairs.

To import a configuration
• Select File > Import configuration.
In Data Items to Import, select an import method and options, then click OK:
• Delete All existing and create new from imported file: All existing
data groups and pairs are removed. All new data groups and pairs
are created.
• Update existing and create new: Data groups and pairs overwrite
existing data groups and pairs. New data groups and pairs are
created.

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Chapter 5 Export and import configurations
• Skip existing and create new: Data groups and pairs that match
existing data groups and pairs are not imported. New data groups
and pairs are created.
• Skip invalid data: If enabled (default), data groups or pairs that do
not pass verification are not imported. If cleared, data groups or
pairs that do not pass verification are imported.
In Import Configuration, select either XML or CSV files from the file type list.
In Import Configuration, browse to the path of an exported configuration,
select it, and then select Open.
Export a configuration using Export a configuration using the command prompt to save the FactoryTalk
the command line Directory scope, data groups, and data pairs to a file or transport them to a
new host computer.

To export a configuration using the command prompt

• Start Windows Command Prompt using Administrator privileges.
In the Command Prompt window, use the cd command to navigate to the
installation path for FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge.
The default path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockwell
Software\FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge\
Type FTLinxDataBridgeCfg.exe -e -p:"file_path", then press Enter,
where file_path is replaced with the file path and file name of the exported
configuration file.

Import a configuration using Import a configuration using the command prompt to load the FactoryTalk
Directory scope, data groups, and data pairs from a file.
the command line
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports a maximum capacity of 200,000 data
pairs.
The FTLinxDataBridgeCfg.exe tool supports three import methods from the
command prompt, each with a unique syntax:
• -i:d - All existing data groups and pairs are removed. All new data
groups and pairs are created.
• -i:u - Data groups and pairs overwrite existing data groups and pairs.
New data groups and pairs are created.
• -i:s - Data groups and pairs that match existing data groups and pairs
are not imported. New data groups and pairs are created.

To import a configuration using the command prompt

• Start Windows Command Prompt using Administrator privileges.

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 Chapter 5 Export and import configurations
In the Command Prompt window, use the cd command to navigate to the
installation path for FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge.
The default path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockwell
Software\FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge\
Type FTLinxDataBridgeCfg.exe -i:X -p:"file_path", then press Enter, where -i:X
is replaced with the import method and file_path is replaced with the file path
and file name of the configuration file.

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 Chapter 6

Back up and restore FactoryTalk Linx Data

Bridge

Back up the FactoryTalk To back up FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configurations in case of
unexpected circumstances, do one of the followings:
Linx Data Bridge
• Export your configurations by clicking File > Export configuration,
configurations
and then save it as either an XML or CSV file to a safe location.
• Stop FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge service and then go to
C:\ProgramData\Rockwell\FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge. Save the file
FTLinxDataBridge.xml to a safe location.
Restore the FactoryTalk Linx To restore FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configurations from a system restart,
Data Bridge configurations do one of the followings:
• Import the previously saved configuration XML file and then select
File > Import configuration.
• Copy the previously saved FTLinxDataBridge.xml file to
C:\ProgramData\Rockwell\FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge and replace
the existing one.

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 Appendix A

About Activation

Rockwell Automation Windows-based software products are copy-protected

and require an activation key, located in an activation file, to run the software.
When you launch FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, the software checks for the
activation file. If a valid activation cannot be found, an error is logged to
FactoryTalk Diagnostics and FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge operates under a
grace period. Refer to FactoryTalk Services Platform Help for more
information about grace periods.
This appendix includes the following information:
• Activate FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• Activation types
Activate FactoryTalk Linx FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports activating software during the
Data Bridge software installation. The new Installation Setup Wizard contains a Software
Activation checkbox. This no longer requires you to open FactoryTalk
Activation Manager to activate the software.
To activate your copy of FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge in the FactoryTalk Linx
Data Bridge Installation Setup Wizard, perform the following steps:
• Perform the steps in Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge to install
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge software.
The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge installation DVD provides wizards to guide
you through the installation process.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge supports two installation methods: Setup
wizard installation and automated installation with command-line syntax.
This chapter uses the Setup wizard installation method to illustrate the steps.
The automated installation with command-line syntax reduces user
interaction and provides command-line parameters to install FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge. See Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge with
command-line syntax.

This chapter contains the following information:

• System requirements
• Install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge for the first time
• Uninstall FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• Upgrade FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• On the Rockwell Software Setup dialog box in the Installation Setup
Wizard, select the Activate your software checkbox and click Finish.

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Appendix A About Activation
On the Software Activation dialog box, enter the product key from your
Activation Certificate. The serial number should have been automatically
added. If the serial number is not automatically added, enter the serial
number.
Select Activate locally to activate FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge on a single
computer or select Activate using a dongle to activate FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge on any computer by using a dongle.
Tip: The Activate using a dongle option requires that you have a dongle to lock the activation.

Click Continue.
You can still activate FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge via FactoryTalk Activation
Manager by clicking the Explore other options link in the Software Activation
dialog box. The link provides direct access to the FactoryTalk Activation
Manager software. To activate your copy of FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge in
the FactoryTalk Activation Manager, click Get New Activations and follow the
instructions in the FactoryTalk Activation Manager.
For more information on using the FactoryTalk Activation Manager, click
More or Help in the FactoryTalk Activation Manager.
EvRSI activation is replaced by FactoryTalk Activation Manager. If you are
using EvRSI activation, contact your local Rockwell Automation Sales office or
Technical Support for information on migrating your activations to
FactoryTalk Activation Manager.
For Rockwell Automation Technical Support in the U.S., call (440) 646-3434.
Outside the U.S., visit http://www.rockwellautomation.com/locations.

Activation types The activation type determines the feature support of the FactoryTalk Linx
Data Bridge.
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge version 6.21.00 adds the ability to allow users to
choose the specific activation that will be requested on startup. Find the
available activations from General Settings > Activation to be utilized.
If FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge fails to detect a valid activation file, an error is
logged to FactoryTalk Diagnostics, and FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge operates
under a grace period. For more information about grace periods, see
FactoryTalk Services Platform Help.
Activation Name Activation FactoryTalk Directory Activates FactoryTalk Supported Data Pairs
Linx Data Bridge
FactoryTalk Linx Gateway Professional LINXGW.PROFESSIONAL Local or Network Y 200,000
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge LINX.DATABRIDGE Local or Network Y 2,000
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Embedded Verifies its operating on a Local or Network Y 500
CompactLogix° 5480 windows
core
Tip: The Activation type is only shown when the pair tag is configured or added.

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 Appendix B

Secure FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge using

FactoryTalk Security

This appendix includes the following information:

• About FactoryTalk Security
• Using FactoryTalk Security with FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• Feature Security Properties
About FactoryTalk Security FactoryTalk Security improves the security of your automation system by
limiting access to those with a legitimate need. FactoryTalk Security
authenticates the identities of users and authorizes user requests to access a
FactoryTalk system against a set of defined user accounts and access
permissions held in the FactoryTalk network directory or FactoryTalk local
directory.
For help with configuring security services, refer to FactoryTalk Services
Platform Help.
If you prefer not to use security services, you can grant all users full access to
your automation system. For help overriding security services, refer to
FactoryTalk Services Platform Help.

Using FactoryTalk Security To configure security for the tool, in the FactoryTalk Administration Console,
right-click the network (the highest level of the tree), and select Security from
with FactoryTalk Linx Data the menu.
Bridge
The following example shows the steps to restrict a user from changing the
scope:

Prerequisites
• Log in as Windows Administrator or Power User of the computer.
• Obtain Read/Write/List Children permissions within the Common
section of Security.
• Log in to FactoryTalk.

To restrict a user from changing the scope

• In the FactoryTalk Administration Console Explorer, right-click
Network > Security. The Security Settings for Network dialog box
opens.

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Appendix B Secure FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge using FactoryTalk Security
For local scope, right-click Local (THIS COMPUTER) > Security. The
Security Settings for Local dialog box opens.
On the Permissions tab, select View permissions by User, and you can see all
the user groups (Administrators, All Users, Anonymous Logon), and highlight
the user you want to restrict.
From the Permissions for *** from All Computers list, click Common > Write,
and select the Deny checkbox.
Click OK.
Feature Security Properties Use the Policy Settings tab in the Feature Security Properties dialog box to
secure features of a single FactoryTalk product. By setting permissions to a
single feature, you can limit a user or a group of users to perform securable
actions.
Starting from version 6.10.00, FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge enhances the user
security by requesting the users to sign in to FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
server when starting FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge Configuration and when
changing the scope.

To log on to the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge server, do one of the

followings
• Click File > Log On.
• Click Select next to FactoryTalk Diagnostics Scope on the Server
Configuration tab.
• Note: If you have enabled a single logon function in FactoryTalk Services Platform >
Explorer > System Policies > Security Policy, there is no need to log on FactoryTalk Linx
Data Bridge server manually.
• Log off and log on back for the feature security settings to take effect.

As the product policy is configured upon the logon scope, make sure the
FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge server logon scope is the same as the
FactoryTalk Diagnostics scope.
The following table shows the relationship between FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge feature security policies and securable actions that the user can
perform:
Feature security policy Allow Deny
View Configurations Allow users to view information in the General Settings and Hide the configuration information.
Configurations tabs including:
• FactoryTalk Diagnostics Scope
• Activation to be utilized
• Current Activation Type
• Service Status
• Diagnostic Logging option
• Source and destination tag information.

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 Appendix B Secure FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge using FactoryTalk Security
Feature security policy Allow Deny
Change configurations Allow users to view and edit in the General Settings and Set the configuration areas unavailable.
Configurations tabs including:
• FactoryTalk Diagnostics Scope
• Activation to be utilized
• Current Activation Type
• Service Status
• Diagnostic Logging option
• Source and destination tag information.

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 Appendix C

Troubleshoot FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge

At release time, this application presents certain circumstances and errors

that require troubleshooting. This section supplies categories of
Troubleshooting topics that indicate possible causes and solutions.
In this section:
Typical failures on page 43
View logged diagnostic information for FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
on page 45
Quality codes on page 45
FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log on page 46

Typical failures In this section, a few typical errors in FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge are listed
to identify the problems.
• What happens when a Controller is offline or inhibited?
• When communications to a device containing a Source tag are
inhibited (for example, the device is inhibited in FactoryTalk Linx),
the source quality value associated with the tag will report an "out of
service" status value when inhibited and "not connected" when
offline.
• When communications to a device containing a Destination tag are
inhibited (for example, the device is inhibited in FactoryTalk Live),
the destination quality value associated with the tag will report an
"out of service" status value when inhibited and "not connected"
when offline.
• What happens when the UA Connector is unable to communicate with
a UA Server?
• When communications to a UA server containing a Source tag
failed, the source quality value associated with the tag will report a
"Communication failure" status value.
• When communications to a UA server containing a Destination tag
failed, the destination quality value associated with the tag will
report a "Communication failure" status value.
• What happens when a source or destination device is modified so a
referenced item is no longer available, or its type is changed?
• If the tag is deleted from a device, the quality value associated with
the source or destination tag will report a "Configuration error"

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Appendix C Troubleshoot FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
status value in FactoryTalk Linx or a "Bad" status value in UA
Connector.
• If a tag type is changed on a device, successful delivery of the source
tag to the destination will depend on the source tag’s value falling
within a numeric range that will fit into the destination tag type.
(For example, if the source tag is a DINT and the destination value is
an INT, a value <32767 will be delivered but a value >32767 will fail.)
• What happens when the type for the selected item is incorrect?
• When the Ensure data type consistency checkbox is selected, and
when the Apply or Verify buttons are pressed, the source and
destination data types will be verified and an error reported if they
do not have the same data type.
• When the Ensure data type consistency checkbox is not selected,
the source tag value will be delivered to the destination. However,
the destination tag may need to modify the resulting value so that is
interpreted correctly.
• Reasons that cause the destination tags to have values that don’t match
the source tags.
• Destination tag value is modified through an alternative method or
the destination is offline when a source value changes. For example:
• Downloading a project to destination controllers.
• Restarting destination controllers.
• Source or destination controllers go offline or are inhibited for a
period of time.
• Restoring a destination controller’s memory from an SD memory
card.
• Manual changes made by a user to the destination controller.
• Downloading data from the Logix Data upload/download tool.
• The destination controller’s data is updated or loaded from an
external source.
Use the Refresh option to initiate an update manually or configure a
trigger tag to initiate an update for the destination tag in a group
automatically. See details in Refresh destination tags in FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge Help.
• When a destination tag value does not match the value of the source
tag:
• Verify if the source values are changing at an appropriate rate.
Note: Value changes should change no faster than twice the subscript rate to provide the
best opportunity for the destination to receive all changes.

• Verify if the Only update destination tags with refresh trigger

checkbox is cleared. If selected, source change won’t trigger
destination change. Destination tags are refreshed only when the
trigger tag is set or changed.

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 Appendix C Troubleshoot FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
• Verify if the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configuration has the
correct source and destination tags.
• Verify if the communications to the source and destination devices
are functioning.
Note: If the source or destination controller is a redundant ControlLogix® controller, the
controller’s synchronization crossload may affect the communications performance with the
redundant controller. Review the ControlLogix Redundant Controller User Manual for
communications performance considerations.
• Verify if the source and destination devices have sufficient message
processing capacity to accommodate the FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge communications.
Note: You can evaluate the predefined diagnostic tags associated with FactoryTalk Linx or
the FactoryTalk Linx OPC UA Connector to determine if these communications services are
operating effectively.
• The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge sends values to the destination
when it detects a value change from the source. If a destination
controller was disconnected for a time, redownloaded or the
destination value was modified by another method, the source value
will not be resent until the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge detects a
source value change. Configure a refresh trigger tag and select
Update destination tags with refresh trigger quality changes
checkbox or click Refresh Destination Tags to force the FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge to resend the last values it received from the
source.
View logged diagnostic Use FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log on page 46 to view historical error, warning,
information for FactoryTalk and information level diagnostic messages about the FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge service on the current computer.
Linx Data Bridge
Tip: To view diagnostic messages about a FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge hosted on a remote computer,
either:
• Use the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge on the host computer.
or
• Click Launch FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer and configure it to view logs from an aggregated
diagnostic log on a remote computer.

To view logged diagnostic information for FactoryTalk Linx Data

Bridge
• In FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, select FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log.
Quality codes Each source or destination tag in a data pair can optionally be configured
with a corresponding quality tag. The value of the quality tag is called a
quality code, which describes the status of the source or destination tag. The
quality codes provided by FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge are based on the
quality codes specified in the OPC Data Access Custom Interface Standard
version 3.00.

Hexadecimal Decimal Name Description

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 45

Appendix C Troubleshoot FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
Hexadecimal Decimal Name Description
0x00 00 Bad The value is not useful. See FactoryTalk Diagnostics messages for more information.
0x40 64 Uncertain The value is uncertain. See FactoryTalk Diagnostics messages for more information.
0xC0 192 Good The value is useful and up to date.
0x04 04 Configuration error The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge configuration is invalid. Verify the configuration in FactoryTalk
Linx Data Bridge.
0x08 08 Not connected The associated input is not connected.
0x0C 12 Device failure A device has failed.
0x10 16 Sensor failure A sensor has failed.
0x14 20 Last known value Communications have failed but the last known value is available.
0x18 24 Communications failure Communications have failed and the last known value is not available.
0x1C 28 Out of service The item or group is in the Inactive state or the communications to a Logix controller are
inhibited.
0x44 68 Last usable value The value is no longer being written and the data is stale. The last known value is provided
instead.
0x50 80 Sensor calibration required The value is at or has exceeded one of the sensor limits or the sensor is out of calibration.
0x54 84 EGU exceeded The value has exceeded the limits defined for this parameter.
0x58 88 Sub normal The value is derived from multiple sources but has fewer than the required number of sources
providing Good quality.
0xD8 216 Local override The value has been overridden. The input may be disconnected or a value has been manually
set.

FactoryTalk Linx Diagnostic How do I open FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log?

Log • In FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge, select FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log.

Use FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log to view historical error, warning, and

information level diagnostic messages about the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge
service on the local computer. The information shown is limited to the
selected FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge.
Tip: To view diagnostic messages about a FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge hosted on a remote computer,
either:
• Use the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge on the host computer.
or
• Click Launch FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer and configure it to view logs from an aggregated
diagnostic log on a remote computer.

Button Description
Refresh Clears the FactoryTalk Diagnostic Log and refresh diagnostic messages from the FactoryTalk Diagnostics server on the local
computer.
Launch FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer Starts the FactoryTalk Diagnostic Viewer to view diagnostic messages for all FactoryTalk devices and services, or to view
diagnostic messages for a remote computer.

46 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Appendix D

Command-line syntax install

Besides the Setup Wizard installation, FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge also
supports automated installation using command-line syntaxes: unattended
installation. You can typically use the unattended installation during
large-scale rollouts when it might be too slow and costly to have
administrators or technicians interactively install the FactoryTalk Linx Data
Bridge software on individual computers.
In the unattended installation, you enter a specified command line with
multiple parameters. During the installation process, instead of prompting
you for installation and configuration information interactively, the process
follows the parameters you specified in the command lines.

Perform unattended To install FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge in the unattended mode, do the
following steps. The steps may vary slightly. Follow the on-screen instructions
installation that apply to your operating system.
• Close all open Windows programs.
Open the Command Prompt window as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, navigate to D:, where D: is the drive
containing the FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge installation DVD or installation
package, and press Enter.
Tip: The User Account Control dialog box may show after you press Enter. Click Yes to
continue. The silent installation requires the Windows Administrator privilege.
Type a command line with the following syntax:
Setup.exe {/Q | /QS}
/IAcceptAllLicenseTerms
[/AutoRestart]
[/SetupLanguage=language]
/Product=product_name
[/InstallDrive=drive]
[/SerialNumber=serial_number]
[/ProductKey=product_key]
[/Version=product_version]
Press Enter. The installation process starts with the parameters that you
specified.
For detailed descriptions of each parameter, see Parameters on page 47. You
can also type Setup /? in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter to
view the help information of all parameters and examples.
Parameters The parameters and values are not case-sensitive. If the value includes spaces,
you must enclose it in quotation marks (" ").
/Q

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 47

Appendix D Command-line syntax install
One of /Q and /QS is required if /Record is not specified.
Installs the product in the silent mode without any user interface.
/QS
One of /Q and /QS is required if /Record is not specified.
Installs the product in the unattended mode without user interaction
during installation, and shows the progress, errors, or complete
messages on the user interface.
/IAcceptAllLicenseTerms
Required for /Q or /QS.
Specifies that you read and acknowledge all license agreements, and
agree to continue the installation.
/AutoRestart
Optional. If specified, the computer will be restarted automatically
after the installation, if a restart is required to complete the
installation.
The parameter is ignored if a restart is not required.
/SetupLanguage=language
Optional. Specifies which language will be displayed during the
installation process. The value must be one of ENU, CHS, DEU, ESP,
FRA, ITA, JPN, KOR, or PTB.
If omitted, the default language is the user or system user interface
language.
/Record
Optional. Records your inputs to a recording file.
/Playback
Optional. Plays back a recording file.
/IgnoreWarning

Optional. If specified, the setup will ignore and continue.

/Uninstall=Product name
Optional. Uninstall the product.
/InstallDrive=drive
Optional. Specifies the installation drive.
If omitted, the default drive location is:
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockwell Software

48 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Appendix D Command-line syntax install
/SerialNumber=serial_number
Optional. Specifies the serial number that is required if you want to get
activation keys during installation.
/ProductKey=product_key
Optional. Specifies the product key that is required if you want to get
activation keys during installation.
/Version=product_version
Optional. Specifies the version corresponding to the product version
that the SerialNumber and ProductKey are able to activate if you want
to get activation keys during the installation.
If the version information is omitted, the installer uses a default
version which is the most recent product version available when
retrieving the activation.

Examples The following examples show how to use the commands during the
unattended installation.

Example 1
Setup.exe /Q /IAcceptAllLicenseTerms

means:
The FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge unattended installation uses the
default settings during the installation process, with no user interface.

Example 2
Setup.exe /QS /IAcceptAllLicenseTerms /AutoRestart
/SetupLanguage=CHS /InstallDrive=D:
/SerialNumber=0123456789 /ProductKey=ABCDE-FGHIJ
/Version=6.00.00

means:
• During the installation, the progress, error, or complete messages
show on user interfaces. The displayed language is Chinese.
• FactoryTalk Linx Data Bridge will be installed to D:\Program Files
(x86)\Rockwell Software
• The setup will get activation keys during installation if the serial
number 0123456789 and product key ABCDE-FGHIJ are valid.
• After the installation, if a restart is required, the computer will be
restarted automatically.

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 49

Appendix D Command-line syntax install

Example 3
Setup.exe /Q /Uninstall

means:
• The software is uninstalled silently with no user interface.

50 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Glossary
A-F
H-U

A-F
-A-

access path
An access path defines the computer, driver, networks, and communication
devices used to communicate with a destination device or processor in Object
Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) conversations.

acknowledgment (ACK)
An ASCII control character is used to acknowledge the reception and
acceptance of a transmission block.
activate
To make a Rockwell Software product active so that it can run without the
limitations imposed by demonstration mode. Without activation, some
Rockwell Software products will not run, some will run with diminished
functionality, and others will run for a limited period of time and then shut
down with or without warning.
activation file
A text file that contains all of the activation information that is required to
license a software product and allow it to function properly. While the file is
simply plaintext, the contents of the file are protected by a signature.
activation host
The device associated with an activation by a unique ID.
activation server
An activation server is any computer that hosts concurrent activations. The
activation server manages the activations and shares them with other
configured computers on the network.
alias
A logical name for a variable in a device or memory. Similar to a tag.
application

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 51

Glossary
A machine or process monitored and controlled by a controller or the use of
computer-based or controller-based routines for specific purposes.
area
An area organizes and subdivides a distributed Network application into
logical or physical divisions.

-B-
baud
A unit of signaling speed equal to the number of discrete conditions or signal
events per second. Where one bit is encoded on each signaling event, the
number of baud is the same as the number of bits per second.
Block Check Character (BCC)
An error checking method developed to improve error detection in data
communications. The BCC is added to the end of each block of data before the
block is transmitted.

-C-

Certificate
A digital certificate is an electronic representation of an identity. A certificate
binds the identities public key to its identifiable information, such as name,
organization, email, username, and/or a device serial number. A certificate is
used to authenticate the connection to other devices. Selected by default when
CIP security is enabled.

CIA Messaging
To access information inside of devices that support the Open Device Vendors
Association (ODVA) Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), using the Class,
Instance, and Attribute (CIA) messaging with the CIP Object -
Class/Instance/Attribute Message shortcut type.
client
A component or subsystem that uses data or functionality provided by some
other component or subsystem (the server). The term can also refer to the
computer that executes this software, connecting to a server computer across
a communication network.
Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)

52 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Glossary
The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) is an industrial protocol for industrial
automation applications supported by ODVA. Previously known as Control
and Information Protocol, CIP defines messages and services for the
collection of manufacturing automation applications – control, safety,
synchronization, motion, configuration, and information. It is used in
EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, CompoNet, and ControlNet. Extensions to CIP are
CIP Safety, CIP Motion, CIP Security, and CIP Sync.
CIP security
CIP security has multiple layers of security that enables a CIP-connected
device to protect itself from malicious CIP communications. Then the device
can reject data that has been altered, reject messages sent by untrusted people
or untrusted devices, and reject messages that request actions that are not
allowed. CIP security defines the notion of a security profile, which is a set of
well-defined capabilities to facilitate device interoperability and end-user
selection of devices with the appropriate security capability.
concurrent activation
A type of activation that allows multiple computers across a network to use
Rockwell Software products at the same time. Concurrent activations include
floating activations and borrowed activations.
configuration
A file that contains information about the physical structure you defined for
your system. This file includes all network paths, defined drivers and devices,
Data Providers, and object protocols.
cyclic redundancy check (CRC)
A Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) is an error checking technique used by
computers.

-D-
DA

See OPC DA.

data element
An individually addressable item of data. For example, an OPC tag, an HMI
tag, a graphic display, an event file, a node, and a channel.
data provider
One of the building blocks of FactoryTalk Linx, a data provider acts as a
multiplexer for multiple clients and optimizes what data can be read together
for more efficient handling.
data server

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 53

Glossary
Data servers serve tags, or data items, contained in OPC-DA (Data Access)
servers. Clients that need access to data items use data server application
elements to locate the computers that are hosting OPC-DA 2.0 compliant data
servers.

DCOM
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is a proprietary Microsoft
technology for communication between software components on connected
computers. It allows a computer to run programs over the network on a
different computer as if the program was running locally.
dongle
A dongle is a security or copy-protection device for commercial computer
programs. When required by a program, a dongle must be connected to an
input/output port, such as a USB or parallel port of the computer, to allow the
program to run. Programs that use a dongle query the port at startup and
programmed intervals thereafter, and close if the dongle does not respond
with the expected validation code.

-E-

Endpoint
An endpoint represents the set of configuration settings on an OPC UA Server
that determine how OPC UA clients will interface with the server. This
includes a Universal Resource Locator (URL) string, Transport Control
Protocol (TCP) port, security and data access settings.

Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of encoding information. This
process converts the original representation of the information, known as
plaintext, into an alternative form known as ciphertext. Ideally, only
authorized parties can decipher a ciphertext back to plaintext and access the
original information. Encryption does not itself prevent interference but
denies the intelligible content to a would-be interceptor.
External Access
A property that allows you to specify the level of access (Read-Only,
Read/Write, or None) external applications and devices have to tags.

54 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Glossary

-F-
floating activation
A type of concurrent activation that requires a continuous network
connection and allows multiple computers to use Rockwell Software products
concurrently. An activation server manages a predetermined number of
activations in a pool and makes these activations available to any configured
computer on the network.
When a computer connects to the network and runs a Rockwell Software
product, it automatically "checks out" an activation from the pool of available
concurrent activations. When the product shuts down, the activation is
automatically freed and returns to the activation server's available pool.
Checking out activations from the pool and returning them to the server
happens automatically, without any user intervention.

H-U
-H-
HMI server
The software module that is responsible for performing core runtime
operations such as data collection, alarm detection, historical data logging
and retrieval, and for providing FactoryTalk View SE Clients with graphic
displays, runtime data, and events.

-I-

IP Address
Each server or client on a TCP/IP internet is identified by a numeric IP
(Internet Protocol) address. The two types of IP addresses are the IPv4 (IP
version 4) address and the IPv6 (IP version 6) address.
IP addresses are managed and allocated to users by the Internet Assigned
Numbers Authority (IANA) and its delegates. The internet address specifies
both the network and the individual host. This specification varies with the
size of the network. An IP address identifies a machine in an IP network and
is used to determine the destination of a data packet. Port numbers identify a
particular application or service on a system.

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 55

Glossary

-N-

Namespace
A collection of information that a Server makes visible to its Clients.

Namespace index
The numeric values used to identify OPC UA namespaces correspond to the
index in the NamespaceArray.

NodeID
A numeric or text value that uniquely identifies a data value in an OPC UA
Server. An OPC UA client will receive NodeIDs from an OPC UA server while
browsing its namespace and will make read, write, and subscription requests
for data by delivering the NodID back to the OPC UA server.

Network Interface Controller

A network interface controller (NIC) is a computer hardware component that
connects a computer to a computer network, typically a circuit board or chip.

-O-
OPC DA
OPC (Open Platform Communications) Data Access (DA) is a non-proprietary
technical specification that defines a set of standard interfaces based on
Microsoft’s OLE/COM (Component Object Model) technology. Applying OPC
DA standards makes interoperability possible among automation and control
applications, field systems and devices, and business and office applications.
The FactoryTalk Services Platform supports and extends the OPC DA 3.0
specification, which includes the ability to browse data items.
For more information on OPC DA, see https://opcfoundation.org.

OPC Test Client

A data connections test utility that shows whether you are using Remote OPC
Client functionality.
OPC UA

56 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

 Glossary
OPC (Open Platform Communications) Unified Architecture (UA) is a
platform-independent service-oriented architecture that integrates the
individual OPC Classic specifications into one extensible framework.
Applying OPC UA standards makes interoperability possible among
automation and control applications, field systems and devices, and business
and office applications.
For more information on OPC UA, see https://opcfoundation.org.

-P-
poll
Systematically request data from a device.
poll rate
Often how data is requested from a device. Poll rates are typically specified in
milliseconds. (A poll rate of 1,000 ms results in data being requested every
second).

port number
A port number is a way to identify a specific process to which an internet or
other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server. All
network-connected devices come equipped with standardized ports that have
an assigned number. These numbers are reserved for certain protocols and
their associated function.

-R-
rehost (an activation)
Rehosting an activation provides a way of moving an activation file from one
computer or device to another. Rehosting an activation file deactivates the file
on the computer that is hosting it and then creates a rehost code that Rockwell
Technical Support staff can use to generate a new activation file for use on
another computer.

-S-

signing
Cryptographic digital signatures use public key algorithms to provide data
integrity. When you sign data with a digital signature, someone else can verify

Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023 57

Glossary
the signature, and can prove that the data originated from you and was not
altered after you signed it.
scope
The level at which tags and routines may be created. They can be created at the
controller level (accessible to all routines), or the program level (accessible to
only the routines within a single program).
shortcut
A symbolic reference to a physical device that you want to connect to on the
network, and the data that device contains. The communication path
associated with the shortcut tells the application where to find that data.

-T-

TCP
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a standard that defines how to
establish and maintain a network conversation through which application
programs can exchange data. TCP works with the Internet Protocol (IP),
which defines how computers send packets of data to each other.
tag
A named area of the process-connected device or controller’s memory where
data is stored. It is the basic mechanism for allocating memory, referencing
data from logic, and monitoring data.
topology
The way a network is physically structured. This includes all networks, nodes,
devices, Data Providers, drivers/channels, and object protocols. In FactoryTalk
Linx, this is presented in tree form (the communications tree).

-U-
UA
See OPC UA.

URL
A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a reference to an OPC UA Server that
specifies its location on a computer network and the TCP port used to
interface with it.

58 Rockwell Automation Publication FTLDB-GR001F-EN-E - January 2023

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