DeltaV Distributed Control System Product Data Sheet

February 2023

DeltaV™ Remote Client

Remote Client with 2FA

Remote Desktop Gateway

Firewall
DMZ

Emerson NextGen
Smart Firewall

L2.5 Network
DeltaV Workstations

Remote Desktop Server

(Professional Plus or
Operator Station node)

Firewall-IPD
DeltaV Area Control Network

Controllers and I/O

Firewall

„ Remote engineering and operator consoles Introduction

„ View Multiple DeltaV™ Systems from a DeltaV™ Remote Client is the solution for remote connectivity
single workstation to DeltaV systems using session-based Microsoft Remote
Desktop Protocol (RDP) and it allows you to locate full-function
„ Remote Operator Station over low speed
DeltaV operator and engineering workstations remote from
and dial up communications links
the DeltaV control network. Engineers can configure and
„ Uses thin-client architecture troubleshoot DeltaV systems from their desktops with
a direct LAN connection or from remote locations using
„ Upgrades are EASY! any Microsoftsupported communications method.
Operator Interface capabilities are also provided to personal
computers or thin-client hardware located on or through
the L2.5 network.
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

Benefits or it is a virtual machine running in a DeltaV virtualization host

server. A remote client may be utilized for Operator,
Remote engineering and operator consoles: Engineering or Maintenance needs. Each remote session
Operate, configure, and diagnose your process from locations functions as an individual station with the same capabilities
outside your DeltaV control network while still using your as a connected workstation. On direct high-speed LAN
DeltaV and Windows security. From a single remote client connections, users may not even realize they are working
you can easily open multiple windows to simultaneously at remote terminals.
view different DeltaV systems.
The DeltaV Remote Client uses the standard Microsoft security
View Multiple DeltaV Systems from a single workstation: and standard DeltaV security to prevent unauthorized use of
You can easily switch the connection between different DeltaV the DeltaV applications. Users on the network who do not have
systems. You can connect using any existing computer shared authorization are denied access to the server, while authorized
with other functions. Your engineers and operators can be DeltaV users are allowed access according to their normal
wherever they need to be and still manage the process. DeltaV security privileges.
You can configure, operate, and troubleshoot the system
In addition, each session can be reserved for a specific
from a computer located anywhere in the world. Just make
group of users or group of client nodes both to help prevent
a connection to the Remote Desktop Server and you can
unauthorized access and to ensure that sessions are kept
access all the functions that are normally available to you.
available for critical users.
Maintain your configuration, run diagnostics, build displays,
and help operators troubleshoot the process without going A remote client can connect to multiple servers on different
to the control room or traveling to the site. DeltaV systems. This will allow multiple engineering windows
to be open on the same monitor at the same time. The user can
Remote Operator Station over low-speed communications
also transfer configuration files, displays, and other information
links: DeltaV Remote Client provides the flexibility to operate
among the different DeltaV systems using the client PC.
or configure your plant from an onsite remote network
connection or from hundreds of kilometers away using standard If the client workstation is equipped with multiple monitors,
communications hardware, including satellite, microwave, the different remote client session windows can be positioned
or Virtual Private Networks (VPN). across these monitors. Remote windows can also be used on
a dual monitor window arrangement.
Uses thin-client architecture: DeltaV Remote Client uses
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services technology to provide the
Operator Capabilities
client connection to the server. DeltaV software does not need
to be installed on the remote client. The client does not require Each remote client operator session is totally independent and
high power or sophisticated workstation hardware to function. can have its own set of assigned areas. Alarms are reported
only to the session(s) to which those areas are assigned –
Product Description just like a standard operator station. Alarms can follow the
operator from one terminal to another by logging into the
DeltaV Remote Client is a thin-client application that connects same session on each remote client terminal. DeltaV users
through a DeltaV server (the DeltaV Remote Client server) have all the same control capabilities as they would on any other
that is set up with the Microsoft Remote Desktop Server DeltaV station. Operational capabilities are designed to follow
(formerly Terminal Server) role enabled. Supported DeltaV the user. Users can navigate through displays, select items,
servers that can have this role enabled are: ProfessionalPLUS, make control actions, view trends, view events, view historical
or a DeltaV server licensed as a Base Station or Operator Station. data from any historian, and perform all their tasks. No special
DeltaV Remote Client provides full remote capability to all setup or conversion is required. All the display navigation,
DeltaV applications configured for remote access. These remote toolbar buttons, alarm banners, and data work the same
workstations are physically connected to the Remote Desktop as on a standard DeltaV Operator Station.
Server through the L2.5 network.
Audible alarm is supported on any remote client that has
The communications between the remote clients and the a sound card. Alarms are sent from the server for local
DeltaV Remote Client servers in the system utilize the alarming. From the client, the user can silence the horn,
Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This session-based acknowledge alarms, and participate in global horn
RDP communication is valid for DeltaV systems where the acknowledgment groups.
DeltaV Remote Client server is a physical server machine,

www.emerson.com/deltav 2
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

The Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection software can be A standard Microsoft server role called Remote Desktop
launched on a DeltaV operator workstation that will allow the Gateway can be enabled on jump servers sitting outside of
operator or engineer to access other DeltaV systems from an the DeltaV security boundaries (e.g. L3 or DMZ networks)
operator workstation. Operators in a central control room can to prevent direct connections between remote clients and the
use the remote client to monitor and control other DeltaV DeltaV Remote Client servers. Information on how to set up
systems during off-shifts when other control rooms might be the Remote Desktop Gateways for the secure remote access
unmanned or as an “extra pair of hands” during plant startup to DeltaV can be found in Books- OnLine (DeltaV v13.3.1
or shutdown. The engineer can access other DeltaV systems and higher).
for engineering tasks that allows engineering to be done from
a single centralized location. Architecture
DeltaV Remote Client is implemented via a client computer
Engineering Capabilities
and a server computer. The server computer is a DeltaV node
The remote client can perform any engineering and with DeltaV software installed. This node can be either the
configuration function. From the remote client, you can set ProfessionalPLUS Station or another DeltaV server licensed as
up your system using the DeltaV Explorer, configure and an Operator Station or Base Station that is specifically dedicated
troubleshoot controller modules using Control Studio and to serving DeltaV information to remote clients. An Application
Control Studio Online, and build operator displays and trend Station cannot be used as a DeltaV Remote Client server.
charts for use on other workstations.
The client computer can be any Windows-based computer or
The DeltaV Remote Client provides access to real-time data thin-client hardware capable of running the Microsoft Remote
for engineering applications such as Control Studio Online Desktop Connection software. DeltaV software is not installed
and operating data for display development. Any or all the on this computer, so a DeltaV-compatible workstation is not
remote client sessions can be licensed as Professional Stations. required for the client application.
The DeltaV Remote Client server will support up to fifteen
concurrent engineering users with up to sixty total database System Setup
connections (see information below for more information on
A remote client session can be connected to any Remote
remote engineering sessions).
Desktop Server on the DeltaV system. Remote clients are
connected using standard Ethernet communications and
Maintenance Capabilities
do not use the redundant DeltaV Control Network for
The remote sessions can also be licensed as a DeltaV communications. As with any outside connection to the
Maintenance Station to allow your maintenance shop to use DeltaV system, we suggest that a perimeter firewall is installed
the remote client to monitor device alerts and DeltaV system at the L2.5 network. In the event of a client failure, simply use
health from any PC. Since the client can make connections to another workstation to log into the DeltaV system. In the event
multiple systems at the same time one computer can serve as of a server failure, you can log into any other Remote Desktop
the Maintenance Station for several DeltaV systems. Server configured on the DeltaV system if available.

Secure Remote Access to DeltaV Systems DeltaV Remote Client Support with DeltaV Operate

The DeltaV Remote Client solution supports two-factor A single Remote Desktop Server allows users to host a
authentication and jump servers to further protect the maximum of fifteen (15) concurrent engineering sessions for
remote access to DeltaV systems. DeltaV Operate. If the server is the ProfessionalPLUS station,
a maximum of seven (7) concurrent sessions is recommended.
For Two-Factor Authentication, the user is required to have
a smart card and card reader attached to the client PC and For operations (runtime), a single Remote Desktop Server
the Remote Desktop session must be configured to share the that is licensed as an Operator or Base Station can host a
smart card information so that the Remote Desktop Server recommended maximum of eight (8) concurrent remote
can use it as the first level of authentication. The PIN is the operator sessions running DeltaV Operate, Note the total
second level of authentication and is manually entered by the number of datalinks should not exceed 12,000 across
user. Additional information can be found in the Smart Card all sessions.
Two-Factor Authentication white paper. Jump servers can be
installed to enhance the DeltaV Remote Client solution security.

www.emerson.com/deltav 3
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

DeltaV Remote Client Support with DeltaV Live Concurrent sessions can also be a combination of engineering
and operator sessions. When the Remote Desktop Server is
The Standard tier of DeltaV Live is included with all DeltaV
part of a virtual DeltaV Virtual Studio environment where high
systems beginning in version 14.LTS; no additional licenses
numbers concurrent of engineering and runtime sessions
are required for remote clients using the Standard tier.
(e.g. >5) are desired, default settings for virtual processors
For the Premium tier of DeltaV Live, each remote session
and memory should be temporarily increased for optimal
will require a DeltaV Live Operations Premium Performance
performance; virtual Remote Desktop Servers should have
Pack license (VE2104P01).
the number of virtual processors (CPUs) allocated increased
When the Remote Desktop Server is an Operator or to 16 and should be assigned 32GB of RAM. A dual-processor
Base station, support for DeltaV Live in v14.LTS is server such as those in RAID 10 machines is recommended
provided for the following. for physical machines.
„ A total of 12,000 datalinks across all sessions If normal use will require more than four (4) concurrent runtime
sessions in constant use, we strongly recommend a dedicated
„ Up to 5 concurrent runtime sessions (not exceeding the
server for engineering sessions and another for operator
12,000 datalink limit). Up to 8 concurrent runtime sessions
sessions instead of a single shared server.
can be achieved by:
All concurrent sessions can be open at the same time as long
z Increasing the allocated virtual CPUs from 8 to 16 vCPU
as the total of all datalinks on all open displays does not exceed
for a VRTX environment, or
12000 links. Full operator, display development and “view only”
z Using a dual-processor RAID 10 physical machine sessions all count against the active link limit.
„ Up to 10 concurrent engineering sessions. Up to 15 Users are encouraged to consider a dedicated server for the
concurrent engineering sessions can be achieved for DeltaV Remote Client server. A DeltaV server licensed as a Base
a machine with 32GB of RAM by: Station or Operator Station can be configured as a Remote
z Temporarily increasing the allocated virtual CPUs Desktop Server for this purpose.In this case, the DeltaV Remote
from 8 to 16 vCPU for a VRTX environment, or Client server sole purpose is to host remote sessions.

z Using a dual-processor RAID 10 physical machine The ProfessionalPLUS Station can be used as a DeltaV Remote
Client server primarily to support systems that require limited
When the Remote Desktop Server is a ProfessionalPLUS, remote access for troubleshooting and less than full-time
support for DeltaV Live in 14.LTS is provided for: operator tasks. The ProfessionalPLUS station may be used for
„ A total of 12,000 datalinks across all sessions all its typical functions. However, when the ProfessionalPLUS
station is also used for local engineering, it can impact the
„ Up to 4 concurrent runtime sessions (not exceeding the response time to the remote client sessions and reduce
12,000 datalink limit) performance. If higher performance engineering and
„ Up to 4 concurrent engineering sessions operator access is desired on the remote clients,
a dedicated DeltaV Remote Client server should be used.
„ Up to 7 concurrent engineering sessions can be achieved
for a machine with 32GB of RAM by:

z Temporarily increasing the allocated virtual CPUs

from 8 to 16 vCPU for a VRTX environment, or

z Using a dual-processor RAID 10 physical machine

www.emerson.com/deltav 4
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

Data Accessibility
The DeltaV Remote Client server can be set up with a local
DeltaV Continuous Historian and Event Chronicle. The server
can collect up to 250 parameters in a local DeltaV Continuous
Historian. The server can collect alarms and events for all
the areas assigned to the Alarms and Events subsystem on
the server. This data can be seen by any of the remote client
sessions with the Process History View application. The Process
History View application on a remote client can also be used
to view the alarms and events from an Event Chronicle on any
other DeltaV workstation.

The DeltaV Remote Client server supports a single copy of the

settings for the Batch Operator Interface. All sessions using the
Batch Operator Interface from one server will use the same set
of filters, column widths, colors and other user- configurable
settings in the application. Changes made to the settings will
be reflected in all sessions and not limited to the specific session
making the changes. This includes the setting of which Batch
Executive the Batch Operator Interface is connecting to.
Sessions can be reserved for use by specific users and nodes This also applies to the Campaign Manager Operator Interface.
to ensure availability for critical uses. All sessions from the same server will use the same settings.

DeltaV Explorer showing setup for Remote Clients.

www.emerson.com/deltav 5
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

Remote Session Options Performance and Integrity

Each remote client session can support a different set of There are many factors that will influence the performance
functionality. Remote client sessions are sized and set up of the remote client including communications method and
exactly as you would configure a local workstation. speed, type of server used for the DeltaV Remote Client server,
type of computer used as the remote client, number and type
For example, to configure a remote operator session,
of sessions connected to the DeltaV Remote Client server.
choose an appropriate Operator Station license, full span for
alarming in that session. To configure a remote engineering
Communications and speed
session, choose an appropriate Professional Station license,
full span for alarming in that session. Performance of the remote client is highly dependent on
the speed of communications, type of communications link,
A DeltaV Remote Client session can be used on a DeltaV
and network traffic.
Operator Station that will allow the plant operator or engineer
to use the DeltaV Remote Client to access and control other For local, high speed LAN communications; the performance
DeltaV systems from the operator workstation. of all functions is comparable to a directly connected DeltaV
workstation. For WAN and all other non-LAN communications
A remote, view-only workstation can be created by choosing
(microwave, satellite, etc.), the performance can vary from
an Operator Station and setting up the DeltaV security for each
2 to 10 times slower than a LAN connection. For example,
user of the view-only workstation so that users do not have
operations that take 2 seconds at LAN speeds can take
authority to make operating or engineering changes.
10-12 seconds at modem speeds. Therefore, if you plan to use a
Remote engineering sessions are included in the maximum of low communication speed remote client session for an operator
60 database connections to the ProfessionalPLUS. This means interface; it is critical that you specifically design displays for
that once the 60 database connections are consumed at the use at this low speed. The use of bitmaps and large amounts
ProfessionalPLUS, no further engineering applications can be of datalinks will seriously impact the performance of the client.
started from any workstation – remote or local. Please contact your local Emerson Sales Office for support
deploying DeltaV Remote Client on low speed networks.
When using DeltaV Operate, remote graphics editing sessions
allow a maximum of one copy of DeltaV Operate configure
Communications and integrity
mode open on each server. This means that only one remote
session can be editing graphics at any one time for each Communications integrity can be impacted by high network
server. If you require multiple concurrent display configuration traffic and poor communication connections. In wireless
sessions, multiple DeltaV Remote Client servers will have to be communications, atmospheric conditions can impact speed
used. Additionally, Display Audit Trail does not support remote of response and loss of communications. A dedicated control
display configuration. LAN without a connection to the L2.5 network provides a high
level of integrity. An open L2.5 network with general business
When using DeltaV Live, each remote session supports full
network traffic, satellite, microwave, wireless or other non-LAN
functionality of Graphics Studio for editing displays. DeltaV Live
connections all provide a medium level of integrity.
supports concurrent engineering and you can take advantage
of DeltaV Remote Client sessions for this purpose. DeltaV Live
Computer hardware
does not yet support Display Audit Trail.
Both the DeltaV Remote Client server and the remote client
The remote client subsystem is available in the DeltaV Explorer
device have an impact on the performance. For the DeltaV
under the ProfessionalPLUS and Operator Station nodes
Remote Client server, the model and configuration of the
(Base Stations are defined as Operator Stations in DeltaV
hardware will impact the performance. Remote client device
Explorer). Configuration is easy, requiring only the assignment
hardware can also make a difference in performance. When the
of plant areas to define the span of control. If you need to
remote client is used for operator interface applications,
ensure that specific workstations or users will always be
the CPU speed plus the memory and type of video card can
able to log onto a remote session, you can reserve lists
make a 1 to 2 second difference in the display call up times
of users or remote nodes.
between older slower PCs and the new, faster PCs with

www.emerson.com/deltav 6
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

improved bus and video capabilities. Response times for responding to alarms, and paging between displays will
engineering activities are not impacted by differences in the create higher loading than operators at more normal times.
remote client device hardware. Additionally, if other software
As with any multi-user client/server solution, customers need
applications are running on the remote client device,
to be aware of the risks in using common hardware to support
the performance and software integrity may be affected.
multiple operator workstation clients. When deploying the
DeltaV Remote Client solution, users must understand their
Remote client sessions
specific risk of a server failure simultaneously impacting the
The number of concurrent users on a single DeltaV Remote ability of multiple operators to access the system or having the
Client server impacts the performance. As additional users actions of a single user impact the availability of the server to
consume the shared resources on the server, the performance other users. The use of a Microsoft Remote Desktop Services-
of the clients may decrease. The activities of the remote clients based operator interface may not be advisable in all situations,
will also impact the performance. Operators will create more and Emerson assumes that the customer is aware of these risks
loads on the DeltaV Remote Client server than engineering prior to deploying this solution in their specific situation.
clients. Operators working in plant upset conditions,

Ordering Information
Description Model Number
ProfessionalPLUS Station Software Suite VE2101Sxxxx
DeltaV Live ProfessionalPLUS Premium Station Software Suite VE2101PSxxxx
Base Station Software Suite VE2106
Event Journal VE2143
Operator Station Software Suite, Full Span of Control2 VE2104
DeltaV Live Operations Premium Performance Pack License VE2104P01
Operator Station Software, View-Only2, 3 VE2110
Professional Station Software Suite, Full Span of Control 2
VE2102
Maintenance Station Software Suite1 VE2105
Microsoft Client Access License for Server 2016 (CAL) – 5 CALs (per device) 4
VF1049MS5CALS
Microsoft Remote Desktop Service Client Access License for Server 2016 – 5 RDS CALs (per device)4 VF1049MS5RDSCALS
1
Assignable to the remote client sessions.
2
Assignable to the remote client sessions. Span of Control is defined by how many DSTs can be assigned to the Alarms and Events of a workstation
(e.g., Full Span of Control = 30,000 DSTs).
3
Available for DeltaV systems v12.3 and higher.
4
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 CALs and RDS CALs may be downgraded for Windows Server 2008 client access.

www.emerson.com/deltav 7
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

Support Related Products

Full support will be provided for any DeltaV Operator Station
„ Base Station: Centralized DeltaV applications, where the
that is being used as a remote client to another DeltaV system.
combination of applications included are user selected on a
Additionally, full support will be provided for a remote client
DeltaV workstation.
device when it is dedicated to DeltaV Remote Client use, and it
is running a compatible Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection „ Maintenance Station Software Suite: Centralized system
software. Full support cannot be provided if the device is and device maintenance, including device calibration, device
running any other software. and hardware alerts and diagnostics on a DeltaV workstation.

For any communication problems and any remote client „ Operator Station Software Suite: Centralized operations
devices, Emerson will provide technical support to the best and diagnostics on a DeltaV workstation.
of its ability until it is determined that the issue is caused by „ Professional Station Software Suite:
conditions outside the control of Emerson or that the issue Centralized operations, engineering, and diagnostics
is caused by equipment supplied by others. Customer is on a DeltaV workstation.
responsible for resolving problems caused by conditions
outside the control of Emerson or caused by equipment „ ProfessionalPLUS Station Software Suite: Centralized
supplied by others. operations, engineering, configuration database,
and diagnostics on a DeltaV workstation.

System Compatibility „ DeltaV Remote Access Service: Enables remote

configuration, operation, and diagnostics from
DeltaV version 8.4 or later is required on the DeltaV Remote DeltaV workstations.
Client server (Remote Desktop Server role enabled) to use
the specifications in this document. Not Supported Products
The Remote Desktop Server role must be enabled on a „ DeltaV Operate for PROVOX: Replace PROVOX consoles
server-class computer running a supported Microsoft for a single integrated operator interface for both PROVOX
Server operating system. and DeltaV systems.
Remote client sessions may be run on any device that will „ DeltaV Operate for RS3: Replace RS3 consoles for
support the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection software. a single integrated operator interface for both RS3
Please refer to the KBA NK-1800-0150 available in the Guardian and DeltaV systems.
Support Portal for the compatibility of Microsoft Remote
Desktop Connection software and the Microsoft Remote
Desktop Server.

www.emerson.com/deltav 8
DeltaV Remote Client February 2023

Related Hardware Products „ All DeltaV Operate displays must be using the DVSYS
functionality on the operator interface.
DeltaV Workstation Hardware Select from a variety of PC and
„ Each DeltaV Remote Client server requires a Microsoft Server
server hardware, tested and preloaded with DeltaV software.
Client Access License (CAL) for each session. These are the
basic access licenses required for any user to connect to a
Prerequisites server. A DeltaV server comes with 10 CALs included in
the base setup. If you will have more than 10 remote
„ Each client session requires one or more standard DeltaV
devices connecting to a server, you will have to supply
workstation licenses, and the licenses may be different for
additional CALs.
each defined session.
„ Each remote client session requires a Microsoft Remote
„ The DeltaV Remote Client server needs to be licensed
Desktop Services Client Access License (RDS CAL).
appropriately within DeltaV to allow the node to
Each remote device connecting to a Remote Desktop
communicate with the DeltaV Control Network. This license
Server requires an RDS CAL (in addition to the CAL).
is assigned to the server itself and not to the sessions.
There are no RDS CALs included in the DeltaV system
„ If the DeltaV Remote Client server is licensed as an Operator setup. Licenses must be purchased for all devices that
Station or a Base Station, an Event Chronicle license must be will be connecting to the server.purchased from Microsoft
assigned to the server node to enable the event collection. or another third party vendor.

„ Please review the DeltaV Live license requirements when

using it with the DeltaV Remote Client solution.

©2023, Emerson. All rights reserved.

The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. The DeltaV logo is
a mark of one of the Emerson family of companies. All other marks are the property of their
respective owners.
The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and while
diligent efforts were made to ensure their accuracy, they are not to be construed as warranties
or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or services described herein or their
use or applicability. All sales are governed by our terms and conditions, which are available on
Contact Us request. We reserve the right to modify or improve the designs or specifications of our products
www.emerson.com/contactus at any time without notice.