Professional Documents
Culture Documents
March 2009
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying
and recording, without permission in writing from GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
Notice
2009 GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Inc. All rights reserved. *Trademark of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, in the United States and/or other countries.
All other brands or names are property of their respective holders.
We want to hear from you. If you have comments, questions, or suggestions about our documentation, send them to the following email address:
doc@gefanuc.com
Table of Contents
About This Guide ........................................................................................................................... 11
Important Product Information ....................................................................................................... 11
System Requirements ................................................................................................................ 11
Operating Systems ................................................................................................................. 12
iFIX SCADA Server Software................................................................................................. 12
iFIX WebSpace Server ........................................................................................................... 12
Web Browsers ........................................................................................................................ 12
Important Information about Windows XP Service Packs 2 and 3 ........................................ 12
Supported Hardware .................................................................................................................. 12
Beta Uninstall ............................................................................................................................. 14
Install Instructions ...................................................................................................................... 15
iFIX WebSpace Enabler Install .............................................................................................. 16
iFIX WebSpace SCADA Install .............................................................................................. 16
iFIX WebSpace Server Install ................................................................................................ 19
Configuration Steps .................................................................................................................... 21
Unsupported Items with the iFIX WebSpace ............................................................................. 22
Regional and Local Versions of iFIX .......................................................................................... 22
General Information ................................................................................................................... 23
Printer Setup .............................................................................................................................. 24
Optimization Tips ....................................................................................................................... 24
Known Issues ............................................................................................................................. 26
System Requirements .................................................................................................................... 27
Operating Systems..................................................................................................................... 27
SCADA Server Software ............................................................................................................ 28
Web Server Software ................................................................................................................. 28
Web Browsers for iFIX WebSpace Sessions ............................................................................. 28
iFIX* WebSpace
vi
Table Of Contents
vii
iFIX* WebSpace
viii
Table Of Contents
ActiveX ................................................................................................................................... 82
Bandwidth............................................................................................................................... 82
Batch file................................................................................................................................. 82
Binary file................................................................................................................................ 82
Bridge ..................................................................................................................................... 82
Client/Server Model ................................................................................................................ 82
Domain ................................................................................................................................... 82
Ethernet .................................................................................................................................. 82
File Allocation Table ............................................................................................................... 83
Gateway ................................................................................................................................. 83
Group ..................................................................................................................................... 83
Host ........................................................................................................................................ 83
HTTP ...................................................................................................................................... 83
iFIX WebSpace Server ........................................................................................................... 83
iFIX WebSpace Administration .............................................................................................. 83
iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service ..................................................................... 83
JavaScript............................................................................................................................... 83
LAN ........................................................................................................................................ 83
Menu Bar ................................................................................................................................ 84
Network .................................................................................................................................. 84
Network Computer ................................................................................................................. 84
Network Drive ......................................................................................................................... 84
Operating System .................................................................................................................. 84
Port ......................................................................................................................................... 84
Remote Access ...................................................................................................................... 84
Server ..................................................................................................................................... 84
SMTP ..................................................................................................................................... 84
Status Bar............................................................................................................................... 85
ix
iFIX* WebSpace
TCP/IP .................................................................................................................................... 85
Title bar .................................................................................................................................. 85
URL ........................................................................................................................................ 85
User Profile............................................................................................................................. 85
WAN ....................................................................................................................................... 85
Index ............................................................................................................................................... 87
System Requirements
Reference Information
Glossary
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Inc. (GE Fanuc) does not support upgrades from the iFIX
WebSpace Beta. To uninstall the Beta, you need to either uninstall iFIX which uninstalls the
iFIX WebSpace, OR uninstall the iFIX WebSpace Display Driver, followed by the iFIX
WebSpace, and then both iFIX Service Packs installed by iFIX WebSpace Beta (this returns
your computer to iFIX 5.0 without the Service Packs and iFIX WebSpace). To view the
Service Packs in the Add or Remove Programs dialog box, after you uninstall the iFIX
WebSpace, make sure the Show Updates check box is selected. If you uninstall the iFIX
WebSpace while leaving iFIX 5.0 installed, make sure you restart your computer after the
uninstall.
GE Fanuc does not support any development work that might have been done using the Beta
build including building or maintaining pictures, Dynamos, schedules, and so on.
To use the iFIX WebSpace, you must enable Windows security for your iFIX users. The same
user names must be configured in both iFIX and in Windows user groups.
System Requirements
Important Information about Windows XP Service Packs 2 and 3
11
iFIX* WebSpace
Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard or Enterprise Edition, English. Since Windows
Server 2003 has continuous updates, you should run the Windows update feature to get the
latest software.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that file servers and web servers use the Microsoft
Windows Server 2003 operating system and not Windows XP.
iFIX 5.0 or an earlier supported version of iFIX (English Only) when the iFIX SCADA
Server is on a different computer than the iFIX WebSpace Server.
iFIX 5.0 (English Only) when the iFIX SCADA Server and iFIX WebSpace Server exist on
the same machine.
Web Browsers
Supported Hardware
IMPORTANT: While running the iFIX WebSpace Server and the SCADA Server on the same
machine is supported, it is strongly recommended that production SCADA Servers reside on a different
12
Advanced Topics
A minimum of 2 GB RAM.
iFIX alarm and historical data files grow dynamically. If you plan to perform
extensive alarm or data collection on a node, you may need more disk space on that
particular node.
Other GE Fanuc products, such as Proficy Plant Applications, Proficy Historian, and
Proficy Real-Time Information Portal, impose additional requirements. Refer to the
Important Product Information (IPI) topic in the product's electronic books for
specific system requirements. Click the System Req. tab in that product's IPI for
details.
A DVD drive.
TCP/IP-compatible network interface adapter for network communication and certain I/O
drivers.
One parallel port or free direct-connect USB port. Some touch screens, pointing devices, and
I/O drivers require a serial port. Additional ports for I/O hardware should be ordered with the
computer.
SVGA or better color graphics monitor and a 100% IBM-compatible, 24-bit graphics card
capable of 800x600 resolution and at least 16 million (16,777,216) colors.
The following minimum hardware recommendations apply when using the iFIX WebSpace Server on
a high-end machine that can support up to 25 clients:
A minimum of 16 GB RAM.
iFIX alarm and historical data files grow dynamically. If you plan to perform
extensive alarm or data collection on a node, you may need more disk space on that
particular node.
Other GE Fanuc products, such as Proficy Plant Applications, Proficy Historian, and
Proficy Real-Time Information Portal, impose additional requirements. Refer to the
Important Product Information (IPI) topic in the product's electronic books for
specific system requirements. Click the System Req. tab in that product's IPI for
details.
13
iFIX* WebSpace
A DVD drive.
TCP/IP-compatible network interface adapter for network communication and certain I/O
drivers.
One parallel port or free direct-connect USB port. Some touch screens, pointing devices, and
I/O drivers require a serial port. Additional ports for I/O hardware should be ordered with the
computer.
SVGA or better color graphics monitor and a 100% IBM-compatible, 24-bit graphics card
capable of 800x600 resolution and at least 16 million (16,777,216) colors.
The speed of the client computer viewing the iFIX WebSpace session through a browser can
also impact performance. Faster client machines typically load iFIX pictures much quicker,
and have improved performance while those pictures are open. For instance, in testing, a slow
client with 512 MB RAM and 1.5 GHz processor had picture load times approximately 1.5
times longer than a faster client with 1 GB RAM and 3.0 GHz processor.
Network speeds and connection types also impact performance for an iFIX WebSpace
session. A 100BaseT network adapter, which is recommended, allows the iFIX WebSpace
session to utilize optimum speed for its performance. Companies using VPN connections for
iFIX WebSpace sessions may experience a decrease in performance.
Beta Uninstall
To uninstall the Beta, either uninstall all of iFIX 5.0 or use the following steps:
1.
14
Advanced Topics
2.
After you have restarted, you can uninstall iFIX WebSpace from the Add or Remove Programs
group in the Control Panel. Select the "iFIX WebSpace" and click the Remove button. You
should restart after uninstalling iFIX WebSpace.
3.
4.
On any clients that you ran web sessions in Internet Explorer, in Windows Explorer, navigate to
the C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files folder, right-click the IEGCtrl Class file, and click
Remove. Additionally, clear the browser cache.
5.
Open Firefox, on the Tools menu, click Add-ons. The Add-ons dialog box appears.
b.
Click the Extensions tab and select the Beta version of the iFIX WebSpace.
c.
d.
Restart Firefox.
Use the steps below to install the new version of the iFIX WebSpace Server. After you install the
iFIX WebSpace Server, on the client, restart Firefox, and connect with a new iFIX WebSpace
session. Check that the Firefox Add-ons dialog box displays the correct version in the Extensions list.
Install Instructions
There are three options for installation:
iFIX WebSpace Enabler Install the iFIX WebSpace on a computer with iFIX already installed.
iFIX WebSpace SCADA Install both the iFIX WebSpace and SCADA Servers on the same
computer (new install).
IMPORTANT:
Before you install the iFIX WebSpace check that your computer has Microsoft Internet
Information Server (IIS) 5.1 or 6.0, or Apache HTTP Server 2.2.10 or later installed.
It is also recommended that you turn off the Microsoft Automatic Update before the iFIX
WebSpace install runs.
Do not use the installers located in the sub-directories on the product DVD to install portions
of the product. If you do this, you may have unexpected results. You must use the
InstallFrontEnd.exe or the setup.exe in the root folder of the DVD to install the product.
Prior to installing, you cannot have the "Standard VGA Graphics Adaptor" listed as the
display adapter in Windows. Instead, the model name should appear in the list of adapters
for your computer. For example, an adapter can be: Intel 82915G/GV/910GL/Express
Chipset. If a model is not listed, then you may have issues with the screen resolution upon
install of the iFIX WebSpace product. To check the display adapter in Windows before
installing, right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and select Properties. In the
System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab, click the Device Manager button, and
then double-click on the Display Adapters icon. If you do not have a specific model listed, and
instead only the "Standard VGA Graphics Adaptor" appears, you may need to upgrade your
display drivers before installing the iFIX WebSpace product.
15
iFIX* WebSpace
Log in to Windows with Administrator privileges. Ensure that there are no iFIX, FIX, or GE
Fanuc processes running, and close any other programs that are running.
NOTE: If you plan to use the integrated Proficy Historian features in iFIX, you must shut
down Historian services and licensing prior to installing iFIX and Historian.
2.
3.
Double-click the InstallFrontEnd.exe from the root directory of the DVD or select the Install
iFIX WebSpace from the InstallFrontEnd program that launches when you insert the DVD
into your DVD drive. A message box appears asking you to confirm the install.
4.
5.
6.
Click "I accept the terms of the license agreement" if you want to continue, and then click
Next.
If you have both IIS and Apache installed, the Web Server Selection screen appears.
Proceed to the next step.
7.
Select IIS or Apache as your web server, and click Next. The Ready to Install screen appears.
8.
9.
Click Continue Anyway. The install proceeds. When it is complete the release notes appear.
10. Read the release notes, and then click Close. The Setup Complete screen appears.
11. Click Finish.
12. Restart the computer. As the computer restarts, log in to Windows with the same user name
(with Administrator rights).
13. Configure the iFIX and the iFIX Web Server. For information on steps, refer to the
"Overview Steps: Configuring Both Servers on the Same Computer" section in the e-book.
Log in to Windows with Administrator privileges. Ensure that there are no iFIX, FIX, or GE
Fanuc processes running, and close any other programs that are running.
NOTE: If you plan to use the integrated Proficy Historian features in iFIX, you must shut
down Historian services and licensing prior to installing iFIX and Historian.
16
2.
3.
Double-click the InstallFrontEnd.exe from the root directory of the DVD or select the Install
Advanced Topics
iFIX WebSpace from the InstallFrontEnd program that launches when you insert the DVD
into your DVD drive. A message box appears asking you to confirm the install.
4.
Click Yes to proceed. The install program starts and the Welcome screen appears.
5.
6.
Click "I accept the terms of the license agreement" if you want to continue, and then click
Next.
If you have both IIS and Apache installed, the Web Server Selection screen appears.
Proceed to the next steps.
7.
If the Web Server Selection screen appears, select IIS or Apache as your web server, and click
Next. The Ready to Install screen appears.
8.
9.
Complete Installs all iFIX components, including options such as FIX Desktop,
the Sample System, the Electronic books (e-books), and the My-T-Soft virtual (on
screen) keyboard.
Custom Installs iFIX and the options that you choose. You are prompted to enter
your options after you select an install path.
Typical Installs iFIX, the Electronic books (e-books), the Sample System, and the
My-T-Soft virtual (on screen) keyboard. FIX Desktop is not installed with this
option.
If you are upgrading from FIX32, make sure that you choose a location other than the
folder that contains your FIX32 software, if it is installed on the same computer. Do
not install over a current FIX32 installation.
If you enter a custom install path, be aware that the path can be no greater than 100
characters long.
If you want to use 6.x drivers, the iFIX compressed install path must be no greater
than 64 characters long. iFIX uses the Microsoft compression algorithm to try to fit
longer paths within this boundary. Some paths are not compressible to the 64
character maximum length. Please be aware of this. In addition, make sure that the
registry key,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem\NtfsDisabl
e8dot3NameCreation, is not enabled (is set to 0) when the install folder is created.
When set to 1, the compression algorithm is disabled. Refer to Microsoft help for more
17
iFIX* WebSpace
After installing a 6x driver, the driver is listed in the SCU in the Drivers Available
dialog box (which can be accessed from the I/O Driver Name browse button in the
SCADA Configuration dialog box). You need to manually add the driver to the
Configured I/O Drivers list in the SCADA Configuration dialog box.
iFIX database tags from Database Manager will not automatically be added, updated,
or deleted to or from Historian.
You will not be able to update the Proficy Historian tab of Database Manager blocks.
Imported or exported database tags will have default values in the Historian field, but
will not be used.
The FixtoHist.exe and Historical Datalink features will be installed, but will not work
without Proficy Historian.
b.
18
c.
Click Next. The Select OPC Servers screen appears, if you selected to install OPC
Collectors.
d.
Select the OPC Servers you want to use and click Next. The Choose the Program
Folder screen appears.
e.
Leave the default path or click Browse to select a folder, and then click Next. The
Historian Server Name screen appears.
Advanced Topics
f.
Enter the name of your default iHistorian Server and click Next. The Configuration
Review screen appears.
g.
Click Next. The progress of the installation displays on screen as the files are copied.
The Setup Complete screen appears.
h.
Click Finish. A message box appears reminding you to manually install the Historian
Service Pack 1 and SIM, located on the installation DVD, after iFIX installation
completes.
i.
Click OK.
18. When a message box appears requesting that you view the release notes, click Yes. Close the
release notes after you finish reviewing them. Click Finish to resume the install.
Service Pack 2 installs and the iFIX WebSpace install begins. The Hardware Installation
dialog box appears.
19. Click Continue Anyway. When the install completes, the release notes appear.
20. Read the release notes, and then click Close. The Setup Complete screen appears.
21. Click Finish.
22. Restart the computer. As the computer restarts, log in to Windows with the same user name
(with Administrator rights).
23. Configure the iFIX and the iFIX Web Server. For information on steps, refer to the
"Overview Steps: Configuring Both Servers on the Same Computer" section in the e-book.
Log in to Windows with Administrator privileges. Ensure that there are no iFIX, FIX, or GE
Fanuc processes running, and close any other programs that are running.
2.
3.
Double-click the InstallFrontEnd.exe from the root directory of the DVD or select the Install
iFIX WebSpace from the InstallFrontEnd program that launches when you insert the DVD
into your DVD drive. A message box appears asking you to confirm the install.
4.
Click Yes to proceed. The install program starts and the Welcome screen appears.
5.
6.
Click "I accept the terms of the license agreement" if you want to continue, and then click
Next.
If you have both IIS and Apache installed, the Web Server Selection screen appears.
Proceed to the next steps.
7.
If the Web Server Selection screen appears, select IIS or Apache as your web server, and click
Next. The Ready to Install screen appears.
8.
9.
19
iFIX* WebSpace
iFIX versions before 4.0, you have the choice to upgrade or install iFIX to a completely new
folder, without upgrading. If you want to upgrade, it is suggested that you do so using the
install at this point in time.
10. Select an option and click Next:
Complete Installs all iFIX components, including options such as FIX Desktop,
the Sample System, the Electronic books (e-books), and the My-T-Soft virtual (on
screen) keyboard.
Custom Installs iFIX and the options that you choose. You are prompted to enter
your options after you select an install path.
Typical Installs iFIX, the Electronic books (e-books), the Sample System, and the
My-T-Soft virtual (on screen) keyboard. FIX Desktop is not installed with this
option.
If you are upgrading from FIX32, make sure that you choose a location other than the
folder that contains your FIX32 software, if it is installed on the same computer. Do
not install over a current FIX32 installation.
If you enter a custom install path, be aware that the path can be no greater than 100
characters long.
If you want to use 6.x drivers, the iFIX compressed install path must be no greater
than 64 characters long. iFIX uses the Microsoft compression algorithm to try to fit
longer paths within this boundary. Some paths are not compressible to the 64
character maximum length. Please be aware of this. In addition, make sure that the
registry key,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem\NtfsDisabl
e8dot3NameCreation, is not enabled (is set to 0) when the install folder is created.
When set to 1, the compression algorithm is disabled. Refer to Microsoft help for more
information on the GetShortPathName() compression algorithm.
After installing a 6x driver, the driver is listed in the SCU in the Drivers Available
dialog box (which can be accessed from the I/O Driver Name browse button in the
SCADA Configuration dialog box). You need to manually add the driver to the
Configured I/O Drivers list in the SCADA Configuration dialog box.
20
Advanced Topics
(A template named WEB.scu is created for use by the iFIX WebSpace.) The Remote SCADA
Node List dialog box appears.
15. Click Skip, or add a remote node and click OK.
A message box appears, notifying you that Proficy Historian is not installed.
16. Click No.
NOTE: You can optionally choose to install only the Proficy Historian Client Tools or
Collectors, and not the Historian Server. If you want to view Proficy Historian data from iFIX
WebSpace sessions, do not cancel out of the install, and select the Proficy Historian Client
Tools when prompted to do so during the Historian install. Clear the Historian Server option.
17. When a message box appears requesting that you view the release notes, click Yes. Close the
release notes after you finish reviewing them to resume the install. Click Finish to resume the
install.
The iFIX WebSpace install begins. The Hardware Installation dialog box appears.
18. Click Continue Anyway. The install proceeds. When install completes, the release notes
appear.
19. Read the release notes, and then click Close. The Setup Complete screen appears.
20. Click Finish.
21. Restart the computer. As the computer restarts, log in to Windows with the same user name
(with Administrator rights).
22. Configure the iFIX and the iFIX Web Server. For information on steps, refer to the
"Overview Steps: Configuring Servers on Different Computers" section in the e-book.
Configuration Steps
Refer to the "Overview Steps: Configuring Both Servers on the Same Computer" and "Overview
Steps: Configuring Servers on Different Computers" sections in the iFIX WebSpace electronic book
for steps.
After you configure the iFIX WebSpace, you can run a web session from a supported browser.
To run the iFIX WebSpace in a web browser session:
1.
On the iFIX SCADA Server, start iFIX and switch to run mode.
2.
3.
In the URL field type the name of your iFIX WebSpace Server, using the following format:
http://ServerName/iFIXWebSpace
where ServerName is the name of the computer where the iFIX WebSpace (iFIX WebSpace
Server) is installed.
A message appears to trust the digitally signed ActiveX control, or install the plug-in.
4.
Click Install or select the plug-in to continue. A Login dialog box appears for the iFIX
WebSpace Server.
5.
Enter Windows user logon credentials. A second dialog box appears requesting iFIX security
credentials.
21
iFIX* WebSpace
6.
Enter your iFIX user name and password (must also be a Windows user), and click OK.
M1 keys. Only M4 hardware and software keys are supported for the iFIX WebSpace.
Terminal Server running on the same machine as the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Proficy Change Management. Also, be sure that the "Logon on WorkSpace Startup" option is
cleared on the Change Management tab in the User Preferences dialog box in the iFIX
WorkSpace.
iFIX WebSpace sessions in configure mode. Only the iFIX WorkSpace run mode is
supported. By default, when you log on to an iFIX WebSpace session from a supported
browser, you automatically enter run mode.
NOTE: Several iFIX configuration tools (such as Key Macro Editor, Visual Basic Editor,
Startup Profile Manager, and others) will not open in the iFIX WebSpace session.
An Operating System other than English on the iFIX WebSpace Server computer or iFIX
SCADA Server computer.
HMI Pak keys (no networking enabled) on the iFIX WebSpace Server computers.
THISNODE feature, which applies to the View nodes communicating with a remote SCADA,
from the web session.
iFIX Screen Saver in iFIX WebSpace sessions. The iFIX Screen Saver settings only apply to
the iFIX applications running on the iFIX WebSpace Server itself, and not to web sessions.
Running iFIX WebSpace sessions on the same machine where the iFIX WebSpace Server is
installed.
Right-to-left languages.
22
Advanced Topics
General Information
Only M4 hardware and software keys can be ordered are supported by the iFIX WebSpace
product. M1 keys will not be supported.
A shadow session does not consume a license, however each open browser window (even if
logged on under the same user name) does consume a license. For more information on
shadow sessions, refer to the "Shadowing a Session" section.
During install, a dialog box appears stating that the iFIX WebSpace Display driver did not
pass the Microsoft logo certification. This is expected behavior. Click the Continue Anyway
button to proceed.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration window, every time you change the command line
parameters you must restart the iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service.
If the computer name of the SCADA Server is different than the iFIX node name, then on the
machine where the iFIX WebSpace is installed, make sure you add the remote SCADA node
name and IP address to the HOSTS file. For steps, refer to the "Before You Begin With
TCP/IP" section in the Setting up the Environment e-book, in the Networking iFIX Nodes,
Working with TCP/IP section.
All the dialogs within the browser session use the Windows Classic Style even if the iFIX
WebSpace Server machine uses the XP style appearance settings.
The iFIX WebSpace window does not dynamically resize when the browser window is
resized.
When using the Login menu option in FIX Desktop View from the web session, be aware that
you have to enter a valid user to dismiss the Login dialog box. For instance, if you fail to
login for 3 times, and then go to the WorkSpace by minimizing View, an unauthorized access
message appears if you try to open another picture. This is expected behavior.
By default, iFIX pictures use the auto-resize (AutoScale) feature. This feature allows a
computer to display a picture in a different resolution and ratio than the computer on which
the picture was created. Be aware that the AutoScale feature may cause the text embedded
inside certain objects such as the standard iFIX chart and push buttons to become slightly
distorted when viewed via the iFIX WebSpace session. If you encounter any such distortion,
as a workaround, you can try turning off the AutoScale feature in the picture properties or in
the iFIX WorkSpace User Preferences on the iFIX Web Server to see if that resolves the
distortion. You can also change the font size property for the particular object in the original
picture.
Be aware that in browser sessions, if the focus is outside of the WorkSpace window (for
example, on the menu bar or tab of Internet Explorer) and you press Ctrl+W, the browser
window closes. This is expected behavior.
Be aware that in browser sessions in full screen mode (your iFIX User Preferences are set to
open pictures in full screen mode), you cannot Alt+Tab to other open applications such as
Word or Excel that appear behind the iFIX WebSpace application.
Web sessions can display iFIX pictures using a 32-bit color depth, only when both the iFIX
WebSpace Server and the Client computers are set to a 32-bit color depth. If the client
computer is set to 16-bit colors, for example, features such as transparency property do not
work properly for graphics in iFIX pictures.
For best performance, disable the picture caching feature in the iFIX WorkSpace on
23
iFIX* WebSpace
the SCADA Server. There is a known issue related to this (see below).
Always start the browser session in full screen so that the iFIX WorkSpace uses
more of browser client area.
Printer Setup
If the printer on the iFIX WebSpace server is a network printer, and you want to allow printing from
the web sessions to this printer, you must add the network printer to the iFIX Web Server. First create
a port on the iFIX WebSpace Server that connects directly to the server, and then install the printer
locally. For steps, see below.
To add the printer to the iFIX WebSpace Server:
1.
On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Printers and Faxes.
2.
3.
4.
Click Create a new port and select Local Port as the type. Click Next.
5.
In the Port Name dialog, type the UNC path to the printer, or the printer's IP address. For
example: \\PRINTSERVER\LASERPRINTER.
6.
Select the printer manufacturer on the left and the printer model on the right or click Have
Disk.
7.
Follow the directions provided by the Add Printer Wizard to install the proper printer driver.
If a printer is physically connected to the iFIX WebSpace Server, and you want to allow printing from
the web sessions to this printer, no additional configuration changes need to be made.
If you want to allow printing in web sessions from client printers, refer to the "Client Printing" and
"Client Printer Caching" sections in the e-book for information on how to configure.
Optimization Tips
To optimize the performance of the iFIX WebSpace Server, use the following tips:
24
Restrict usage of mapped drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server. The more mapped drives
available, the longer it takes to log on to the iFIX WebSpace Server.
If the iFIX SCADA Server and the iFIX WebSpace Server are on different computers, copy
the needed shared files from the iFIX SCADA Server onto the iFIX WebSpace Server
machine. Use local copies of pictures on the iFIX WebSpace Server machine.
If the iFIX SCADA Server and the iFIX WebSpace Server are on different computers, avoid
running iFIX on the iFIX WebSpace Server machine.
Try to limit the number of user and global logon scripts that you configure to run on the iFIX
WebSpace Server.
For printer driver options, only select the minimum set you need (such as the Universal
Advanced Topics
driver).
Restrict the usage of high color graphics, such as bitmaps, as they take longer to load and tax
system's resources depending on the size and resolution. Try to use smaller sized files and at a
lower resolution. Combine multiple bitmaps combined into a single image.
Disable picture caching. By default picture caching is enabled in iFIX. Although it speeds up
the picture performance, it will slow down the processing on the iFIX WebSpace Server. If
any memory needs to be freed up on the server, it is a good idea to disable picture caching.
If using Proficy Historian, try to avoid installing the Historian Server on the same computer as
the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Try to avoid using the OpenPic commands in pictures. We have found in testing that the
OpenPic commands results in slower performance. The ReplacePic command is preferred.
If you do experience performance issues (for instance, a picture takes a long time to open, or
the CPU on the iFIX WebSpace Server or Client starts to spike), try opening the picture on a
Windows View Node. If you notice similar performance issues on the Windows View Node,
consider modifying your pictures. For instance, you may want to set the picture refresh rates
to a slower rate than the default. On a high-end server, the login time for the iFIX WebSpace
session is approximately 1.5 times that of Windows View Node For example, if your
Windows View Node takes 30 seconds to start iFIX and open the picture, then the web
browser will take approximately 45 seconds.
If you experience high CPU usage on the iFIX Web Server, and you are using Alarm
Summary objects in your pictures, try to reduce the number of rows displayed in the Alarm
Summary object. Also, when viewing pictures from the web sessions, try closing any
unnecessary pictures that display Alarm Summary objects. When multiple web sessions
display pictures with Alarm Summary objects that include multiple rows, the CPU usage on
the iFIX WebSpace Server may rise. In this scenario, if you reduce the number of rows and
open pictures, the CPU usage on the iFIX WebSpace Server seems to improve.
Network speeds and connection types also impact performance for an iFIX WebSpace
session. A 100BaseT network adapter, which is recommended, allows the iFIX WebSpace
session to utilize optimum speed for its performance. Companies using VPN connections for
iFIX WebSpace sessions may experience a decrease in performance.
If login time (the time from when you enter the iFIX WebSpace URL to the display of the
iFIX login dialog box) increases with each successive client browser connection, this may
indicate that the CPU usage on the server may be too high and there may be a hardware
limitation on the iFIX WebSpace Server. Consider using a higher-end server.
Always start the browser session in full screen so that the iFIX WorkSpace uses more of
browser client area.
The speed of the computer running the iFIX WebSpace session from a browser can impact
performance. Faster client machines typically load iFIX pictures much quicker, and have
improved performance while those pictures are open. For instance, in testing, a slow client
with 512 MB RAM and 1.5 GHz processor had picture load times approximately 1.5 times
longer than a faster client with 1 GB RAM and 3.0 GHz processor.
Network bandwidth and traffic appears to have a significant impact on system performance.
Higher traffic networks experience degraded load times and picture performance.
Refresh rates on pictures can also impact browser performance. In the iFIX WebSpace, by
default, datalinks, animations, and charts (Enhanced and Standard) in pictures will refresh at a
rate no faster than once per second. For example, in the Expression Builder, if you enter .1 or
25
iFIX* WebSpace
.5 as the refresh rate for your data source, it will NOT be adhered to. The historical update
rate for both Enhanced and Standard charts will also be adjusted accordingly. For the alarm
blink rate, alarm fetch rate, and alarm data refresh rate in the Alarm Summary objects, the
iFIX WebSpace will refresh the data no faster than every 5 seconds. For instance, even if you
set the refresh rates in the Alarm Summary object to be faster, the iFIX WebSpace will not
allow a rate faster than every 5 seconds.
You can adjust these default settings without opening any pictures. Open the
FixUserPreferences.ini file on the iFIX WebSpace Server. (By, default this file is located in the
C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy iFIX\LOCAL folder.) Scroll to the following section and
enter larger numbers:
[WebSpacePreferences]
DataRefreshThrottleInSecs=1
AlarmSummaryThrottleInSecs=5
A larger number for either of these settings (a slower refresh rate) is intended to improve the
iFIX WebSpace performance when opening pictures and may also improve mouse click
response time.
NOTE: If you have slower refresh rates entered in the objects in your pictures, the iFIX
WebSpace will not reset the refresh rate settings to the lower, default values of 1 and 5, when
you open a picture.
The acceptable values for the DataRefreshThrottleInSecs are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60. Any
other number will be reset to the lowest value it is closest to. For example, a 3 will become a 2,
a 4 will become a 2, a 13 will become a 10, a 35 will become a 30, a 59 will become a 30, and a
65 will become a 60.
An acceptable value for AlarmSummaryThrottleInSecs is any whole number less than or equal
to 300. If you enter a number greater than 300, it will be set to 300.
IMPORTANT: Use caution when changing these .ini settings, since user data displayed in the
iFIX WebSpace is refreshed at these rates.
Known Issues
Known issues include:
26
When switching from an M1 license key to M4 license key, sometimes the M4 key may not
be recognized. A restart of the Proficy Licensing Service or reinstall of the
ProficyClientInstallerlite.exe will resolve this.
If you open a web session and the user name you enter has a password that is due to expire,
the Password Expiration dialog box remains in the background and loses focus. As a
workaround, adjust the Login dialog boxes to access the Password Expiration one to click Yes
and continue.
If you enable picture caching in the iFIX WorkSpace and the ReplacePicture command is
used, the mouse over a new chart shows as an empty rectangle around the chart. The
workaround is to disable the picture caching feature in the iFIX WorkSpace on the SCADA
Server. If picture caching is disabled, the web session user can pick the latest changes made to
the picture on web server machine.
If web sessions in Internet Explorer do not display a Proficy Portal control that appears in a
Advanced Topics
picture, make sure you clear any proxy server settings. (On the Tools menu, click Internet
Options. In the Internet Options dialog box, click the Connections tab and then the LAN
Settings button to access proxy settings.) Next, clear the User JRE version for applet option in
the Advanced Settings. (On the Tools menu, click Internet Options. In the Internet Options
dialog box, click the Advanced tab and then scroll to the Java (Sun ) category and locate the
User JRE version for applet option.)
If the web browser's security levels are set to allow only trusted sites, then make sure you add
the Proficy Portal Server to the list of trusted sites.
If your have a SCADA Server earlier than iFIX 5.0, in the Network.ini file, include the
following line: accept_unknown_host=ON. This enables the Accept Unknown Hosts option
on the SCADA Server. The Network.ini is located in the C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy
iFIX\LOCAL folder. The Accept Unknown Hosts option is enabled by default in iFIX 5.0.
Currently, the ccept_unknown_host=OFF command is unavailable for use with the iFIX
WebSpace product.
Be aware of the Microsoft limitation on shared directories. Please see KB article 5062 on the
GE Fanuc Knowledgebase:
http://support.gefanuc.com/support/index?page=kbchannel&id=S:KB5062&actp=search.
The Firefox plug-in will not run if Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) 6.0 is installed
on a Windows Server 2003 computer unless you modify IIS to serve a document with an
extension that does not have a registered MIME type on that server (MIME type is xpi).
Please see KB article 326965 on the Microsoft Knowledgebase for more information:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326965.
System Requirements
Operating Systems
The iFIX WebSpace Server requires one of the following Windows operating systems:
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard or Enterprise Edition, English. Since Windows
Server 2003 has continuous updates, you should run the Windows update feature to get the
latest software.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that file servers and web servers use the Microsoft
Windows Server 2003 operating system and not Windows XP.
The iFIX WebSpace session can be run on any of the following Windows operating systems:
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard or Enterprise Edition, with the latest Windows
updates.
Microsoft Windows Vista, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate Edition (Client only; not
supported on the iFIX WebSpace Server).
NOTE: Although the iFIX WebSpace Server supports only the English Windows operating
27
iFIX* WebSpace
system, iFIX WebSpace sessions (clients) can log in from operating systems in other
languages. However, for this to work, the input language must be added to the iFIX
WebSpace Server, and keyboard layout for the client in that locale must be set to English. For
more information, refer to the Configuring Multiple Input Locales section.
iFIX 4.5 or 5.0 (English only) when the iFIX SCADA Server is on a different computer than
the iFIX WebSpace Server.
iFIX 5.0 (English Only) when the iFIX SCADA Server and iFIX WebSpace Server exist on
the same machine.
Other Requirements
The web server Administrator must have administrative rights on the server. A web server must be
available in order to set up the server for browser deployment of iFIX WebSpace, and the server must
have TCP/IP as a network protocol.
The memory and CPU requirements of an iFIX WebSpace Server are determined by the applications
that are published and the number of users accessing the system. For the client web sessions, the better
your CPU and memory, the better your iFIX picture load time and performance while running those
pictures.
For other hardware requirements, refer to the Important Product Information (IPI) help.
28
Two Configuration Options: a) iFIX SCADA and iFIX WebSpace Server on the same
computer, and b) iFIX SCADA and iFIX WebSpace Server on different computers
Advanced Topics
Network Access: The iFIX WebSpace Server communicates with the iFIX SCADA Server
through the standard iFIX TCP/IP port across a firewall. Also, the iFIX WebSpace sessions
can communicate with the iFIX WebSpace Server through a single port across the firewall.
iFIX Display Capability: The iFIX WebSpace session displays all graphics developed using
the iFIX Workspace as is and should not need any kind of conversion.
Licensing: The iFIX WebSpace Server manages a Server based license for iFIX WebSpace
sessions and iFIX functionality. There is a new key field for the iFIX product, "Number of
Web Server Connections."
Two Supported Browsers: The iFIX WebSpace session can be run through Internet Explorer
(7.0) and Mozilla Firefox (3.0) browsers on the Microsoft Windows operating systems.
SCU Configuration: The iFIX WebSpace Server supports the configuration of a single
common SCU which all iFIX WebSpace sessions must use.
Session Reconnect: There are two Startup Modes for the web session: a) Cold Startup
which would involve starting up of the iFIX product and showing the first configured startup
graphic, and b) Warm Startup allows a user to resume a session from last log off.
Standard Security: The iFIX WebSpace Server follows standard Windows security
synchronized with iFIX.
SCADA Identity Protection: When the iFIX SCADA and iFIX WebSpace Server are on
separate machines, the iFIX WebSpace Server will not expose the details of the iFIX SCADA
Server such as the IP address.
VPN Support: The Web session supports connecting to the iFIX WebSpace Server through
VPN connections.
No Required Local iFIX WebSpace Server Start: The iFIX WebSpace Server does not
need to start iFIX locally.
Multiple Sessions: The iFIX WebSpace supports running multiple sessions on the same
computer, however, each session will consume a license. Each open browser window (even if
logged on under the same user name) consumes a license.
Background Tasks: When iFIX SCADA and iFIX WebSpace Server are running on the
same machine, the iFIX WebSpace Server allows iFIX SCADA to run iFIX tasks such as
Drivers, the Background Server, ALMODBC tasks, the SAC task, Historian Collectors, the
Historian Archiver, and antivirus software such as McAfee and Norton.
Other Proficy Products: The iFIX WebSpace session supports displaying client controls
from other Proficy products.
Reporting: The iFIX WebSpace Server supports reporting of Client activities, such as
connections, disconnections, logins, and logouts, to the iFIX Event Log.
ODBC Connections: The iFIX WebSpace sessions support ODBC connections as supported
by the iFIX WebSpace Server to connect to Relational Database tables.
iFIX Security: The WebSpace is secured with both iFIX security and Windows security.
Connections: The Web session gets disconnected once you navigate away to another web
page.
Previous SCADAs: The iFIX WebSpace Server supports connecting to remote SCADA
29
iFIX* WebSpace
Server machines configured with earlier supported versions of iFIX installed on them.
Enhanced Failover: The iFIX WebSpace Server supports the iFIX Enhanced Failover
configuration only when the iFIX WebSpace Server machine is separate to the SCADA pair.
The iFIX WebSpace Server does not support Enhanced Failover while running on SCADA
machines configured as a redundant pair. The iFIX WebSpace session will successfully
switch-over to the Secondary SCADA in a failover scenario.
Other Applications: The iFIX WebSpace session supports running other applications in the
WorkSpace shell such as Excel, Crystal Reports, SQL Stored procedures. This will be similar
to the functionality on an iClient machine.
Exporting Data: The iFIX WebSpace session supports exporting of data from Trend Charts
and Proficy Historian to a local drive.
Client Access: Provides transparent access to client-side resources like printers, files, sounds,
and so on. It also provides seamless integration of client drives.
Session Shadowing: This feature allows multiple users to view and control a single session
and its applications. This aids help desk personnel and system administrators to help
troubleshoot and debug user problems.
SSL Security: Provides support for Secure Socket Layer (SSL) as a method for
communication between clients and servers.
Client-Side Password Caching: With this feature, the user's user name and password are
taken from the iFIX WebSpace Server Logon dialog after the first manual authentication and
used automatically when the user accesses the web client again from that machine.
Time Zone Redirection: This option allows client sessions to run in the time zone of the
client computer, regardless of the time zone that is selected on the iFIX WebSpace Server.
30
Advanced Topics
Component
Description
iFIX WebSpace
Application
Publishing
Service
iFIX WebSpace
Administration
Description
iFIX Embedded
Microsoft ActiveX
Control
iFIX WebSpace
Embedded Plug-in
M1 keys. Only M4 hardware and software keys are supported for the iFIX WebSpace.
Terminal Server running on the same machine as the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Proficy Change Management. Also, be sure that the "Logon on WorkSpace Startup" option is
cleared on the Change Management tab in the User Preferences dialog box in the iFIX
31
iFIX* WebSpace
WorkSpace.
iFIX WebSpace sessions in configure mode. Only the iFIX WorkSpace run mode is
supported. By default, when you log on to an iFIX WebSpace session from a supported
browser, you automatically enter run mode.
NOTE: Several iFIX configuration tools (such as Key Macro Editor, Visual Basic Editor,
Startup Profile Manager, and others) will not open in the iFIX WebSpace session.
An Operating System other than English on the iFIX WebSpace Server computer or iFIX
SCADA Server computer.
HMI Pak keys (no networking enabled) on the web client computers.
THISNODE feature, which applies to the View nodes communicating with a remote SCADA,
from the web session.
iFIX Screen Saver in iFIX WebSpace sessions. The iFIX Screen Saver settings only apply to
the iFIX applications running on the iFIX WebSpace Server itself, and not to web sessions.
Running iFIX WebSpace sessions on the same machine where the iFIX WebSpace Server is
installed.
Right-to-left languages.
32
Advanced Topics
On the Start menu, point to Programs, GE Fanuc iFIX WebSpace, and then click iFIX
WebSpace Administration.
-Or-
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the View menu, click Options. The Options dialog box appears.
3.
NOTES:
33
iFIX* WebSpace
For a list of iFIX WebSpace Administration shortcuts, see Keyboard Shortcuts for the
iFIX WebSpace Administration.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration's dialog boxes, you can easily get Help by rightclicking an item, and then clicking What's This? A pop-up window will appear,
displaying a brief explanation of the item. You can also get Help by clicking
on the
title bar of a dialog box and then selecting an item.
Microsoft Windows
iFIX
IMPORTANT: While running the iFIX WebSpace Server and the SCADA Server on the same
machine is supported, it is strongly recommended that production SCADA Servers reside on a different
machine than the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Overview Steps
The following steps should be performed on the computer where both the iFIX SCADA Server and the
iFIX WebSpace Server are installed:
1.
2.
If you want to use any drives that you want to share from other computers, such as
the PIC folder from the iFIX directory on another computer. Map the shared folder to
a drive on the iFIX WebSpace Server computer. For more information on mapped
drives, refer to the Creating Mapped Drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server section.
Add the users accounts for which you want to allow iFIX WebSpace usage. If you
are using shared drives with Local Windows users (not on the Domain), make sure
that the user is present on both the iFIX WebSpace Server machine, and the machine
which contains the shared folder.
If the Windows Firewall is enabled, in the Windows Security Center, add TCP port
491 (used by iFIX WebSpace Server) and port 80 (used by IIS/Apache Web Server)
so that they will be allowed through your firewall. To do this, access the Security
Center from the Control Panel and open the Windows Firewall dialog box. On the
Exceptions tab, click Add Port to enter your information. If domain credentials are
used for iFIX WebSpace session logon, be sure to read the article 555381, on the
Microsoft Help and Support web site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555381.
34
If the computer name of the SCADA Server is different than the iFIX node name,
then make sure you add the remote SCADA node name and IP address to the
Advanced Topics
HOSTS file. This ensures that the web sessions make connections to the SCADA
Server. For more information, refer to the "Before You Begin With TCP/IP" section
in the Setting up the Environment e-book, in the Networking iFIX Nodes, Working
with TCP/IP section.
If the Integrated Proficy Historian feature is to be used on your SCADA Server, from
the iFIX WorkSpace, configure your pictures to do so, especially for pictures with
Enhanced Charts so that they pull the data from the correct Historian Server.
NOTE: When any Proficy Historian changes are done on the iFIX WebSpace Server
computer, you need to restart the iFIX WorkSpace. Any open sessions will need to be
terminated and restarted.
In the System Configuration Utility (SCU), open the Web.SCU file (the WEB.SCU
installs with the iFIX WebSpace). Specify the name of your iFIX SCADA Server in
the Remote Nodes list, and include Workspace.exe and/or View.exe in your tasks
list. By default, for Web.SCU, SCADA support is disabled and TCP/IP networking
already enabled.
In the System Configuration Utility (SCU), open the SCADA Server SCU file (for
example, FIX.SCU). Enable TCP/IP networking and check that SCADA support is
enabled.
In the Security Configuration program, add the same users that you created in
Windows, assign privileges, specify the Use Windows Security option for these
users, and then Enable Security in iFIX.
NOTE: When assigning security privileges in iFIX, use care when allowing
application features that could allow write access, such as the "Database
Save/Reload" and "Runtime Visual Basic Editor" features, as well as creating
pictures with Datalinks, or any other means to write values into tags. Use Security
Areas and Security Groups to further restrict access. Also, use care when creating
and sharing schedules in iFIX, so that unintended VBA code is not activated
inadvertently by web sessions. For more information on iFIX Security, refer to the
Implementing Security e-book.
3.
In the Server Options dialog box, at a minimum, configure your settings for printing
from the iFIX WebSpace session.
If shared drives are used, update the LoginScript.bat file provided in the C:\Program
Files\GE Fanuc\iFIX WebSpace Server\Programs folder, and then add the script
name to the Session Startup options for web sessions. For more information, refer to
the Creating Mapped Drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server section.
Additionally, you can configure other optional settings for the iFIX WebSpace
sessions. For more information, refer to the iFIX WebSpace Session Properties and
Configuring Multiple Input Locales sections.
Refer to the Microsoft Help and Support from your Start menu.
35
iFIX* WebSpace
To configure iFIX:
1.
2.
Start iFIX.
3.
If the computer name of the SCADA Server is different than the iFIX node name, then make
sure you add the remote SCADA node name and IP address to the HOSTS file. For more
information, refer to the "Before You Begin With TCP/IP" section in the Setting up the
Environment e-book, in the Networking iFIX Nodes, Working with TCP/IP section.
4.
If the integrated Proficy Historian feature is used with your SCADA Server, open the iFIX
WorkSpace and configure existing pictures, especially those with enhanced charts to pull the
data from the correct Historian Server.
5.
6.
7.
In the Remote Node Names area, add the node name of the running SCADA Server, and click
OK.
8.
On the Configure menu, click Tasks. The Task Configuration dialog box appears.
9.
Add Workspace.exe and/or View.exe to your tasks list, if not already added, and click OK.
36
1.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
Advanced Topics
5.
Enter your desired printing options for the iFIX WebSpace Client.
6.
Click OK.
7.
If you want to configure multiple input locales for your web sessions, refer to the Configuring
Multiple Input Locales section.
8.
If you want to configure other optional items for your web sessions, refer to the Configuring
Optional Web Session Properties section.
9.
2.
3.
4.
On the Configure menu, click Network. The Network Configuration dialog box appears.
5.
6.
Click OK.
7.
On the Configure menu, click SCADA. The SCADA Configuration dialog box appears.
8.
Confirm that SCADA Supported is Enabled. If it is not, select the Enable option.
9.
Click OK.
37
iFIX* WebSpace
2.
Map any drives that you want to share from other computers, such as the PIC folder
from the iFIX directory on another computer. Map the shared folder to a drive on the
iFIX WebSpace Server computer. For more information on mapped drives, refer to
the Creating Mapped Drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server section.
Add the users accounts for which you want to allow iFIX WebSpace and iFIX usage.
If you are using shared drives with Local Windows users (not on the Domain), make
sure that the user is present on both the iFIX WebSpace Server machine, and the
machine which contains the shared folder.
If the Windows Firewall is enabled, in the Windows Security Center, add TCP port
491 (used by iFIX WebSpace Server) and port 80 (used by IIS/Apache Web Server)
so that they will be allowed through your firewall. To do this, access the Security
Center from the Control Panel and open the Windows Firewall dialog box. On the
Exceptions tab, click Add Port to enter your information. If domain credentials are
used for iFIX WebSpace session logon, be sure to read the article 555381, on the
Microsoft Help and Support web site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555381.
If the computer name of the SCADA Server is different than the iFIX node name,
then on the machine where the iFIX WebSpace is installed, make sure you add the
remote SCADA node name and IP address to the HOSTS file. This ensures that the
web sessions make connections to the SCADA Server. For steps, refer to the "Before
You Begin With TCP/IP" section in the Setting up the Environment e-book, in the
Networking iFIX Nodes, Working with TCP/IP section.
In the System Configuration Utility (SCU), open the Web.SCU file (the WEB.SCU
installs with the iFIX WebSpace). Specify the name of your iFIX SCADA Server in
the Remote Nodes list, and include Workspace.exe and/or View.exe in your tasks
list. By default, for Web.SCU, SCADA support is disabled and TCP/IP networking
already enabled.
In the Security Configuration program, add the same users that you created in
Windows, assign privileges, specify the Use Windows Security option for these
users, and then Enable Security in iFIX.
NOTE: When assigning security privileges in iFIX, use care when allowing
application features that could allow write access, such as the "Database
38
Advanced Topics
3.
Save all iFIX changes, and then shut down iFIX running on the iFIX WebSpace
Server machine.
In the Server Options dialog box, at a minimum, configure your settings for printing
from the iFIX WebSpace session.
If shared drives are used, update the LoginScript.bat file provided in the C:\Program
Files\GE Fanuc\iFIX WebSpace Server\Programs folder, and then add the script
name to the Session Startup options for web sessions. For more information, refer to
the Creating Mapped Drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server section.
Additionally, you can configure other optional settings for the iFIX WebSpace
sessions. For more information, refer to the iFIX WebSpace Session Properties and
Configuring Multiple Input Locales sections.
Refer to the Microsoft Help and Support from your Start menu.
2.
Start iFIX.
3.
If the computer name of the SCADA Server is different than the iFIX node name, then on the
machine where the iFIX WebSpace is installed, make sure you add the remote SCADA node
name and IP address to the HOSTS file. For steps, refer to the "Before You Begin With
TCP/IP" section in the Setting up the Environment e-book, in the Networking iFIX Nodes,
Working with TCP/IP section.
4.
If the integrated Proficy Historian feature is to be used to display Proficy Historian data in
charts, open the iFIX WorkSpace and from Proficy Historian Toolbar, click the Change
Historian button to configure Proficy Historian. Restart the Workspace. Then, click the
Configure Historian Server button and set your default Historian Server to your desired
Historian Server. Restart the WorkSpace.
5.
6.
7.
In the Remote Node Names area, add the node name of the running SCADA Server, and click
OK.
8.
On the Configure menu, click Tasks. The Task Configuration dialog box appears.
9.
Add Workspace.exe and/or View.exe to your tasks list, if not already added, and click OK.
39
iFIX* WebSpace
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Enter your desired printing options for the iFIX WebSpace Client.
6.
Click OK.
7.
If you want to configure multiple input locales for your web sessions, refer to the Configuring
Multiple Input Locales section.
8.
If you want to configure other optional items for your web sessions, refer to the Configuring
Optional Web Session Properties section.
9.
40
Advanced Topics
Be aware that the iFIX WebSpace Server cannot back up logs to a network folder. For example, if you
type a UNC path or a mapped network drive in the folder edit box, the following message is displayed:
"Please specify a usable Windows folder where log files may be written."
41
iFIX* WebSpace
Log on interactively to the iFIX WebSpace Server computer that you want to add the Input
Locale with an administrator account.
2.
On the Start menu, point to Settings, Control Panel, and then click Regional and Language
Options. The Regional and Language Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
In the Text services and input locales area, click Details. The Text Services and Input
Languages dialog box appears.
5.
In the Installed Services area, click Add. The Add Input Language dialog box appears.
6.
In the Input Language field, select the language you want to allow. For example, in the above
graphic, you would select Russian.
7.
In the Keyboard Layout/IME field, select US. This indicates that the physical keyboard
should be set to a U.S. English keyboard layout.
8.
Click OK.
9.
On the Text Services and Input Languages dialog, click OK. You are returned to the Regional
and Language Options dialog box.
42
Clipboard Access
Sounds
Drive Access
Hidden Drives
Port Access
Network Printing
Client Printing
Advanced Topics
Clipboard Access
You can cut and copy information from an iFIX WebSpace session and paste it into applications
running on an iFIX WebSpace Server, and vice versa. Clipboard support is disabled by default.
To enable clipboard support:
1.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, select the desired server from the list of All Servers.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
Any clipboard data from the iFIX browser session is available only within the iFIX WorkSpace
application. In order to copy the contents to other applications on the local disk of the client machine
you must create a shell script within an object inside your WorkSpace picture that launches
Notepad.exe, on the iFIX Web Server. After you do this, you can use this object to launch Notepad in
run mode from the web session. Paste the contents into Notepad, and save this file to the local disk of
web session computer.
Sounds
The iFIX WebSpace supports sound capability for any application that uses PlaySound, sndPlaySound,
or waveOut. It is not required that sound cards and/or speakers be installed on iFIX WebSpace Servers.
The client machine, however, does require a sound card and speakers. Audio support is disabled by
default on the iFIX WebSpace sessions.
To enable support for client sound:
1.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, select the desired server from the list of All Servers.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
Drive Access
The iFIX WebSpace allows users to access files stored on the client computer, and to save files locally.
Client drives will be listed in the application's Open and Save as dialog boxes, and are designated with
a Client prefix. For example: Client C (K:), Client D (L:).
43
iFIX* WebSpace
The dialog boxes list both client and server drives. In order for clients to open or save files locally, the
client drives feature must be enabled on the iFIX WebSpace Server. Support for client drives is
disabled by default.
To enable support for client drives:
1.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, select the desired server from the list of All Servers.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
Hidden Drives
Through the iFIX WebSpace Administration, administrators can hide drives on the client machine
where the iFIX WebSpace session runs, such as the operating system drive, floppy drive, and CD
ROM drive. Hidden drives are inaccessible to the user through the iFIX WebSpace session.
To hide one or more client drives:
44
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
Advanced Topics
5.
In the Hide field, enter the client drive letters you want to hide.
NOTE: All client drives are mapped by default. Drives listed in the Hide box can be listed in
any order. To hide server drives, see Hiding Server Drives.
6.
Click OK.
The following figure shows an example of hidden H, J, and K drives, along with drives P through S.
45
iFIX* WebSpace
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
6.
In the drop-down list next to the field, select the drive letter that should start the sequence.
7.
Click OK.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
6.
In the edit field, type a number greater than or equal to 1 that will yield the desired offset.
7.
Click OK.
Example 1
For example, if a client computer has A, C, D, and H drives, and the starting point is set to drive letter
M, the client's drives will be remapped respectively to M, N, O, and P. If a drive letter is already
assigned to a drive, the next available letter is used. This feature is disabled by default. Once enabled,
the default drive letter is M.
46
Advanced Topics
Example 2
For this example, if the client computer has the same drives as above (A, C, D, and H), and the offset is
12, each of the client's drives will be incremented by 12 letters. The drives will be remapped
respectively to M, O, P, and T. The default value for this setting is 12.
47
iFIX* WebSpace
Port Access
GE Fanuc provides server-based applications with access to modems, handhelds, and other devices
that are connected to the COM and LPT ports of the client computer. This feature uses the client file
protocol to transfer data between the client device and the iFIX WebSpace Server. Client port access is
enabled when the Client Drives option in the Server Options dialog is enabled.
To enable client port access:
1.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, select the desired server from the list of All Servers.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
48
Advanced Topics
Source
Description
Universal
Driver
iFIX WebSpace includes a Universal Printer Driver that can print to any
client computer with a Portable Document Format (PDF) viewer (for
example: Adobe Reader) installed. Enable the Universal Driver option to
designate the Universal Printer Driver as the printer driver for all client
printers.
Use as
fallback
Enable the Use as fallback option to designate the Universal Printer Driver
as backup printer driver for all client printers.
Windows
folder
The Windows folder contains printer drivers that are distributed with
Microsoft Windows. Enable the Windows folder option to permit
specification of this folder and browse for the location of the operating
system's driver files (i386 directory).
Driver server
Clients
Enabling the Clients option allows users to upload drivers from their client
machine. For this to work properly, the client machine must be running the
same operating system as the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Custom (Have
Disk)
Allows administrators to install a printer driver with the Have Disk button.
The Universal Printer Driver can print to any client computer with a PDF viewer (for example, Adobe
Acrobat) installed.
If Universal Driver is enabled without the Use as Fallback option enabled, the iFIX WebSpace will use
the Universal Printer Driver as long as a PDF viewer is installed on the client computer. The iFIX
WebSpace will not use the Universal Printer Driver in this scenario if the client printer has already
been configured to use a different printer driver.
If both Universal Driver and Use as Fallback options are enabled, iFIX WebSpace will give priority to
49
iFIX* WebSpace
the standard drivers and will only use the Universal Printer Driver when a standard driver is not
available.
Administrators set access to printer driver sources through the Server Options dialog box.
To designate access to printer drivers:
1.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, select the desired server from the list of All Servers.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Select the check box next to the desired driver source or sources. If enabling the Driver
server, enter the name or IP address of the driver server in the Driver Server field.
6.
Click OK.
NOTE: The Universal Printer Driver uses a standard printing properties dialog and may not offer
some of the more advanced printing options other drivers do.
Network Printing
If the printer on the iFIX WebSpace server is a network printer, and you want to allow printing from
the web sessions to this printer, you must add the network printer to the iFIX Web Server. First create
a port on the iFIX WebSpace Server that connects directly to the server, and then install the printer
locally. For steps, refer to the Setting up a Network Printer section.
If a printer is physically connected to the iFIX WebSpace Server, and you want to allow printing from
the web sessions to this printer, no additional configuration changes need to be made.
NOTE: If you want to allow printing in web sessions from client printers, refer to the Client Printing
and Client Printer Caching sections for information on how to configure.
Client Printing
Client printing is disabled by default. Administrators enable client-side printing through the iFIX
WebSpace Administration's Server Options dialog.
NOTE: If you want to allow network printing from the iFIX WebSpace Server within the web sessions,
refer to the Network Printing and Setting up a Network Printer sections.
To enable support for client printers:
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
NOTE: Client printers are temporarily installed on the iFIX WebSpace Server for the duration of the
50
Advanced Topics
client's session. Printer drivers are installed permanently. Administrators can view the list of printers
and drivers in the Printers folder on the iFIX WebSpace Server. If you start two or more web sessions,
at the same time, with different user accounts from the same client system, client printers will only be
available to the first session.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, select the desired server from the list of All Servers.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click OK.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, from the Server tree, select server name you want
to configure.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
51
iFIX* WebSpace
52
Restrict usage of mapped drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server. The more mapped drives
available, the longer it takes to log on to the iFIX WebSpace Server.
If the iFIX SCADA Server and the iFIX WebSpace Server are on different computers, copy
the needed shared files from the iFIX SCADA Server onto the iFIX WebSpace Server
machine. Use local copies of pictures on the iFIX WebSpace Server machine.
If the iFIX SCADA Server and the iFIX WebSpace Server are on different computers, avoid
running iFIX on the iFIX WebSpace Server machine.
Try to limit the number of user and global logon scripts that you configure to run on the iFIX
WebSpace Server.
For printer driver options, only select the minimum set you need (such as the Universal
driver).
Restrict the usage of high color graphics, such as bitmaps, as they take longer to load and tax
system's resources depending on the size and resolution. Try to use smaller sized files and at a
lower resolution. Combine multiple bitmaps combined into a single image.
Disable picture caching. By default picture caching is enabled in iFIX. Although it speeds up
the picture performance, it will slow down the processing on the iFIX WebSpace Server. If
any memory needs to be freed up on the server, it is a good idea to disable picture caching.
If using Proficy Historian, try to avoid installing the Historian Server on the same computer as
the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Try to avoid using the OpenPic commands in pictures. We have found in testing that the
OpenPic commands results in slower performance. The ReplacePic command is preferred.
If you do experience performance issues (for instance, a picture takes a long time to open, or
the CPU on the iFIX WebSpace Server or Client starts to spike), try opening the picture on a
Windows View Node. If you notice similar performance issues on the Windows View Node,
consider modifying your pictures. For instance, you may want to set the picture refresh rates
to a slower rate than the default. On a high-end server, the login time for the iFIX WebSpace
session is approximately 1.5 times that of Windows View Node For example, if your
Windows View Node takes 30 seconds to start iFIX and open the picture, then the web
browser will take approximately 45 seconds.
If you experience high CPU usage on the iFIX Web Server, and you are using Alarm
Summary objects in your pictures, try to reduce the number of rows displayed in the Alarm
Summary object. Also, when viewing pictures from the web sessions, try closing any
unnecessary pictures that display Alarm Summary objects. When multiple web sessions
display pictures with Alarm Summary objects that include multiple rows, the CPU usage on
the iFIX WebSpace Server may rise. In this scenario, if you reduce the number of rows and
open pictures, the CPU usage on the iFIX WebSpace Server seems to improve.
If login time (the time from when you enter the iFIX WebSpace URL to the display of the
iFIX login dialog box) increases with each successive client browser connection, this may
indicate that the CPU usage on the server may be too high and there may be a hardware
limitation on the web server. Consider using a higher-end server.
Always start the browser session in full screen so that the iFIX WorkSpace uses more of
Advanced Topics
The speed of the computer running the iFIX WebSpace session from a browser can impact
performance. Faster client machines typically load iFIX pictures much quicker, and have
improved performance while those pictures are open. For instance, in testing, a slow client
with 512 MB RAM and 1.5 GHz processor had picture load times approximately 1.5 times
longer than a faster client with 1 GB RAM and 3.0 GHz processor.
Network speeds and connection types also impact performance for an iFIX WebSpace
session. A 100BaseT network adapter, which is recommended, allows the iFIX WebSpace
session to utilize optimum speed for its performance. Companies using VPN connections for
iFIX WebSpace sessions may experience a decrease in performance.
Network bandwidth and traffic appears to have a significant impact on system performance.
Higher traffic networks experience degraded load times and picture performance.
Refresh rates on pictures can also impact browser performance. In the iFIX WebSpace, by
default, datalinks, animations, and charts (Enhanced and Standard) in pictures will refresh at a
rate no faster than once per second. For example, in the Expression Builder, if you enter .1 or
.5 as the refresh rate for your data source, it will NOT be adhered to. The historical update
rate for both Enhanced and Standard charts will also be adjusted accordingly. For the alarm
blink rate, alarm fetch rate, and alarm data refresh rate in the Alarm Summary objects, the
iFIX WebSpace will refresh the data no faster than every 5 seconds. For instance, even if you
set the refresh rates in the Alarm Summary object to be faster, the iFIX WebSpace will not
allow a rate faster than every 5 seconds.
You can adjust these default settings without opening any pictures. Open the
FixUserPreferences.ini file on the iFIX WebSpace Server. (By, default this file is located in the
C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy iFIX\LOCAL folder.) Scroll to the following section and
enter larger numbers:
[WebSpacePreferences]
DataRefreshThrottleInSecs=1
AlarmSummaryThrottleInSecs=5
A larger number for either of these settings (a slower refresh rate) is intended to improve the
iFIX WebSpace performance when opening pictures and may also improve mouse click
response time.
NOTE: If you have slower refresh rates entered in the objects in your pictures, the iFIX
WebSpace will not reset the refresh rate settings to the lower, default values of 1 and 5, when
you open a picture.
The acceptable values for the DataRefreshThrottleInSecs are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60. Any
other number will be reset to the lowest value it is closest to. For example, a 3 will become a 2,
a 4 will become a 2, a 13 will become a 10, a 35 will become a 30, a 59 will become a 30, and a
65 will become a 60.
An acceptable value for AlarmSummaryThrottleInSecs is any whole number less than or equal
to 300. If you enter a number greater than 300, it will be set to 300.
IMPORTANT: Use caution when changing these .ini settings, since user data displayed in the
iFIX WebSpace is refreshed at these rates.
53
iFIX* WebSpace
Session Startup
Session Shutdown
Security Options
Password Change
Log Files
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the main window, click the Applications tab.
2.
3.
4.
In the Command-Line Options field, type the iFIX SCU file name and path.
NOTE: If you are changing an SCU name that was already entered, you will need to restart
the iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service after you make the update for your
changes to get applied.
5.
54
If you have changed this value two or more times, restart the iFIX WebSpace Application
Publishing Service. For steps, refer to the Restarting the iFIX WebSpace Application
Publishing Service section.
Advanced Topics
While in Windows Explorer, open the Help for more information on setting file permissions.
55
iFIX* WebSpace
NOTES:
If a printer is physically connected to the iFIX WebSpace Server, and you want to allow
printing from the web sessions to this printer, no additional configuration changes need to be
made on the iFIX Web Server or web session.
If you want to allow printing in the web sessions from client printers, refer to the Client
Printing and Client Printer Caching sections for information on how to configure.
On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Printers and Faxes.
2.
3.
4.
Click Create a new port and select Local Port as the type. Click Next.
5.
In the Port Name dialog, type the UNC path to the printer or the printer's IP address. For
example: \\PRINTSERVER\LASERPRINTER.
6.
Select the printer manufacturer on the left and the printer model on the right or click Have
Disk.
7.
Follow the directions provided by the Add Printer Wizard to install the proper printer driver.
NOTE: Network printers are set up using the Windows Add Printer Wizard.
Session Startup
For information on starting up iFIX WebSpace sessions, refer to the following sections:
Logon Scripts
56
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
On the Session Startup tab, select the Apply Group Policy check box.
4.
Click OK.
Advanced Topics
NOTE: It may take users longer to log on to the iFIX WebSpace Server when the Group Policy is
enabled.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
To ensure that messages are displayed in front of all other windows, select Always in front
check box.
NOTE: If a logon script has the ability to display user interface to the user, the Always in front
option should not be enabled. Otherwise, the logon script's user interface may be partially
obscured by the progress message.
6.
Click OK.
Logon Scripts
Logon scripts allow administrators to configure the operating environment for iFIX WebSpace users.
Scripts may perform an arbitrary set of tasks such as defining user-specific environment variables and
drive letter mappings.
The iFIX WebSpace supports two types of logon scripts: global scripts that execute for all users that
log on to the server, and user-specific scripts that execute for individual users. Before loading the user's
profile, the iFIX WebSpace checks to see if a script of either (or both) type has been specified. If so,
the iFIX WebSpace runs the script(s) within the user's security context each time the user is
authenticated.
User-specific logon scripts are specified using the functionality provided by the operating system. For
example, the logon script for local users on a Windows 2000 server is specified as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click Profiles.
57
iFIX* WebSpace
5.
In the Logon script box, type the file name of the user's logon script.
If the value entered in the Logon script box specifies a file name and extension only, iFIX WebSpace
searches for the file in the following directories, in the following order:
1.
2.
b.
systemroot\System32\Repl\Import\Scripts
b.
systemroot\sysvol\sysvol\domainname
If the logon script is stored in a subdirectory of one of the above directories, precede the file name with
the relative path of that subdirectory. For example: Admins\JohnG.bat.
Administrators specify global and user-specific logon scripts through the iFIX WebSpace
Administration's Session Startup dialog.
To run user-specific logon scripts:
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the field next to the check box, specify the path of the global script file.
For example, you may want to add the LoginScript.bat, provided in the C:\Program
Files\GE Fanuc\iFIX WebSpace Server\Programs folder as an example for configuring
mapped drives, as a global script.
6.
Click OK.
NOTE: Authenticated users must have read and execute access to the logon script files. An example of
a logon script is described in the Creating Mapped Drives on the iFIX WebSpace Server section. The
LoginScript.bat example described in this section can be applied on a global or user-specific basis.
58
Advanced Topics
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the field next to the check box, enter the maximum number of sessions allowed per user.
6.
Click OK.
To prevent users from logging on when the available physical memory on a server falls below a given
value, enter the value in the Minimum available physical memory field.
To prevent users from logging on when the available virtual memory on a server falls below a given
value, enter the value in the Minimum available virtual memory field.
Session Shutdown
For information on shutting down the iFIX WebSpace session, refer to the following sections:
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the field next to the check box, enter the number of minutes that a session is allowed to run
59
iFIX* WebSpace
Click OK.
The minimum number of session time is 1 minute and the maximum is 44640 minutes (31 days). This
feature is disabled by default.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the field next to the check box, enter the number of minutes of idle time allowed by the
server.
6.
From the Action drop-down list, select either Disconnect to disconnect users when the idle
limit has been reached, or Log off to log users off when the idle limit has been reached.
7.
Click OK.
The minimum number of idle time is 1 minute and the maximum is 44640 minutes (31 days). This
feature is disabled by default.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
60
In the field next to the check box, enter the number of minutes before a session or idle limit is
reached when users are warned that they are about to be disconnected or logged off.
Advanced Topics
6.
Click OK.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the field next to the check box, enter the number of minutes after a logoff that users are
able to save files and close applications, and so on.
6.
Click OK.
The minimum grace period value is 1 minute and the maximum value is 15. Values less than or equal
to zero specify no grace period. By default there is no grace period.
Security Options
For information on iFIX WebSpace security options, refer to the following sections:
Encrypting Sessions
61
iFIX* WebSpace
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
When selecting SSL transport, type or browse to the path of the server's certificate in the SSL
Certificate box.
6.
Click OK.
When the SSL transport is selected, all connections to that iFIX WebSpace Server use the SSL
transport and the selected encryption algorithm, including connections from iFIX WebSpace sessions.
iFIX WebSpace sessions that do not support SSL will be unable to connect to the server using the SSL
transport unless the Use TCP as fallback option is enabled.
To select TCP as the fallback transport mode:
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the server tree, select the desired server from the
list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click OK.
Encrypting Sessions
For purposes of security, administrators can optionally encrypt all data transmitted between the client
and the server. This includes the client's user name and password, which are supplied during logon,
and any application data submitted by the client or returned by the server. The iFIX WebSpace uses
56-bit DES encryption.
To encrypt a server's sessions:
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the iFIX WebSpace Server tree, select the
desired server from the list.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
After you have enabled encryption, all new iFIX WebSpace sessions will be encrypted. Sessions that
are active when the feature is enabled will remain unencrypted. The next time the user logs on to the
iFIX WebSpace Server, however, his or her session will be encrypted. The user must log off the iFIX
WebSpace Server, and log back on in order for his or her session to be encrypted.
62
Advanced Topics
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the iFIX WebSpace Server tree, select the server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the SSL Certificate field, type or browse to the path of the server's certificate file.
6.
7.
Click OK.
In the iFIX WebSpace Administration, in the iFIX WebSpace Server tree, select the server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
63
iFIX* WebSpace
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
On most platforms, the cached password is stored in the user's home directory in a .dat file named for
the iFIX WebSpace Server. For example, for the iFIX WebSpace Embedded ActiveX Control,
C:\Documents and Settings\user1\Application Data\GE Fanuc\iFIX WebSpace Server\server1.dat is an
example location of the cached password. In this example, user1 is the iFIX user logged into the
WebSpace session, and server1 is the name of the iFIX WebSpace Server.
Client-side password caching is supported on all supported on both Internet Explorer and Mozilla
Firefox.
IMPORTANT: If you are concerned about public computers retaining cached passwords, you should
clear the Cache Passwords on the Client check box on the iFIX WebSpace Server. By default, this
option is cleared.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
In the Hide server drives field, enter the server drive letters you want to hide from the iFIX
WebSpace session.
5.
Click OK.
All server drives are mapped by default. Drives listed in the Hide server drives box can be listed in any
order. You cannot hide the server drive on which Windows is installed (C, in most cases) or on the
server drive on which iFIX WebSpace Server is installed. In the following example, drives E through
G, along with drive L on the Server drive are hidden from the iFIX WebSpace sessions.
64
Advanced Topics
Password Change
Password changes can be made through Windows security groups and accounts. Users can change
passwords when:
The administrator requires the user to change his or her password at the next logon. For more
information, refer to the Changing Passwords at Next Logon section.
The security policy is configured to prompt users to change passwords before expiration. For
more information, refer to the Prompting Users to Change Passwords Before Expiration
section.
The user's password has expired. For more information, refer to the Prompting Users to
Change Passwords After Expiration section.
From your web browser, access the iFIX WebSpace logon page
(http://ServerName/iFIXWebSpace) and select the appropriate iFIX WebSpace session.
2.
In the Logon dialog, type the user name and password. If the account does not exist in the
domain in which the iFIX WebSpace Server resides, include the domain name in the User
name field as a prefix (for example: domain\username).
3.
65
iFIX* WebSpace
4.
5.
In the New Password and Confirm New Password fields, enter the new password.
6.
Click OK.
From your web browser, access the iFIX WebSpace logon page
(http://ServerName/iFIXWebSpace) and select the appropriate iFIX WebSpace session.
2.
In the Logon dialog, type the user name and password. If the account does not exist in the
domain in which the iFIX WebSpace Server resides, include the domain name in the User
name field as a prefix (for example: domain\username).
3.
If you clicks No, the iFIX WebSpace session starts. If you click Yes, the Change
Password dialog appears.
4.
If the Change Password dialog box appears, in the New Password and Confirm New
Password fields, enter the new password and click OK.
From your web browser, access the iFIX WebSpace logon page
(http://ServerName/iFIXWebSpace) and select the appropriate iFIX WebSpace session.
2.
In the Logon dialog, type the user name and password. If the account does not exist in the
domain in which the iFIX WebSpace Server resides, include the domain name in the User
name field as a prefix (for example: domain\username).
3.
66
4.
5.
In the New Password and Confirm New Password fields, enter the new password.
6.
Click OK.
Advanced Topics
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the View menu, click Refresh. The data should refresh in the window as you are viewing it.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the View menu, click Options. The Options dialog box appears.
3.
Select Manual.
4.
Click OK.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the View menu, click Options. The Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
Click OK.
67
iFIX* WebSpace
On the Start menu, point to Programs, GE Fanuc iFIX WebSpace, and then click Stop iFIX
WebSpace Server.
2.
Wait a few moments for the action to complete. A command window opens briefly and then
closes.
3.
On the Start menu, point to Programs, GE Fanuc iFIX WebSpace, and then click Start iFIX
WebSpace Server.
4.
Wait a few moments for the action to complete. A command window opens briefly and then
closes.
Reconnecting a Session
Shadowing a Session
Terminating Sessions
68
Column
Displays the...
Session Name
User
Advanced Topics
Column
Displays the...
Connected
Clients
IP Address
IP address of the client computer from which the user is accessing the server.
(Each computer on a network has a unique IP address.)
Startup Time
Processes
NOTE: Click the All Servers icon from the left panel of the iFIX WebSpace Administration to view a
list of all active sessions on the network. This allows you to view active iFIX WebSpace sessions
without connecting to individual servers.
Viewing Process Information
A process refers to the specific application that a client is running from the server. The iFIX WebSpace
Administration displays the following process information:
Column
Displays the...
Name
User
Startup Time
Process ID
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration application, in the main window, click the
Processes tab.
69
iFIX* WebSpace
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration application, in the main window, click the
Processes tab.
2.
3.
Reconnecting a Session
Session reconnect allows sessions to be maintained on an iFIX WebSpace Server without a client
connection. If the client's connection to the server is lost, intentionally or unintentionally, the user's
session remains running on the iFIX WebSpace Server for the length of the session time-out specified
with the iFIX WebSpace Administration. Session reconnect allows users to return to their iFIX
WebSpace session in the exact state they left it.
If the network connection is lost or if users unintentionally disconnect from iFIX WebSpace, their
session state is preserved for the length of time specified in the iFIX WebSpace Administration. After
a user is authenticated through normal logon procedures, the iFIX WebSpace Server determines if the
user has an active session. If so, that session is resumed and appears exactly as it did prior to
disconnection. If not, a new session is started. Users are also able to disconnect from one client and
reconnect to the session from another client.
When attempting to reconnect to a disconnected session, users are required to specify their logon
credentials. After the server validates them, the server reconnects them to the disconnected session. If
the session is hosted on a server that is part of a load-balanced configuration, the user is routed to his
or her session without any indication that the session is on a load-balanced server.
Shadowing a Session
Session shadowing allows multiple users to view and control a single iFIX WebSpace session. This
allows technical support and system administrators to provide remote assistance to customers and
users. Session shadowing may also be used for live collaboration.
Only administrators can connect to running iFIX WebSpace sessions, but only with permission from
the session's user.
70
To shadow a session:
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration application, in the main window, click the Sessions
tab.
2.
From the Sessions Name column, select the session(s) you would like to shadow.
3.
Advanced Topics
-Or-
From the Sessions Name column, right-click the session you would like to shadow,
then click Connect.
Once the session is selected, a message is displayed to the session's user requesting permission to
connect to the session. If the user clicks Yes, and allows access to his or her session, the connection is
made immediately and the iFIX WebSpace session opens in a new frame window.
If the user clicks No and denies access, the following message is displayed on the server:
The session's owner has denied access to the session.
Session shadowing will also be denied when the session is disconnected, when the session is in the
process of shutting down, or when the user fails to respond within one minute. Connection is also
denied in the event of an iFIX WebSpace communication failure.
The Sessions tab in the main windows of the iFIX WebSpace Administration displays the number of
clients connected to a session. Two or more clients in the Connected Clients column indicates that the
session is being shadowed. Disconnected sessions have 0 connected clients. To disconnect from a
session and end session shadowing, simply close the frame window where the session is displayed.
NOTE: When an iFIX WebSpace session is being shadowed, the server's cursor remains on the client
until that session is closed. It does not go away even when the session is no longer being shadowed.
Terminating Sessions
When terminating a user's session, all iFIX WebSpace sessions for that user stop, and the user is
logged off the iFIX WebSpace Server.
To terminate a session:
1.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration application, in the main window, click the Sessions
tab.
2.
From the Session Name column, select the session(s) you want to terminate.
3.
You can also right-click on the selected session(s) and click Terminate from the shortcut
menu.
Terminating a session without giving users a chance to close their application can result
in the loss of data.
71
iFIX* WebSpace
disconnects. This extra minute allows iFIX to shut itself down gracefully instead of getting terminated
immediately. The After 1 minute option is the default setting.
If you select the After 1 minute option, a "Proficy iFIX shutdown" message appears in the event log
and the processes stop gracefully. With the Immediately option, running processes get terminated
without notice, and stop immediately.
The Sessions tab in the main windows of the iFIX WebSpace Administration displays the number of
clients connected to a session. Disconnected sessions have 0 connected clients.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
In the Disconnected sessions terminate area, select one of the following disconnected session
termination options:
5.
Immediately
After _ minutes. In the edit box, type the number of minutes plus one that sessions
should remain running after their clients disconnect. For example, if you want to
leave it running 2 minutes, enter 3 minutes in this edit field.
Click OK.
72
1.
On the Start menu, point to Programs, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, and then
click Performance. The Performance window appears.
2.
Click the + button to add counter(s). The Add Counters dialog box appears.
3.
From the Performance Object drop-down list, locate and click iFIX WebSpace Server.
4.
From the Counter list, select the desired counters (Active Sessions, Client Connections,
Maximum Sessions, Server Connections) and click Add.
5.
Click Close.
Advanced Topics
Description
Client
Connections
Server
Connections
Not applicable.
Active Sessions
Maximum
Sessions
This displays the Maximum Sessions per user setting in the Server Options
dialog, on the Session Startup tab.
73
iFIX* WebSpace
Log Files
The iFIX WebSpace Server creates log files for certain iFIX WebSpace processes. These files are
stored in the log directory and are used to record program errors and events. With this information, GE
Fanuc Technical Support can diagnose and correct problems that may arise. This can be especially
helpful for errors that are only reproducible on specific machines or with a specific application.
All log files, whether they pertain to the client or server machine, are located in the iFIX ALM folder
on the iFIX WebSpace Server. By default this path is: C:\Program Files\GE Fanuc\Proficy iFIX\ALM.
In Log folder are three subfolders: Backup, Codes, and Templates. Be careful not to delete these
folders. iFIX WebSpace messages are recorded within log files prefixed with aps and followed by the
date and time (to the nearest millisecond) the iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service was
started (for example: aps_2007-04-04_09-55-47-636.html). A new log file is created each time the
iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service is started. The log file with the latest date and time
stamp contains messages for the current, or most recent instance of the iFIX WebSpace Application
Publishing Service.
Problems detected in the execution of iFIX WebSpace are described by entries in the log file. Each
entry is uniquely identified by an item number along with a date and time stamp, and a description of
the event or program error. GE Fanuc Technical Support uses this information to locate a problem's
source and to determine its resolution.
Entries in the log file may also include prefixes for locating messages associated with an individual
user's session. If the event occurred within the context of a given session, the name of the session will
appear at the beginning of the message, for example, SuzyG on Server1. If the message prefix contains
the connection name aps, the event occurred within the iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing
Service, but was not associated with a connection to another process.
For example, for "iexplore (1908) A client at IP address 3.26.60.91 disconnected from session Logon2
on Fxbifixoct," 1908 is the ID of the process in which the event took place, 3.26.60.91 is the IP address
of the iFIX WebSpace session, and Fxbifixoct is the name of the iFIX WebSpace Server.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
In the Folder edit box, type the path to the new directory or browse to its location.
NOTE: You should move the Backup folder and existing log files to the new location, along with the
74
Advanced Topics
Description
No output
Errors
5, 6
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
In the Output level edit box, enter one of the above numeric values.
NOTES:
Setting the log output value to 5 or 6 may adversely affect iFIX WebSpace
performance. These output levels yield very large files, and should only be used in a
controlled environment - preferably when no clients are accessing the iFIX
WebSpace Server. The default value for the Output level is 2.
Changes to the Output Level are applied to iFIX WebSpace sessions that are started
after the change.
75
iFIX* WebSpace
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
5.
In the Files more than _ days old field, specify how old (in days) log files can become before
being deleted.
6.
In the _ MBs in size field, specify at what size (in megabytes) log files are to be deleted.
7.
Click OK.
8.
From the iFIX WebSpace Administration, on the server list, select the desired server.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Server Options. The Server Options dialog box appears.
3.
4.
In the Maintenance area, from the drop-down list, select Back Up.
5.
In the Files more than _ days old field, specify how old (in days) log files can become before
being moved to the Backup subdirectory of the Log folder.
6.
In the _ MBs in size field, specify at what size (in megabytes) log files are to be moved to the
Backup subdirectory of the Log folder.
7.
Click OK.
8.
Once every half hour, and each time it is started, the iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service
searches the Log folder for files that have not been modified for more than the specified number of
days. It then either deletes the files or moves them to the Backup subdirectory of the Log folder. If
while sweeping the log files, the iFIX WebSpace Application Publishing Service finds that nothing
that the age or size limit has been met in the current log file, it closes the file and installs a newly
created file in its place.
By default, inactive log files are backed up after 7 days or when the file size has reached 20 MB.
76
Advanced Topics
77
iFIX* WebSpace
2.
In the Location box, type http:// followed by the server name and then iFIXWebSpace. For
example:
http://ServerName/iFIXWebSpace
A message box appears the first time you log on to this page.
3.
4.
2.
3.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options. The Internet Options dialog box appears.
3.
On the General tab, in the Temporary Internet Files area, click Delete Files. A message box
appears.
4.
Click OK to continue.
If you are still having difficulty, consult an administrator to check for conflict directories.
78
Advanced Topics
HTML page containing the plug-in. The iFIX WebSpace Embedded Plug-in is available to Windows
users running Mozilla Firefox.
To run the iFIX Embedded WebSpace Plug-in:
1.
2.
In the URL box, type http:// followed by the server name and then iFIXWebSpace. For
example:
http://ServerName/iFIXWebSpace
3.
4.
Open Firefox.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Add-ons. The Add-ons dialog box appears.
3.
Click the Extensions tab and select the iFIX WebSpace Embedded Plug-in.
4.
5.
Restart Firefox.
2.
On the Tools menu, click Options. The Options dialog box appears.
3.
Click Advanced.
4.
5.
If you are still having difficulty, consult an administrator to check for conflict directories.
79
iFIX* WebSpace
Reference Information
For additional information on working with the iFIX WebSpace product, refer to the following
supplementary sections:
Action/Result
Application Tab
Double-click
application
CTRL+A*
DELETE
CTRL+TAB
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB
CTRL+P
F1
F5
ALT+F4
* The Launch.exe application must be selected in order for these keyboard shortcuts to work.
80
Advanced Topics
Description
/targetdir=c:\Path
Sets the install folder, where c:\Path represents the path where
you want the iFIX WebSpace to install to.
/inifile=c:\Path\installconfig.ini
/quiet
/webserver=iis | apache
If both IIS and Apache are detected, specify which to use. The
default is to use IIS.
NOTE: The /nomsg option available for iFIX only installs, is currently not supported for the iFIX
WebSpace install.
Example
This example installs the iFIX WebSpace quietly using a custom installation file in the user's
c:\myfolder directory. In this case, both IIS and Apache are installed, but the iFIX WebSpace install is
directed to use Apache.
Setup.exe /inifile=c:\myfolder\installconfig.ini /quiet /webserver=apache
81
iFIX* WebSpace
Glossary
ActiveX
A set of technologies and tools developed by Microsoft Corporation that enable software components
to interact with one another in a networked environment, regardless of the language in which the
components were created.
Bandwidth
A measure of the volume of information that can be transmitted over a communications link.
Technically, bandwidth refers to the width of the frequency spectrum available on a certain
technology.
Batch file
An ASCII text file containing a sequence of operating-system commands, possibly including
parameters and operators supported by the batch command language. When the user types a batch
filename at the command prompt, the commands are processed sequentially. Also called batch
program.
Binary file
A file consisting of a sequence of 8-bit data or executable code, as distinguished from files consisting
of human-readable ASCII text. Binary files are usually in a form readable only by a program, often
compressed or structured in a way that is easy for a particular program to read.
Bridge
A device that connects networks using the same communications protocols so that information can be
passed from one to the other. A device that connects two local area networks, whether or not they use
the same protocols
Client/Server Model
A model of computing whereby client applications running on desktops or personal computers access
information on remote servers or host computers.
Domain
A group of computers and devices on a network that are administered as a unit with common rules and
procedures.
Ethernet
A local area network that connects computing devices, printers, and terminals.
82
Advanced Topics
Gateway
A computer that forwards and routes data between two or more networks of any size.
Group
An account containing other accounts called members. The rights and permissions assigned to a group
are also provided to its members.
Host
Any computer that provides services to remote users.
HTTP
The communication protocol used to connect servers on the World Wide Web.
JavaScript
A scripting language developed by Netscape to help Web authors create and customize applications.
Although JavaScript is commonly confused with Java, it was developed independently.
LAN
A group of computer systems in close proximity that can communicate with one another via some
connecting hardware and software.
83
iFIX* WebSpace
Menu Bar
The horizontal bar below the title bar that contains the names of all the application's menus.
Network
A communications system that links two or more computers.
Network Computer
Computers or terminals with little or no memory or disk storage, network computers (NCs) are
designed to connect to a network. NCs are more affordable than PCs and can be administered from a
central network server.
Network Drive
On a local area network, a disk drive whose disk is available to other computers on the network.
Access to a network drive might not be allowed to all users of the network; many operating systems
contain security provisions that enable a network administrator to grant or deny access to part or all of
a network drive.
Operating System
A collection of programs that monitor the use of the system and supervise the other programs executed
by it.
Port
A connection point on your computer where you can connect devices that pass data into and out of a
computer, such as a printer.
Remote Access
The hookup of a remote computing device via communication lines such as phone lines or wide area
networks to access network applications and information.
Server
Networked computer that provides resources or services to remote clients.
SMTP
The Internet standard protocol for transferring electronic mail messages from one computer to another.
SMTP specifies how two mail systems interface and the format of control messages they exchange to
transfer mail.
84
Advanced Topics
Status Bar
Usually located at the bottom of a window, the status bar provides information relating to the
application.
TCP/IP
A combined set of protocols that performs the transfer of data between two computers. TCP monitors
and ensures correct transfer of data. IP receives the data from TCP, breaks it up into packets, and ships
it off to a network within the Internet.
Title bar
The horizontal bar that contains the title of the window. The title bar is located at the top of the
window.
URL
The name that uniquely identifies a page of a hypertext document accessible via the World Wide Web.
For example: http://www.gefanuc.com/support
User Profile
A user profile includes all the per-user settings of the user's desktop environment, such as screen
colors, screen savers, printer connections, window size and position, desktop arrangement, and so on.
WAN
A set of computers located in geographically diverse locations and connected for the purpose of
sharing applications and data.
85
Index
A
ActiveX.................................................................... 82
encryption ................................................................ 62
administrators .......................................................... 54
Ethernet.................................................................... 82
Bandwidth................................................................ 82
features .................................................................... 28
Bridge ...................................................................... 82
firewall ..................................................................... 63
caching..................................................................... 63
Gateway ................................................................... 83
Glossary ................................................................... 82
Group ....................................................................... 83
Clipboard ................................................................. 43
configuration...................................................... 34, 37
Host ......................................................................... 83
Domain .................................................................... 82
HTTP ....................................................................... 83
drivers ...................................................................... 48
drives ....................................................................... 43
idle limit................................................................... 60
87
iFIX* WebSpace
output levels............................................................. 75
JavaScript ................................................................ 83
Passwords ................................................................ 65
performance ............................................................. 52
Plug-in ..................................................................... 77
LAN ......................................................................... 83
Port .......................................................................... 84
levels ........................................................................ 75
printing .................................................................... 51
Process ID................................................................ 69
progress.................................................................... 57
reconnect.................................................................. 70
refreshing ................................................................. 67
Network ................................................................... 84
remapping ................................................................ 46
88
iFIX WebSpace
router ....................................................................... 63
terminate .................................................................. 71
Server....................................................................... 84
session encryption.................................................... 62
URL ......................................................................... 85
shadowing ................................................................ 70
user .......................................................................... 55
SMTP....................................................................... 84
Sounds ..................................................................... 43
WAN ....................................................................... 85
T
TCP/IP ..................................................................... 85
89