Siemens’ S7 OPC Redundancy application enables users to design redundant server systems for fail-safe connections to HMI devices within industrial Ethernet or Profibus networks.

OPC (openness, productivity and collaboration) is a standardized and open interface for connecting Windows applications using protocols such as S7-communication, Profinet and SNMP. This software’s extended development version, OPC UA (unified architecture), also provides security and redundancy functions.

Within a redundant server structure, a backup server immediately assumes the functions of the failed OPC UA server in the event of a power outage or system failure. When this happens, connected clients, such as HMI devices, can access the central data and remain operational without interruption. In normal operation, clients are distributed evenly across all connected servers, providing improved use of IT resources.