The edge

Let’s start with our first IIoT component: the edge. The edge is a key component able to connect to the data source and send it to the cloud. In other words, the edge is the bridge between the data source and the central IoT system.

Installing a simple edge client

Before starting our edge, we suggest installing a simple graphical client. This client will allow us to explore in a more graphical way the OPC UA server, identify the registry and, in some cases, debug the connectivity. From https://www.unified-automation.com/products/development-tools/uaexpert.html, install the uaexpert client.

Now, we can configure the server and we can add the OPC UA Simulation Server. Navigate to Servers | Add new | Customer Discovery| Add new | opc.tcp://localhost:26543.

The following screenshot shows the steps to accomplish this:

Figure 6.3 – Step 1 – configuring the server

Accept the certificate, click on None, and start your...