OPC UA Client

OPC UA Client Product Overview

An OPC tunneling solution includes the Kepware connectivity platform with the OPC UA Client driver. The OPC Unified Architecture (UA) open standard is used to provide an ideal tunnel for device communications between two instances of Kepware: one instance that functions as the tunnel client and another instance that functions as the tunnel server. The OPC UA Client driver pairs with the UA Server interface of Kepware to transfer data securely and reliably.

The tunneling solution uses a client/server architecture for secure and reliable real-time data tunneling through firewalls and across the internet, WAN, or LAN. It also allows for easy remote communications between devices, data sources, and applications by eliminating the reliance on Microsoft COM and DCOM technology.

• Supports OPC tunneling for OPC DA 1.0 and 2.05a
• Works within the corporate network, over VPNs, through firewalls, and across the internet, WAN, or LAN
• Provides remote access for OPC, native interfaces, and DDE
• Supports Media Level Redundancy, including the ability to configure secondary tunnels and triggering conditions
• Includes data encryption via RSA Standards
• Offers endpoint authentication through x509 certificates
• Features automatic discovery of OPC UA servers
• Supports structured data for communication and storage optimizations
• Supports the Nano profile to allow OPC UA access to data produced by embedded devices
• Features automatic tag database generation
• Has the ability to set OPC UA server priorities
• Supports Poll or Report by Exception (on data change)
• Offers endpoint management on a per connection basis
• Has the ability to integrate third-party server data with all Kepware drivers
• Offers Keep Alive and Watchdog features to ensure reliable connectivity

• OPC Unified Architecture (UA)

• English
• German
• Japanese
• Simplified Chinese

• DDE Format CF_Text and AdvancedDDE
• NIO Interface for iFIX
• OPC Alarms and Events (OPC AE) Version 1.10
• OPC Data Access (OPC DA) Versions 1.0a, 2.0, 2.05a, and 3.0
• OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) Clients
• SuiteLink and FastDDE for Wonderware

• OPC UA Client Manual
• Localized Manuals

Access and search all Kepware product release notes here.

• Manufacturing Suite
• OPC Connectivity Suite
• Siemens Plus Suite

• Easier setup and configuration than DCOM
• Firewall-friendly
• Robust portfolio of client interfaces and devices
• Secure and reliable data transfer using 256-bit AES message signing and encryption
• Multi-threaded architecture and non-blocking asynchronous messaging for performance, scalability, and reliability
• Easy troubleshooting through diagnostic tools

OPC UA Client FAQ

What is an OPC tunneling solution?

An OPC tunneling solution securely connects OPC clients and servers across networks by replacing DCOM with encrypted, firewall-friendly communication protocols.

How does the OPC UA Client driver support tunneling in Kepware?

The OPC UA Client Driver acts as a client to a remote OPC UA server (often another Kepware instance), allowing data to flow securely between the two, even across firewalls, VPNs, or disparate networks. It enables remote access to OPC DA data and other industrial protocols without exposing devices directly.

Is the OPC tunneling solution secure for industrial environments?

Yes, it bypasses DCOM and supports encryption, certificate-based authentication, and data-level redundancy for reliability.

What types of networks are supported for OPC tunneling?

Various networks are supported with OPC tunneling, including but not limited to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, and segmented networks.

What industries benefit from OPC tunneling with Kepware?

Any industry concerned with securing their devices across diverse landscapes can benefit from OPC tunneling with Kepware. Examples include manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, oil and gas, food and beverage, and consumer goods.