The OPC .NET (prevsiouly OPC Xi) specification defines a .NET interface for the data exchange between local and remote automation systems and uses Microsoft WCF (Windows Communication Foundation) for the communication.
OPC .NET combines the functionality of the OPC DA, A&E and HDA into a single interface and is designed to make the implementation of wrappers for classic OPC servers simple and efficient.
Basing the .NET specification on WCF keeps the specification and the server/client implementation simple. WCF handles all communication details and options.
OPC .NET is designed for communication with high performance and high security. This is achieved by using WCF is specific ways and grouping the .NET functionality so that sensitive data can be communicated with high security while for other data is transferred at a lower, more efficient security levels.
This whitepaper intends to give an overview of the design concept with the available features and restrictions related to certain configuration options.