Advantech WebAccess/SCADA uses an ordinary web server as our Project Node.
Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Server) is a standard option in Windows 7 Professional SP1, Windows 10 Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012R2 or later. WebAccess will install IIS automatically.
The Project Node provides the initial link between Clients and the SCADA nodes. After that link, the Web browser clients communicate directly to the SCADA Node. The connection to the Project Node is dropped until the Refresh button is pressed (which not normally done while using WebAccess).
The Project Node is a Web Server. At least one web server is required in order to do database configuration, graphics building and to download run-time databases from the Project Node to the SCADA Node(s). A Project Node web server is also needed to access the centralized logs.
SCADA nodes are usually not web servers. For stand alone installations the Project Node and SCADA node are often combined on one PC. A SCADA node can optionally be a web server as a way to provide redundant paths for remote Clients to connect to the SCADA Node(s). For more information, see 16.1.3.2 Connect without Project Node.
A redundant Web Server is easily implemented to point users to the SCADA Nodes. (SCADA Nodes can be redundant also).
This makes WebAccess a "fully" web-based solution. WebAccess enables engineers, integrators and vendors with the ability to support their systems remotely over an intranet or the Internet using an ordinary web browser.
It is possible for remote Clients to connect to SCADA nodes without a web server. See 16.1.3.1 Connect without Web Server, for more information.
ASP (Active Server Pages) are used as the Engineering Tool in WebAccess, for HTML reports, and initial client connections. An ASP enabled Web Server is required. Microsoft IIS is the only ASP enabled Web Server software suite supported by WebAccess SCADA and HMI software.
For more information, see the Project Node System Requirements and IIS on the Project Node. See the Troubleshooting section to Determine if IIS is installed on your Project Node computer.