Communication Optimization and Performance Management

In large projects, you might need to read thousands of tags from a PLC. Trying to read all data continuously through a single channel can extend the communication Cycle Time and slow down screen response times.

Wise SCADA offers two powerful methods to distribute this load and increase performance:

1. Multi-Channel Usage over Ethernet

Ethernet (TCP) based PLCs (especially like Fulmatic PLCs) have the capacity to accept multiple TCP connections (Sockets) simultaneously (e.g., Fulmatic PLCs have 5 TCP channels available).

• Method: You can add multiple “Networks” (Protocol Drivers) with the same IP address in the project tree.
• Logic: By distributing your tags across these networks (Network 1, Network 2…), you pull data through 5 parallel pipes instead of a single one. This significantly increases the data reading speed.

2. Page-Based Reading and Device Management

Normally, in Ethernet protocols, there is a single Station (Device) under an IP address. However, Wise SCADA allows you to create multiple Devices under the same network even in Ethernet protocols, enabling you to group data logically.

This feature allows you to implement the “Read only what is visible on the screen” strategy.

Example Scenario: You have a single PLC with IP address 192.168.0.10 in the field.

• Device 1 (Critical Data – Always On):
  • Add 3-5 critical tags containing the system’s start/stop, alarm, and main status under this device.
  • Leave the Enable property of this Device empty (or set it to continuously True).
  • Result: SCADA always reads this data in the fastest way possible.
• Device 2 (Detail Data – Page Dependent):
  • Add 100 parameter tags that appear only on the “Detail Settings” page under this second device (which shares the same IP).
  • Bind a tag indicating that the page is open (e.g., Page_Detail_Active) to the Enable property of this Device.

Result: While the operator is on the main screen, SCADA reads only 3 critical data points, keeping network traffic to a minimum. When the operator opens the detail page, Device 2 activates (becomes Enabled), and reading of the 100 tags begins. Reading stops immediately when the page is closed.
Summary: Whether Serial (RS485) or Ethernet; segmenting data and managing it with the Enable property is the most effective way to maximize system performance.