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Tridium Niagara Knowledge Thread
So what is Tridium?
Tridium is the latest buzz word in the Building Automation Industry.
There are three driving factors behind the adoption of Tridium:
A large amount of third-party integration drivers
A distributor model that provides open availability of the product
A SDK that allows developers to customize their own integrations
Tridium is built on Niagara AX (or N4 as Tridium is calling the new platform) which is a proprietary framework.
Tridium itself is the brand name for the product built upon the AX framework. A typical Tridium device is comprised of several open and proprietary protocols provided on a scalable platform from which building operators can design their automation systems. This device called a JACE will be covered in greater detail later.
Tridium is typically delivered through smaller contracting outfits as a secondary product for the larger controls contractors (examples would be Siemens Talon, Johnson Controls Facility Explorer).
However, some companies have thoroughly embraced Tridium as their sole product. As of now, there are three main Tridium brands in the market these brands are Vykon, Honeywell Webs, and Johnson Controls Facility Explorer. (Author’s note, yes I know there are more systems, but I picked the top three for the sake of my fingers).
As I said earlier Tridium is built on the Niagara AX framework. Prior to AX Tridium was built on the R2 Framework. Thus when someone tells you they have a Tridium R2 system they are referring to the framework on which their platform is built.
There are four key parts to the Tridium offering :
Niagara AX Architecture
Niagara Structures
Niagara Protocols
Niagara Platforms
Niagara AX Architecture
Niagara Software Stack
If you have followed my other posts you will recall that both the TCP/IP and OSI Layer consist of Protocol stacks. Tridium AX as a framework is no different.
The Tridium architecture is built around a series of software layers that contain protocols, functions, and transmission mediums. For those who are familiar with the Top-Down OSI model layer, the Tridium AX software stack may look a little disjointed.
However, I assure you the data flow is built along with OSI model standards and Tridium software functions just like any other protocol stack.
Niagara AX Structures
Bringing integration through embedded programming.
The Tridium Architecture is built around four key structures which each contain their own protocols and processes. These four structures are:
Station– The station is a Java VM (or Virtual Machine) that runs the Niagara AX application. This is one of the reasons Tridium is so liked. Because of the station framework, users can run graphics and development applications through the station rather than needing additional software (usually).
Workbench– This is the engineering tool from which the database is developed, API’s (more on these later) are deployed, and various other engineering actions are conducted.
Daemon– The Daemon processes or as I call them VM background services. Is the functionality to run the background processes that a user does not need to see but are vital for the station to function. If you are a geek like me and you want to know more about Java Daemons, you can read about them here and here.
Web Browser– Ok, if you don’t know what a web browser is then I honestly do not know how you got to my site. That being said, for those of you whose computer mystically ended up on my blog a web browser is a program that you use to access the data on the internet. In the case of Niagara AX the web browser allows the user to perform web service calls and writes via HTTP/HTTPS through the Tridium UI. One of the most common forms of this is the Web Workbench which allows operators to engineer systems directly from a web connection to their local or remote station.
Niagara AX Protocols
The Protocols of Tridium
Tridium through its API’s and Java VM supports a slew of protocols. This platform supports the typical web services protocols that you would expect to find in the TCP/IP stack. Tridium also supports most of the open protocols of the BAS sector such as Lon, BACnet, and Modbus.
These protocols are open but depending on the protocol users are charged a fee for the object licenses or API’s (drivers). Tridium also has its own proprietary protocols, these are described below:
Fox Protocol- Fox protocol facilitates the communications between the stations and the workbench software. This is why when you go to integrate a Web server or a JACE you have to buy drivers that can communicate to your platform.
Because Fox is utilized to communicate between devices without a driver third-party systems cannot communicate to Tridium. Architecturally Fox sits at the top levels or application/transport levels of the TCP/IP Stack. Fox utilizes port 1911 to communicate with the fellow Tridium devices.
NiagarAd- NiagaraAd is the protocol for communication between workbench and daemon services. Whereas many competitive offerings utilize simple web services calls against XML data in their databases Tridium utilizes a proprietary protocol to call upon data.
Niagara AX Platforms
There are three main platforms from which the Tridium station collects and interfaces with the field devices. These devices are:
Tridium JACE’s (Java Application Control Engines)- The JACE is capable of being a standalone supervisory device and will host the station and daemon processes. As of currently, the workbench software cannot be embedded in a JACE.
Breakout of a Tridium Jace
Tridium Supervisors- These devices go by many names, server, host, web supervisor but essentially the supervisor is the machine that is running the Station for the customer’s site. supervisors usually provided enhanced trending, graphics, and alarming. Additionally, the supervisor is capable of hosting the Workbench software.
Tridium AX Software
Client- Not to be confused with a client-server architecture the client is Tridiums way of saying the UI. The client allows the user to connect to the station via a web browser or via the Workbench software.
Example of the Tridium UI
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Login to Niagara Community:
(must create an account)
https://www.niagara-community.com/Login
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Independent Tridium Training Classes:
https://www.movtraining.com/
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Another Site with Independent Tridium Training Classes:
https://buildingautomationmonthly.com/store/
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JCI Workbench User Guide:
https://docs.johnsoncontrols.com/bas...BrjbUYKD20KQvA
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I don't think Tridium is the latest buzz word but I like all the articles and training material. Thanks.
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Oh I am BUZZZZZZZING!
Hehe. THANK YOU for posting this stuff in one spot. I just wanted to post so I would get updates if there is anything new.
Hmmmm....smells like numbatwo to me.
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Thanks big guy! this is an awesome thread!
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TridiumTalks
TridiumTalks are a regularly scheduled webinar series hosted by Tridium subject matter experts on topics of interest to the Niagara Community. Each lasts from 45 - 60 minutes and usually features a short presentation, live demo and a question-and-answer session.
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk
Defending your business against cyber threats
Tridium chief architect Kevin T. Smith, author of the white paper Cybersecurity and the IoT — Threats, Best Practices and Lessons Learned, leads this TridiumTalk. Kevin overviews how to develop a strategy to defend against cyber threats, and details the organizational best practices to mitigate risk. Recognized industry expert James Johnson moderates and takes questions. Kevin and James cover the white paper material and provide additional insight during this hour-long TridiumTalk.
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/trid...ce59220ffa90fd
https://www.tridium.com/en/resources...1C09666F4.ashx
https://www.tridium.com/en/resources...B5717AF93.ashx
How your Niagara migration path just got more straightforward
With the introduction of Niagara AX version 3.8u1 featuring JACE® 8000 support, our next-generation hardware platform that’s optimized for Niagara 4 now optimizes the features of Niagara AX. In this TridiumTalk series, Mike Westerfield, hardware product manager, is joined by industry veteran Scott Boehm of VYKON by Tridium to discuss how advances in the Niagara Framework® such as this one give customers a more straightforward migration path..
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/ec31...c7c3b3e8f13200
https://www.vykon.com/TridiumTalk_pr...l-Aug_2016.pdf
Data Visualization with the Niagara Analytics Framework
In today’s information age, it’s not “Big Data” that matters – it’s what you do with it. Learn how you can turn data into actionable visualizations to optimize energy use and proactively diagnose and resolve issues. Join Tridium’s Ross Schwalm for a live demo to see firsthand how easy it is to build dashboards using the Niagara Analytics Framework.
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/trid...899be936c79979
https://www.vykon.com/TridiumTalk_Da..._Framework.pdf
Intelligent Alarming with the Niagara Analytics Framework
From commercial buildings to data centers and manufacturing facilities, businesses are capturing and analyzing real-time data to build intelligent alarms – with significant results. Join Tridium’s Ross Schwalm to learn how you can turn data into actionable information to optimize energy use and proactively diagnose and resolve issues. You’ll also view a live demo to see firsthand how easy it is to enable and maintain intelligent alarms using the Niagara Analytics Framework.
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/ec31...ecordingURL.do
https://www.vykon.com/TridiumTalk_In..._Framework.pdf
JACE 8000: An in-depth look
Tridium’s powerful new hardware platform is a dramatic revolution in connecting and controlling devices worldwide. See for yourself during this revealing TridiumTalk that covers everything from JACE 8000’s high performance core and WiFi configuration to its simplified licensing and distribution model. You’ll also see the impressive results from case studies completed during Beta..
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/trid...2d91b67b730f5f
https://www.vykon.com/TridiumTalk_JA...depth_look.pdf
Niagara 4: The Next-Generation Open Platform
With Niagara 4, Tridium is building on the legacy of the Niagara Framework in new and exciting ways. Get an overview of Niagara 4's features and benefits, and learn how Tridium is enhancing the industry-leading open framework for use in buildings, manufacturing facilities, data centers and more.
http://tridiumevents.webex.com/tridi...ccc6cb2bf7ad1c
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/T...n_Platform.pdf
Niagara 4 Compatibility and Migration
As Tridium builds the most powerful Niagara platform ever, we're committed to providing our partners with the tools to easily transition from existing Niagara-based systems to Niagara 4. Get a firsthand look in this important overview covering compatibility of existing platforms and migration tools and features, along with a live station migration demo.
http://tridiumevents.webex.com/tridi...4dfd76028e52ac
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/T...ember_2015.pdf
Niagara 4 Tagging and Templating
Niagara 4 delivers many notable improvements to help businesses take full advantage of the Internet of Things. Learn how you can maximize the value of tags and relationships, and get a firsthand look with this live demo showcasing Niagara 4's tagging and templating capabilities. You'll understand how to quickly integrate devices into a system and make data readily available for informed decision-making.
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/trid...837d285816e392
https://www.vykon.com/TridiumTalk_Ni...Templating.pdf
JACE 8000 Features and Niagara 4 Licensing
With nearly half a million instances worldwide, Niagara is quickly becoming the operating system of the Internet of Things. And with the anticipated release of Niagara 4 and the JACE 8000 controller, the opportunity to achieve operational excellence is even greater than before. Get an overview of Tridium’s powerful new hardware platform and a look at our new capacity-based licensing designed for simplicity and ease of use.
https://tridiumevents.webex.com/trid...867a5a67cfe4e3
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/T..._Licensing.pdf
Cyber security: why it matters
Join Tridium Chief Security Architect Kevin Smith for a comprehensive overview of cyber security. Learn the threats facing systems integrators, developers and end users, what Tridium is doing to help prevent them, as well as best practices.
https://www.vykon.com/Tridium_Talk_C...ed_4.20.16.pdf
Best practices for securing Niagara
VYKON works closely with our partners to make cyber security education and training an ongoing emphasis. In this TridiumTalk, Kevin T. Smith, Chief Security Architect at Tridium, provides an overview of best practices for securing Niagara, focusing on such areas as configuration, network security, physical security and user security. This session also covers key security features of Niagara 4, in-depth examples, and a Niagara cyber security “game plan” for your organization.
https://www.vykon.com/TridiumTalk__B...ed_4.20.16.pdf
Last edited by bigguy158; 03-31-2020 at 02:47 PM.
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More Tridium Talks
January: Tridium's Developer Program - What's New in 2014
Learn about the program resources and how it can help you strengthen your developer skills.
Tridium’s Developer Program may be one of its best kept secrets, but no more! Tridium’s Jason Spangler, Software Engineer and a member of Tridium Professional Services team, reviewed the Developer Program highlights. During the sessions, he will covered:
Tridium’s extensive selection of online tutorials
Code samples that will help you further your developer skills
Additional enhancements to the Developer Training Program
Developer Support Agreements – why you want this
How to become part of the Tridium Developer Program
Jason also reviewed the capabilities of Tridium Professional Services. TPS offers expert consultation to customers through its Developer Consulting program, creating customer Niagara based drivers and applications to get our partners to market faster. Learn more about the services that TPS offers and how you can take advantage.
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/2...r_Program.pptx
November: Getting Started with Program Services
The November TridiumTalk provided an introduction to the Program Services feature in Niagara. This session focused on the Program Service’s feature that allows users to create customized components. Les Newman, a member of Tridium’s Technical Support team, led this session of TridiumTalk.
In this session, Les showed how to configure a program object in Workbench and how to use the Robot Editor. TheProgramModule was demonstrated and a module was created (containing programs) that can be used to handle versioning. Additionally, Les showed how to modify the program templates in the Program Module. Questions and answers time will concluded the session.
This session is targeted for those who may have not used the Program Services module before, but all levels are welcome to participate and encouraged to join in the TridiumTalk.
http://tridium.webex.com/tridium/lsr...7df372522ec4e9
October: Selling Niagara – Best Practices
With almost 400,000 instances installed globally, the Niagara Framework® has become a de-facto industry standard for integrating facilities on a common software platform. Getting the property owner to say yes has become easier but you still need to sell the benefits of the intelligent integrated building.
Join Tridium for this month’s TridiumTalk, as our experienced sales team reviews best practices for getting to yes when selling Niagara. Our experts will discuss the key benefits of Niagara and tie them into features of the software. After this session, you will be able to demonstrate why the Niagara Framework is the solution for most integrations.
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/2..._Framework.pdf
June: Keeping Niagara Systems Secure – a two-part series
Part 1 – Niagara Security Part 1 focused on basic Niagara security concepts. Led by Tridium’s Global Training Manager, Gerard Huff, this session reviewed important basic information intended to keep a Niagara system secure. Topics covered in his session included:
Intro to Niagara security
Changing default credentials
Using strong passwords
Utilizing account lockout features
Password expiration and history functions
Disabling default Admin and Guest accounts
Recommendation to use SSL
Recommendation to use Secure Communications (VPN/RSAID)
Due to an error in recording, we are unable to present a integrated presentation/audio session.
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/K...ure_Part_1.mp3
https://tridium.webex.com/tridium/ld...4823ffd9542bf3
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/J...User_Admin.pdf
Part 2 – Niagara Security Part 2 focused on more advanced Niagara security concepts. Bill Smith, lead software engineer for security development, led Part 2 of this discussion. Bill has worked for Tridium as a software engineer since 2000 and is the lead developer of many of the security aspects in the recently released Niagara AX 3.7. Highlights for Part 2 include:
Intro to connection security
SSL connectivity
Niagara certificate management
VPNs and other secure connections
https://tridium.webex.com/tridium/ls...514730beb8df8a
https://www.vykon.com/tridium-talk/K...cure-Part2.pdf
April: LonNetwork – Planning and Diagnostics
In this recent TridiumTalk, Kevin Williamson, technical support manager, provided a brief review of Lonworks Networks’ integration the Tridium way. In this session he covered:
Learning how to use the built-in tools to diagnose
Solving potentially complex LON installation issues
Proper configuration when the station is not used to manage the Lonworks network
Tridium offered two sessions of this TridiumTalk. Click on the link below to access webinar recordings.
https://tridium.webex.com/tridium/ld...db098e1a34317e
https://tridium.webex.com/tridium/ld...97367748a36cb1
March: Migration from R2 to Niagara AX
After June 30, 2013, no more new projects based on R2 will be allowed. by the end of 2015, Tridium will no longer repair, replace or provide technical support R2 products.
Attend the March TridiumTalk and learn about the transition plan from R2 to Niagara AX and how you can best prepare for the impending transition. Join Rick Weisensale, Tridium senior product manager, as he reviews the best way to transition from R2 to Niagara AX:
R2 End-of-Life timeline
Advantages of Niagara AX over R2
New platforms supporting both R2 and Niagara AX
New R2 “Like” platform tools in Niagara AX
https://tridium.webex.com/tridium/ld...349a44d2df35b6
December: Niagara Diagnostics
The session will feature a comprehensive review of Niagara Platform and Station diagnostics. Included in the review:
Using a browser to diagnose issues
Using Niagara Workbench AX to diagnose issues
A discussion of platform and station limitations
Built-in diagnostic tools for station and platform
Other tools and utlities such as wireshark, modscan 32 and Lon Protocol Analyzer
We will also cover what information you need to have when you make a call to Tridium Technical Support as well as how to report issues you may have found and to whom you should report them.
https://tridium.webex.com/tridium/ls...b4dea383aecf31
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Flippin heck Bigguy, you must be sitting at home with not much to do with your time for some reason methinks.
Well done and thanks.
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Originally Posted by
bigguy158
So what is Tridium?
Tridium is the latest buzz word in the Building Automation Industry.
2005 called, where have you been?
To add the the list, these guys in the UK do a great job with their videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJ...confirmation=1
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bigguy158, thank you for posting all of this very valuable information collectively in one thread! This will be a valuable resource for years to come for many new and experienced industry professionals. Cheers!
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Tridium is launching a new series of our TridiumTalk webinars featuring our most popular speakers and topics. Our team is 'all in' when it comes to wanting to help the Niagara Community use this quarantine period productively. So stay at home and follow social distancing measures, while learning how to utilize the provisioning service in a Niagara Supervisor more effectively. James Johnson, author of the popular VYKON Pro Tech Tips materials, will walk through how to perform tasks such as disaster recovery backups, managing station and platform users, managing TLS certificates, updating security settings, configuring NTP, deploying templates and more.
4/16/20 11AM Eastern
Register Here:
https://tridium.zoom.us/webinar/regi...NSQktvQkJRRyJ9
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Bigguy158
Thank you sir. Excellent list of information. Helping me out tremendously with my changeover from ALC to Niagara. Hope to return the favor someday
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Next Tridium talk.
Niagara 4 is in its ninth release, so if you are still on a legacy Niagara Framework
platform, you are missing out on powerful new graphics visualization, provisioning, tagging and analytics enhancements. Upgrading now offers new functionality built into Niagara 4 that supports critical edge control of field equipment as well as the ACE engine for fast restart times. Plus, Niagara 4 customers with active licenses can be confident that their software incorporates the latest cyber-security upgrades and cyber defense features.
April 30, 2020
http://go3.tridium.com/P000g0oSDG0Cu40v0k3M7j3
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