Buffering types

Buffering queues data from PI interface nodes and client nodes in case the Data Archive server receiving the data becomes unavailable for any reason. For example, this might occur during a network outage, maintenance, or backup.

When the connection with the Data Archive server or collective is restored, the buffering service sends all the stored data from the buffer to the Data Archive server in the order it was received.

There are three types of data that can be buffered:

• PI API

  Data from PI API applications is usually buffered using PI Buffer Subsystem. If you send buffered data to PI Server version 3.4.370 or earlier, or if your interfaces run on a non-Windows platform, you need to use API Buffer Server.

• PI SDK

  Data from PI SDK applications can be buffered only using PI Buffer Subsystem. PI SDK buffering was introduced with PI SDK 2010 R2.

  Note: BuffSS is recommended for PI SDK version 1.4.7.602 and PI API version 1.6.9

• AF SDK

  Data from AF SDK applications can be buffered only using PI Buffer Subsystem. AF SDK buffering was introduced with PI Asset Framework 2014 (2.6).

  Note: Only one Buffer Type can be enabled on a machine at any time. If the Buffering dialog detects that more than one type is enabled, an error message is displayed.