Learn how PI System products access the known servers table (KST)
- Last UpdatedDec 16, 2024
- 3 minute read
- PI System
- PI Server 2024 R2
- PI Server
The known servers table (KST) stores information about Data Archive servers and AF Servers required for connections by various PI Server products. Depending on whether the product is PI SDK-based or AF SDK-based, the KST is stored in different locations: In a local file or in the Windows registry.
The tables below categorize PI Server products based on their KST access methods, highlighting which products use a file-based KST and which rely on the Windows registry.
Note: Starting with PI AF Client 2024, AF SDK-based products read the Data Archive portion of the KST from a local file instead of the Windows registry. This change introduces a more modern approach to configuration management, where settings are stored in easily accessed files. To take advantage of this new behavior, it is necessary to upgrade to PI AF Client 2024 or later.
PI System products that use the file-based KST (AF SDK-Based)
The following products read the Data Archive portion of the KST from a local file when PI AF Client 2024 or later is installed.
|
PI Server products |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PI Asset Framework (AF) Client |
Allows applications to interact with PI Asset Framework, and access its data structures and configurations to support comprehensive asset management and analytical tasks. |
|
PI Web API |
The PI Web API is a RESTful service in the Developer Technologies suite, designed to provide cross-platform web and mobile programmatic interfaces to the PI System. |
|
PI Vision |
Web-based tool that allows users to create and interact with visual displays of PI System data. Users can build custom dashboards, trends, and charts to visualize real-time data from PI Server, aiding in process monitoring and decision-making. |
|
PI DataLink |
Excel add-in that allows users to pull data from the PI System into Microsoft Excel. It provides functions to query and display time-series data, making it easier to perform analysis and generate reports using Excel’s tools. |
|
PowerShell Tools for the PI System |
Delivers a set of PowerShell commands designed for scripting and automating routine tasks within the PI System, enhancing operational efficiency through automation. |
PI System products that use the Windows registry-based KST (PI SDK-Based)
The following products read the Data Archive portion of the KST from the Windows registry. These products are PI SDK-based, using a method of configuration storage that directly interacts with the operating system’s registry.
|
PI Server products |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PI Buffering Manager |
Manages buffering to ensure continuous and reliable data delivery to the PI Data Archive, especially important in networked environments. |
|
PI Collective Manager |
Manages PI Server Collectives, which are groups of PI Servers configured to ensure high availability and load balancing of data access and storage. |
|
PI Module Database Builder (MDB) |
A tool for creating and managing the PI Module Database, which organizes and categorizes PI System elements for easier management and retrieval. |
|
PI ProcessBook (Retired) |
A desktop application used to create graphical displays and trends of PI System data. It allows users to design custom visualizations for monitoring and analyzing process data. Note that PI ProcessBook is a legacy product, with many users now migrating to PI Vision for similar functionality. |
|
PI Software Development Kit (PI SDK Utility) |
Provides a collection of programming tools and libraries that enable the development of custom applications integrated with the PI System, offering flexibility in creating tailored solutions for specific engineering challenges. |
|
PI System Management Tools (PI SMT) |
A comprehensive toolset for configuring, managing, and monitoring the PI System, supporting efficient system administration and operational oversight. |