Configure n-way buffering for AF SDK clients

Once you have successfully configured buffering, AF SDK data is buffered by default if possible.If the buffering service is running, security is properly configured, and the target Data Archive server is configured for buffering, then data sent by AF SDK to Data Archive is buffered. If the target is a Data Archive collective, data is sent to all collective members (or fanned). No additional configuration is required.

AF SDK applications can override the default buffering behavior, either to bypass buffering or require buffering.

If buffering is not configured, or if the configuration is incomplete, then AF SDK data is written directly to Data Archive and data sent to Data Archive collectives is not fanned. If the server becomes unavailable, data loss occurs.

If needed you can modify the default buffering behavior for AF SDK data. You can either turn off AF SDK buffering or you can require buffering, which means data will not be written if the buffering service becomes unavailable. Use PI System Explorer to modify the default setting for AF SDK buffering.

First install PI Asset Framework 2.6.1 or later. These instructions also assume that you have already configured one or more Data Archive computers to receive buffered data from this computer. If not, start PI System Explorer and click Tools > Buffering Manager to configure buffering, then follow these instructions.

1. To change the default configuration for AF SDK buffering, start PI System Explorer and click Tools > Buffering Manager.

   Alternatively, you can click File > Connections, and then click Buffering Manager.

2. In the Buffering Settings window, click Show advanced global configuration.

3. In the AF SDK Buffering list, select the setting you want:

   • To turn off buffering for AF SDK data, select Do not buffer.

   • To require buffering to send AF SDK data to Data Archive, select Always buffer.

   Note: Use the Always buffer option with care. If data cannot be buffered for any reason, it will not be sent to the target Data Archive server or collective. Since it cannot be buffered, the data will be lost.

4. Click Save.