View buffering sessions with the PIBufss

Each buffer session represents a connection between the PI Buffer Subsystem (PIBufss) and a Data Archive server or Data Archive collective member. Depending on the version of PIBufss, you can view sessions using either the Buffering Manager, the command line, or the PI Interface Configuration Utility (PI ICU).

Note: The Buffering Manager feature is available only for PI Buffer Subsystem (PIBufss) version 4.3 and later. For earlier versions, use the command line or PI Interface Configuration Utility (PI ICU) to view buffering sessions.

View buffering sessions

1. Using Buffering Manager (PIBufss 4.3 or later):

   • Open Buffering Manager from your system's Start menu or the PIBufss installation directory (\pipc\bin\)

   • Navigate to the Buffering Sessions tab to view connection details, server states, and buffering metrics.

2. Using the command line:

   • Open a Command Prompt: Navigate to the PIBufss installation directory (\pipc\bin\).

   • Run the Command:

     pibufss -cfg

   • Review the output for connection details, metrics, and buffering status.

3. Using PI Interface Configuration Utility (PI ICU):

   • Open PI ICU from your system.

   • Navigate to Tools > Buffering.

   • In the Buffering dialog, select Tools > PI Buffer Subsystem > Run PIBufss -Cfg to view buffering session details.

   • Use the output to verify active connections and troubleshoot issues.

Troubleshooting tips

Use the following steps to resolve common problems with PIBufss:

• Authentication issues:

  1. Open piclient.ini (in \pipc\dat).

  2. Ensure the AUTHENTICATIONOPTIONS parameter is set correctly (for example, SSPI for Windows Security).

  3. Save the file and restart PIBufss to apply the changes.

• Session problems:

  4. Verify BUFFEREDSERVERLIST entries in piclient.ini to ensure all server names are correct.

  5. Test connectivity using the ping command:

     ping <server_name>

  6. Add or correct entries if necessary and save the file.

• Enable debug logging:

  7. Open the pibufss.ini file in the \pipc\dat directory.

  8. Add or modify the [DEBUG] section to enable detailed logging:

     [DEBUG]

     LEVEL=5

  9. Save the file and restart PIBufss to start capturing logs. Logs are saved in the default PIBufss log directory (\pipc\log).

  10. Review the logs for error messages or unusual behavior.