Server groups

A server group comprises one or more server instances that all use the same Communication Driver protocol.

When you install a specific Communication Driver on a computer, a server group and default server instance are automatically created. The server group has the same name as the Communication Driver itself, along with the name of the manufacturer, for example, Allen-Bradley - ABCIP. There is a limit of one server group per Communication Driver per computer node.

Newer Communication Drivers that have been optimized for Operations Integration are contained in the Operations Integration Supervisory Servers folder. Older, standalone Communication Drivers are listed separately below the Operations Integration Supervisory Servers folder.

Although a server group is automatically created when you install a Communication Driver, there are some cases in which you might need to create or remove a server group. For example, if you want to stop using a specific Communication Driver but not uninstall it, you can simply remove the server group from the computer node in the OI Server Manager. The Communication Driver will remain installed on the computer, and you can create the server group again if you need to.

Note: These procedures apply only to Communication Drivers that are contained in the Operations Integration Supervisory Servers folder in the OI Server Manager. Older, standalone OI Servers do not support creating or removing server groups. Instead, those OI Servers must be installed or uninstalled in their entirety.

Also, the Operations Integration Supervisory Servers folder, with its hierarchy of server groups and server instances, is shown only when you browse the Local node. All of the server instances on a remote computer are listed together, regardless of their server groups.

Create a server group

1. In the OCMC, navigate to the Operations Integration Server Manager folder.

2. Right-click Operations Integration Supervisory Servers, and then select Create Server Group.

   The Create Server Group dialog box is displayed.

3. In the Server Group Name list, select the Communication Driver that you want to use.

4. Select OK.

   A new server group for the selected Communication Driver is created in the OI Server Manager, and the server group contains a default server instance.

Remove a server group

5. In the OCMC, navigate to the Operations Integration Server Manager folder.

6. Expand the server group.

7. Make sure all of the server instances are deactivated. A server group cannot be removed while it contains active server instances. For more information, see Activate/Deactivate the Communication Driver.

8. Remove all of the server instances other than the default server instance. A server group cannot be removed while it contains multiple server instances. For more information, see Server instances.

9. Right-click the server group, and then select Remove Server Group.

10. Select Yes to confirm.

    The server group and all of its instances are removed.