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iRidium server

iRidium server is a software-hardware complex for automation systems and IoT that can:

collect and analyze data,
export and import databases,
create routines and schedules,
set logics of equipment interaction,
exchange data between different protocols.

iRidium server is a part of iRidium pro solution and iRidium lite solution.
This documentation describes how to launch and set iRidium server for iRidium pro projects.

Documentation on setting and connecting iRidium server for iRidium lite projects is here.

When iRidium server is installed for the first time, there is no project on it. A project is special software that controls an automation object (for example, Smart home). A project is created in iRidium studio. A project is uploaded on the server via iRidium Transfer or iRidium Cloud.

Only one project can be uploaded on a server.

iRidium server can be used by itself and together with i3 pro.

Option without i3 pro is suitable for cases when no visualization is required and only the following functions are required:

data exchange between different protocols
setting logics of equipment interaction
routines, schedules, etc.

iRidium server has several versions:

Hardware

iRidium server UMC,
iRidium server RPi,
iRidium server NUC.

Software

Windows 7, 8, 10 (x86, x64),
Linux (x86, x64).

Comparison table of Hardware implementations of iRidium server

Characteristics	Raspberry pi	iRidium server UMC	Intel NUC
Processor	1.2GHz Broadcom BCM2837 64bit CPU	1GHz CPU NXP imx6	Intel Celeron, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7
RAM	1 GB	512 MB	4 GB
Non-volatile memory	8 GB flash	4 GB flash	60 GB SSD
Additional slots	40-contact long GPIO <Modernized switch mode power supply - Micro USB up to 2,5 A	HDL KNX RS-485 Z-wave(soon) CAN	USB
Number of tags*	up to 5 000	up to 3 000	up to 65 000
Additional information	Use of built-in database is not recommended**	Use of built-in database is not recommended**	Suitable for large databases

* tag is a feedback channels. For example, a relay has 1 tag (on/off state), RGB lamp has 3 tags (state of colors: red, green, blue).
** Use external databases and set them by this manual.

Is server required?

Let us review the aspects which can help to understand if installation of iRidium Server is necessary:

1. The server unites control panels

If you work with KNX, Domintell and Global Cache equipment, concurrent connection of several panels can become a problem because of the limitations on the equipment side. Control panels can work with equipment directly - it is a simple and effective solution. But it is hardly used when having a big number of panels as it creates a big load on the equipment. Installing the server, you get a protected technology for communication between the server and control panels. The server informs all panels about changes in the equipment. It can also modify outgoing data.

You do not need iRidium server to create remotes working in real time

2. The server provides the minimum load on equipment

as a consequence of the information above. All control panels connect to the server and it connects to the equipment. Extra commands and requests do not go through the server and do not overload the automation system.

It is not critical for some controllers but the necessity of optimization appears if the number of control panels increases.

3. The server launches scenes at any moment

If the iRidium application is closed on the control panel, it cannot perform any actions. The server is essential is you need go launch scenes, schedules and collect records in the database.

Scenes can be implemented on the programmed controller but the controller cannot usually monitor concurrent events in several automation systems.

4. The server enables reliable data exchange with control panels

The client-server protocol works via ТСР. Thus it provides a garantee of data delivery and online check. Equipment working via UDP is less stable in the terms of delivery confirmation. And it does not provide secure data exchange.

5. The server can be used as a programmable controller

It will provide execution of complex scripts to create communication logic for variables of automation equipment.

6. The server can be used as a data gateway

You can transfer data between any automation systems without using a hardware converter. The server gets values from one system and writes them automatically in variables of another system.

7. Local work without Internet access

Automation systems must not depend on Internet access. Some commercial projects are not allowed to have Internet access for security reasons.

8. Support of most protocols

Our installers love iRidium for supporting numerous protocols. Support of protocols in iRidium includes not only support on the driver level, but also the scanning function, import of settings and other features that make setting easier. If a system is not yet supported by us, our installers use iRidium driver Development Kit and realize support of required systems themselves. If your company is a manufacturer of automation equipment, write us. We are open to cooperation and can add support of your protocol to our solution.

9. Conversion of an automation object into a part of global IoT structure

iRidium server allows to set intellectual data exchange from KNX to Modbus, Crestron, etc., to MQTT and send them to cloud services and IoT platforms. Thus, you can integrate different objects in a single global system.

If your system has