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AggreGate Agent

	DS1000 Industrial Programmable Controller

AggreGate Agent is a special application necessary to connect an electronic device to AggreGate. Agent usually runs on a programmable controller or module, but may also run on a usual PC. The agent acts as a gateway, i.e. communicates with the device using its native protocol on one side and with AggreGate Server using AggreGate protocol on the other side.

Tibbo offers external programmable controllers (such as DS1000) which are ideal for connecting existing devices. It also offers embedded programmable modules (e.g. EM203) which may be placed on the PCB of new device as a communication coprocessor.

A single Agent may be used for connecting multiple devices. One benefit of using an Agent over a software driver is that if the server becomes unavailable for some reason, the Agent may act as a decision maker.

	EM203 Programmable Ethernet Module

Let’s look at an example where three devices are connected to a single Agent: an access control panel, an electric door lock and a fire/smoke detector. During normal operation, the door is opened if the central server allows the operation. But if there is a fire and the Agent loses its connection with AggreGate Server, it switches to stand-alone mode and unlocks the door according to its internal logic.

The Agent application is much more than a mere protocol converter. It is part of a complete Development Kit that includes libraries for obtaining an IP address via DHCP, synchronizing an on-board real time clock with a network time server, and performing numerous other tasks.