How-to: CODESYS Virtual Control SL | EN

Summary

The video introduces the official release of the KODES Virtual Control SL, a containerized runtime that allows for multiple instantiations on standard hardware, reducing costs and simplifying maintenance. It explains the installation process using the KODES installer, the deployment of virtual controllers via Docker on Linux hosts, and how to configure virtual control environments, including network access and edge gateway setup. The video also highlights the ability to scale virtual controllers and manage them efficiently with the upcoming CO's Automation Server. Viewers are encouraged to explore further details via the CO's online app.

Takeaways

• 😀 The KODES Virtual Control SL is now officially released, offering a containerized runtime.
• 😀 Virtual Control allows multiple instances to be run on the same hardware, reducing costs for dedicated PCs.
• 😀 Flexible orchestration options simplify IT environment maintenance, including firmware updates.
• 😀 Virtual Control is highly scalable and easily integrates into existing IT landscapes.
• 😀 Users can tailor the virtual control to meet their specific needs and create the desired number of virtual controllers on one hardware system.
• 😀 The KODES Virtual Control can be easily downloaded via the KODES Store or the KODES installer.
• 😀 Installation involves opening the KODES installer, selecting the KODES version, and searching for Virtual Control under 'Browse'.
• 😀 Pre-installation requirements for virtual controllers on Linux include Python 3, Docker, and SSH access on the target system.
• 😀 The deploy tool can be used to manage Docker images and virtual controller instances, including configuring network access.
• 😀 For virtual controllers to be accessible, a Virtual Edge Gateway must be created and configured, linking the runtime container to the physical Ethernet adapter.
• 😀 The KODES automation server will soon enable efficient management of multiple virtual PLCs and Edge Gateways, including starting, stopping, and configuration management.

Q & A

What is the primary function of KODES Virtual Control?

KODES Virtual Control is a containerized runtime solution that allows multiple instances to run on the same standard hardware, reducing the need for dedicated PCs and offering flexible orchestration options.

How does KODES Virtual Control benefit cost management?

It reduces costs by enabling the use of standard hardware to run multiple virtual controllers, instead of requiring dedicated PCs for each controller.

What is required to install KODES Virtual Control on a Linux system?

To install KODES Virtual Control, Pyon 3 and Docker must be pre-installed on the target system, and SSH access must be enabled.

How can KODES Virtual Control be integrated into an existing IT environment?

It can be easily integrated by leveraging its high scalability, allowing users to tailor the virtual control setup to meet their specific needs and integrate it seamlessly into their IT landscape.

What steps are involved in installing KODES Virtual Control using the COD's installer?

First, open the COD's installer, select the KODES version, search for Virtual Control in the add-on area, check the box for Linux, click install, and follow the installation wizard.

How is a virtual controller deployed after installation?

Once KODES Virtual Control is installed, a new project is created in the COD's interface, and deployment is done using the COD's deploy tool, which requires SSH access to the target system.

What is the role of the virtual edge gateway in KODES Virtual Control?

The virtual edge gateway acts as a crucial component for ensuring that a virtual controller is accessible on the host device, connecting the runtime container to a physical ethernet port.

What is required to grant a container access to an ethernet adapter on the host system?

To grant access, the logical name of the ethernet adapter must be entered into the configuration menu for the runtime container.

How are virtual controllers and edge gateways managed in the deployment tool?

Virtual controllers and edge gateways can be managed by creating new instances, configuring settings such as port mapping and network configuration, and starting or stopping them as needed.

What feature will be added soon for managing virtual PLCs more efficiently?

The upcoming feature, called the COD's Automation Server, will allow users to manage large numbers of virtual PLCs, including starting and stopping them with streamlined configuration management.