Administration - GDS tab

On the GDS tab you make all settings around the GDS (Global Discovery Server).

GDS support

In the GDS support area you specify whether you want to use a GDS or not. You also specify whether you want to use the internal GDS or an external GDS.

External GDS

If you use the external GDS, you must enter the corresponding address in the External GDS area. 

Internal GDS

In the Internal GDS area, you specify the port through which the GDS is reached. If another client is to be connected to your GDS, you must specify the URL here. 

If you want to use a PKI as the certification authority that distributes certificates to the devices via EST, you must enter additional information about the PKI. 

 Settings in PLCnext Engineer

Also in PLCnext Engineer you have to make settings so that the communication via the GDS server works. 

  • Open PLCnext Engineer and connect it to your controller.
  • Double-click the OPC UA® node in the PLANT area.
  • Select the OPC UA® editor.
  • Select the Basic settings view.
  • Enter the IP address of the device instead of the DNS name (unless you have a DNS server in the network).
  • Then select the Security view.
  • Activate GDS and give the IdentityStore and the TrustStore a name each.


• Published/reviewed: 2024-10-30   ☀  Revision 074 •