A management station is a qualified PC that is user-installed with web-based software to run DeltaV Smart Switch management software. A PC is qualified when it has been certified for use with the DeltaV system.
Qualified PCs for use as management stations can be ordered from Emerson; however, Emerson does not install the switch management software. Users must install the switch management software on the management station. Switch management software and DeltaV Controller Firewall management software are supported only on management stations, not on DeltaV workstations.
If a management station connected to the DeltaV Control Network is also connected to another network for plant area access outside of the DeltaV system, it is imperative that the management station is properly maintained with the latest Microsoft security patches and virus software. This ensures that the management station does not become infected with viruses that could affect the operation of the DeltaV control system equipment. Like other DeltaV stations, the management station's outside network connection, which is usually a third NIC card in the PC, must be isolated via a router to other local area networks and a firewall to the wide area network or internet. If you do not have the resources or expertise to connect to the outside world using a properly configured router and firewall, then do not attach the management station to the DeltaV Control Network and other networks outside the DeltaV control system. This way, the management station will have the same protection as the ProfessionalPLUS and Operator Stations.
A TFTP server application can be installed on the management station. A TFTP server can be used to flash Ethernet switches or archive Ethernet switch configurations. Do not confuse a management station with a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) station that contains additional network management software. The management station is a basic PC with a web browser that can access DeltaV Smart Switches using its IP address and is capable of displaying graphics, switch network statistics, bar and line graphs, and firewall logs.
Emerson cannot be responsible for the operation of a DeltaV system if these requirements for a management station are not strictly followed.