A ConnectionManager is an optional entity that interacts with FunctionalEntities in multiple AutomationComponents to establish Connections between them. The ConnectionManager may execute on any Server supporting the OPC UA FX Information Model. In the OPC UA FX Information Model, the ConnectionManager is represented by the ConnectionManagerType that defines functionality and interfaces to manage the establishment of Connections between FunctionalEntities.

Several ConnectionManagers within a network may establish Connections independently of each other. For example, a ConnectionManager on a controller may establish Connections from the controller to its associated IO devices. In contrast, another ConnectionManager on a line controller could establish Connections between FunctionalEntities on the controllers. Figure 9 illustrates possible deployments of a ConnectionManager. It also illustrates ConnectionConfigurationSets, which contain the information needed to establish Connections.

Figure 9 – Examples of ConnectionManager deployments

For a conceptual overview of how Connections are established by a ConnectionManager and the main ObjectTypes used in this process, see 5.5.