5 Lesser-Known but Useful OPC Drivers in KEPServerEX

Kepware’s KEPServerEX software is well-known for its extensive library of communication OPC drivers for industrial devices. While drivers for protocols like Modbus or Siemens are commonly used in daily operations, there are several lesser-known yet highly practical drivers that can offer interesting possibilities to companies—often without the need for complex implementations. We have selected 5 lesser-known KEPServerEX drivers worth your attention:

Lesser-Known KEPServerEX Features 

  PING Driver

This driver allows you to easily monitor the availability of Ethernet devices using the well-known “ping” command. In KEPServerEX, you enter the IP addresses of devices such as PLCs, HMIs, PCs, UPS systems, switches, etc. The program then sends pings to all these IP addresses and evaluates the device’s availability as an OPC value of 0/1. You can create a layout of your production hall in your visualization software and monitor the availability of all your Ethernet devices.
 

➡ The Ping driver is included in the following packages:

• IT and Infrastructure Suite
• SNMP Suite 

   System Monitor Driver

This driver allows you to monitor the operational status of the computer running KEPServerEX—including CPU temperature, memory usage, disk occupancy, and hundreds of other system parameters. It is excellent for IT system administrators who want visibility into the status of KEPServerEX and its host device.

➡ The System Monitor Driver can be purchased as a standalone driver or within the:

• System Monitor Driver
• IT and Infrastructure Suite

    SNMP Driver

This driver enables you to connect, monitor, and analyze Ethernet devices within SCADA HMI, MES, ERP, and IoT systems. You can easily gather essential information from your routers, switches, UPS systems, PCs, printers, and IP cameras.

➡ The SNMP Driver can be purchased as a standalone driver or within the packages: 

• SNMP Driver (1–15 devices, 16–50 devices, 51+ devices)
• IT and Infrastructure Suite
• SNMP Suite

   Simulator Driver

Although primarily intended for testing rather than live production, many users overlook this OPC driver. It is used for data simulation—creating fictitious (test) variable values without the need to connect to actual physical devices. It is ideal for testing and debugging OPC clients, verifying communication between server and client, developing visualizations and logic, and for training and presentations.

➡ FREE – always available without a license, automatically included with every KEPServerEX installation

   MQTT Client Driver 

This driver allows KEPServerEX to function as an MQTT client, enabling it to receive messages from an MQTT broker. This method of communication is becoming increasingly popular in the IIoT world, allowing for easy integration of data from various devices, cloud services, and edge devices into your existing OPC system.

➡ Available under a standalone license or as part of the IoT Gateway plug-in (alongside the MQTT server, RESTful API, and other features)

It Costs Nothing to Try 

KEPServerEX offers much more than just mainstream drivers. Some useful features can be used immediately without additional licenses, while others can be added as needed via extension packages. If you are already using KEPServerEX and are unsure what you currently have available, we will be happy to advise you at support@foxon.cz.

Try KEPServerEX with all drivers for free. Download the TRIAL version (full version limited to 2 hours per session) from our online shop or at kepware-opc.cz. We can also arrange an extension of this period for detailed testing. Please contact us at foxon@foxon.cz.