Testing an OPC-UA connection

step 1 install an opc ua client (explorer/browser) you need a tool to connect to and browse your opc ua server here are some free options client name platforms link uaexpert windows, linux download prosys opc ua browser windows, linux, mac download opc ua commander command line (node js) download some paid opc ua servers (like kepware and ignition) offer a built in explorer (opc quick client) to browse the server without extra setup step 2 gather connection details to connect, you’ll need endpoint the ip address and port of the opc ua server (holding a valid opc ua server certificate) authentication username and password (if required) security mode ( details ) none no encryption, just authentication sign authentication + signed messages (needs certificates) sign and encrypt authentication + signed + encrypted messages security policy which signature/encryption algorithms to use ( details ) tip if your client and server are on the same machine, you can often connect without encryption or authentication for remote connections, always use encryption and authentication step 3 browse nodeids once connected, you can browse the server to see available data points (nodeids), their current values, and more the example below shows how this works using prosys opc ua browser some servers allow you to export a list of nodeids for bulk configuration