#Network interface

This chapter covers only SpringCore devices featuring a Network (Ethernet / WiFi) interface.

#Overview

The SpringCore device is a TCP/IP v4 node. Depending on its configuration, the device behaves differently, being either a TCP server, under the control of a single client at once, or joining an IoT/cloud infrastructure by being to the client to an MQTT(s) server.

#Direct channel

A UDP server port is dedicated to the Direct Protocol, independently of the other ‘Operation’ channels.

See UDP Direct for reference.

#Operation channels

#SpringCore device as a TCP Server

In this configuration, the device opens a TCP server port. A single host computer or machine is allowed to connect as a client to this server.

The two operating mode are possible, with 2 protocols for Smart Reader mode:

• Coupler: in this mode, the device is a complete smart card coupler. The TCP communication channel uses a protocol based on CCID, the standard USB protocol for smartcard readers. It is the foundation of PC/SC Operation. The host computer shall run a specific PC/SC over TCP driver to operate the device. See CCID (PC/SC) over TCP for details.
• Smart Reader: in this mode, the device is an autonomous NFC/RFID reader. The TCP communication channel uses the either JSON Messages (see $SCRDR Protocol over TCP for details) or $SCRDR Messages (see $SCRDR Protocol over TCP for details).

#SpringCore device as a UDP Server

In this configuration, the device opens a UDP server port to receive commands, and is able to send its events to remote host computer that also has the same UDP server port open.

Only the Smart Reader operating mode supports working over UDP. The communication uses the either JSON Messages (see $SCRDR Protocol over UDP for details) or $SCRDR Messages (see $SCRDR Protocol over UDP for details).

#SpringCore device as an MQTT or MQTT/TLS client

In this configuration, the device connects as a client to an MQTT message broker, either on promises or in the cloud.

The two operating mode are also possible, with 2 protocols for Smart Reader mode:

• PC/SC: in this mode, the device is a complete smart card coupler. CCID communication is encapsulated within MQTT exchanges.
• Smart Reader: in this mode, the device is an autonomous NFC/RFID reader. MQTT exchanges are used to convey JSON Messages. See Smart Reader over MQTT for reference.

#SpringCore device as an HTTP client

In this configuration, the device connects as a remote HTTP server (to invoke an entry-point of a REST API).

The two operating mode are also possible, with 2 protocols for Smart Reader mode:

Only the Smart Reader operating mode supports working over HTTP. The communication uses the either JSON Messages (see $SCRDR Protocol over HTTP for details) or $SCRDR Messages (see $SCRDR Protocol over HTTP for details).