Learn the different client types.
Reference → Solution → Deployment → Runtime | Server | Client Types | Container | Redundancy | Security
Desktop, Web & Mobile Clients (Reference): Client Types, Multiple deployment options for accessing runtime displays, from high-performance desktop applications to zero-install web browsers across all platforms.
Client Deployment Options:
- Desktop (Windows stations) - RichClient and SmartClient applications
- Web (HTML5) - Browser-based, no installation required
- Mobile (HTML5) - Optimized for phones and tablets
- API Clients - Programmatic data access
Client Comparison
| Feature | Desktop RichClient | Desktop SmartClient | Web HTML5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows/Linux | Windows only | All platforms |
| Installation | Local install | Click-once | None |
| Performance | Highest | High | Standard |
| Task Switching | Can block | Can block | Cannot block |
| Updates | Manual | Automatic | Immediate |
| Redundancy | Automatic | Automatic | Manual |
| Threading | Multi | Multi | Single |
| Port | 3101 | 3101 | 80/443 (HTTP) |
Desktop Clients
RichClient
Full-featured desktop application with maximum control and performance.
Characteristics:
- WPF-based on Windows
- Runs as standalone application
- Full Windows integration
- 64-bit on .NET Framework 4.8
Advantages:
- Block Windows task switching (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
- Automatic redundant server failover
- Highest performance
- Full security control
Requirements:
- FrameworX installation
- Windows OS
- Network access to server
Deployment:
Program: TRichClient.exe (64-bit)
Port: 3101 (configurable)
Technology: WPFSmartClient
One-click deployment with automatic updates.
Characteristics:
- ClickOnce technology
- Self-updating from server
- No local installation
- Runs like RichClient
Advantages:
- Single-click deployment
- Automatic updates
- No IT deployment needed
- Same features as RichClient
Requirements:
- .NET Framework 4.8
- Compatible browser with ClickOnce support
- Windows OS only
Deployment:
http://<ServerIP>/smartclient
or
https:// if certificate is installedBrowser Compatibility:
- Internet Explorer: Native support
- Microsoft Edge: Requires "ClickOnce for Microsoft Edge" extension
- Google Chrome: Requires "Meta4 ClickOnce Launcher" extension
- Mozilla Firefox: Requires "FFClickOnce" add-on
- Other browsers: Manual download and execution required
Web and Mobile Clients
Browser-based access with zero installation.
Characteristics:
- WebAssembly technology
- Cross-platform compatible
- Responsive design
- Touch support
Advantages:
- No installation required
- Works on any device
- Immediate updates
- Platform independent
Limitations:
- Cannot block task switching
- Single-threaded execution
- HTTPS communication overhead
- No direct local file access
Access URL:
http://<ServerIP>/html5
or
https:// if certificate is installedBrowser Requirements:
| Browser | Minimum Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | 90+ | Recommended |
| Edge | 90+ | Recommended |
| Firefox | 88+ | Full support |
| Safari | 14+ | iOS compatible |
Auto-Start Configuration
Windows Auto-Start
Using AutoStartClient.exe:
cmd
AutoStartClient.exe /server:192.168.1.100 /port:3101 /display:MainScreenParameters:
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
/server | Server IP or hostname | /server:192.168.1.100 |
/port | Server port | /port:3101 |
/display | Display name to open | /display:MainScreen |
/delay | Startup delay (seconds) | /delay:30 |
Kiosk Mode
Desktop Kiosk:
cmd
StartRichClient.bat /kiosk /display:KioskDisplay /preventcloseBrowser Kiosk (Chrome):
cmd
chrome.exe --kiosk --app="http://server:10108/html5/" --no-first-runBrowser Kiosk (Edge):
cmd
msedge.exe --kiosk "http://server:10108/html5/" --edge-kiosk-type=fullscreenDeployment Considerations
Desktop Deployment
Best for:
- Control rooms
- Dedicated operator stations
- High-security environments
- Maximum performance needs
Web Deployment
Best for:
- Cross-platform access
- Occasional users
- Remote access
- Zero-install requirements
Mobile Deployment
Best for:
- Field operations
- Responsive monitoring
- Alert management
- Quick status checks
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues:
- Verify server port access
- Check firewall settings
- Test network connectivity
- Review server logs
Update Problems:
- Clear browser cache (Web)
- Reset ClickOnce cache (Smart)
- Reinstall client (Rich)
Performance Issues:
- Check network latency
- Monitor server load
- Verify client resources
- Review display complexity
In this section...