Enable Public Access for Niagara R2 Station Without User Sign-On

[Product_Support]

Issue

Users need to access a Niagara R2 station through a browser or Java Desktop Environment (JDE) without being prompted for a username and password.

Product Line

TAC IA Series

Environment

Niagara R2

Cause

By default, Niagara R2 requires user authentication before granting access to station pages. This behavior can be bypassed using the Public Access feature introduced in Niagara R2 version 2.3.

Resolution

Starting with Niagara release 2.3, a Public Access feature was added that allows configuration of a station to permit GxPage access without sign-on.
To enable:

1. Open the station configuration in Niagara R2.
2. Enable the Public Access option for the desired GxPages.
3. Save and restart the station if required.
4. Verify that the Sign On dialog box is skipped and the GxPage displays as if the user is already signed on.

For detailed setup instructions, refer to the Niagara Web Solutions Guide.

---

Security Considerations

• Risk of Unauthorized Access: Enabling public access removes authentication, allowing anyone with network access to view station pages.
• Sensitive Data Exposure: Ensure that no critical control points or configuration settings are exposed on public pages.
• Network Segmentation: Consider isolating the Niagara station on a secure VLAN or behind a firewall to limit exposure.
• Audit and Monitoring: Implement logging and monitoring to detect unauthorized or unexpected access.
• Alternative Approach: If possible, use role-based access with limited permissions instead of full public access.