Manage and configure Connector files and certificates
Learn how to upload, assign, configure, replace, download, and delete Connector files, certificates, keys, and supporting assets in the Edge Portal.
The Files area lets you store and manage files that an installed Connector needs. These files can include certificates, private keys, public keys, CA certificates, configuration files, and other supporting assets.
File support is Connector-specific. The Files area only appears when the installed Connector supports uploaded files.
Open the Connector files
- Sign in to the Edge Portal.
- In the sidebar, open Configuration.
- Select Connectors.
- Find the installed Connector whose files you want to manage.
- Open Files.
- In tile view, expand the Files section in the Connector tile.
- In table view, select Files beside the Connector name.
If Files is not shown, that Connector does not expose file management in the Edge Portal.
Understand the available file settings
| Setting | Required | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Yes | Sets the name shown in the file list and in Connector-specific file selectors. |
| Description | No | Adds information about the file, its purpose, or its owner. The description can contain up to 1,000 characters. |
| Device | Yes | Makes the file valid for all instances or associates it with one specific instance. |
| File | Yes when uploading | Uploads the actual file. A replacement is optional when editing an existing entry. |
The file manager accepts any file type. The required file format and contents depend on the Connector. The Files area does not inspect a certificate's expiry, trust chain, or matching private key.
Upload a file or certificate
- Open Files for the Connector.
- Select Upload file.
- Enter a descriptive Title.
- Optionally enter a Description.
- Under Device, select Valid for all devices or select one instance.
- Select Choose file and choose the file from your computer.
- Select Upload file.
A success message confirms that the file was uploaded. The entry shows its title, stored filename, description when provided, and the available actions.
Choose the correct Device assignment
| Assignment | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Valid for all devices | The same file can be used by every instance of the Connector. Examples can include a shared CA certificate or common configuration asset. |
| A specific instance | The file belongs to one device or connection. Examples can include a device certificate or a private key issued for one endpoint. |
Use the narrowest assignment that matches the intended configuration. This helps prevent a device-specific certificate or key from being selected for another instance.
Configure a Connector to use a certificate
Uploading a certificate stores it for the Connector. It does not automatically enable encrypted communication.
- Check the documentation for the selected Connector to identify the required certificate, key, and CA formats.
- Upload each required file to the Connector.
- Assign each file to all devices or to the intended instance.
- Open the instance that will use the files and select Edit.
- In the Connector-specific setup fields, select the uploaded certificate, key, or supporting file where requested.
- Complete any related security settings and save the instance.
- Review the instance status and Connector errors to confirm that the files can be read and accepted.
The available fields vary by Connector. Some setup flows, including OPC UA Server configuration, provide an Upload action directly beside a certificate or key selector. Files uploaded there are stored with the related Connector.
A certificate and private key must belong together when the Connector requires both. The Edge Portal file manager does not verify that they match.
Edit file information or replace a file
- Open the Connector's Files section.
- Select the pencil icon beside the file.
- Change the Title, Description, or Device assignment as required.
- To replace the stored content, select Choose replacement and choose the new file.
- Select Save file.
If you save without choosing a replacement, the current backend file remains unchanged. You can therefore update only the title, description, or device assignment.
After replacing a certificate or key, confirm that the instance still references the intended entry and that its connection is operating normally.
Download a file
- Open the Connector's Files section.
- Select the download icon beside the file.
- Store the downloaded file in an approved secure location.
The downloaded filename uses the stored filename when one is available. Treat downloaded private keys and other credentials as sensitive data.
Delete a file
- Confirm that no instance or Connector-specific configuration still needs the file.
- Open the Connector's Files section.
- Select the trash icon beside the file.
Deletion starts immediately and the Files area does not show a confirmation dialog. Download a backup first when the file may be needed again.
Deleting a certificate, key, or configuration file that is still referenced can cause the related connection to fail. Update the instance configuration before deleting the old file.
Manage certificates securely
- Use clear titles that identify the endpoint, purpose, and environment.
- Use the description to record the certificate owner or renewal information without adding secrets.
- Assign device-specific files only to the intended instance.
- Keep private keys separate from public certificates when the Connector expects separate files.
- Replace expiring certificates before their expiry date.
- Keep a secure backup before replacing or deleting a file.
- Do not share downloaded private keys through unsecured channels.
Troubleshoot file management
| Message or behavior | What to do |
|---|---|
| Files is not available | Confirm that the Connector is installed and supports files. Not every Connector exposes this feature. |
| Title is required. | Enter a non-empty title. |
| Description must be 1000 characters or less. | Shorten the description to 1,000 characters or fewer. |
| Please select a file to upload. | Select Choose file and choose a file before uploading a new entry. |
| Failed to upload file. Please try again. | Retry the upload. Check the gateway connection and confirm that the Connector is still installed. If the error continues, review the system logs. |
| Failed to download file. Please try again. | Retry the download and check the gateway connection. Confirm that the file entry still exists. |
| Failed to delete file. Please try again. | Retry the deletion. Check the gateway connection and review the system logs if the error continues. |
| The file is not available in an instance setup field | Confirm that the file belongs to the correct Connector. Check whether it is assigned to Valid for all devices or to the instance you are editing. Also confirm that the selected Connector supports that file in the relevant parameter. |
| The certificate is selected but the connection fails | Check the required format, certificate validity, trust chain, hostname or identity, and whether the private key matches. Review the Connector and instance errors for the exact cause. |
| The file did not change after editing | This is expected if no replacement was selected. Edit the entry again and select Choose replacement. |