EN - Build a Node

nodes and clients

A Network Node is a piece of software that facilitates the interface between database systems and the Network. It is an entity's "point of presence" on the Exchange Network. Using standards-based web services and eXtensible Markup Language (XML) schema, Nodes securely initiate and respond to requests for information. With properly configured Nodes, Network trading partners can seamlessly exchange data regardless of hardware, operating system, or programming environment.

Nodes are defined by their specific function, rather than what they are in a physical hardware sense. Network participants may use several different hardware and software approaches and combinations to establish a Node. Network partners are free to choose their own approach to Node establishment–what is important is that the Node performs its functions as outlined in the Network Node Functional Specification. Note that the functional specification was revised to version 2.0 in June of 2008. Click here for more information on the new specification.

node development resources

Document	Date	Version
NEW Network Node Functional Specifications	June 2, 2008	2.0
NEW Network Node Protocol Document	June 2, 2008	2.0
NEW Exchange Network WSDL	June 2, 2008	2.0
NEW Get Services Schema	Final Draft Awaiting Approval by NTG	2.0 draft 3
30 Minute Guide to Developing and Implementing a Network Node*	March 8, 2005	1.1
Node Implementation Guide*	April 25, 2003	1.0
Network Security Guidelines and Recommendations	April 16, 2003	1.1
Schematron Validation and Guidance	July 20, 2007	1.0
Secure Authentication Key Recommendations	April 26, 2006	1.0

* Note that this document should be used only for background reference, as much of the information has been superseded by other guidance.

other developer tools

Java Flow Processor
The Java Flow Processor was developed by CGI for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It is an extraction and transformation tool written in Java that is intended to simplify the deployment of Exchange Network data flows. For more information on the Flow Processor, you can download the accompanying User's Guide or contact William Labar at william.labar@cgi.com or 337.291.9854.

Software Developer Kit (SDK)
The SDK is a COM object based tool to simplify Network interactions to a few lines of script code. It setups up a node client then builds Network messages for you dynamically as it runs the script. It has sample scripts for Network services. It can execute any WSDL based service even Node 2.0 /Soap1.2 . (see example)
1. Click here to download the kit
2. Unzip and double click the file to install the SDK. It uses a standard install tool so just follow prompts
3. It creates NodeClient2.0 directory containing:
  - Example scripts in NodeClient2.0\Scripts directory
  - Debug logs etc in NodeClient2.0\Logs directory
4. execute example script (for calling any WSDL based services in this case a NAAS WSDL):

set myClient = CreateObject ("NodeClient") myClient.SetCredential "cdx", "test",""
'set our SSL certificate file
myClient.SetProperty "Certificate", "NodeClientSSL.pem"
'use local WSDL cache if any
myClient.SetProperty "WSDLAge", "23923932"
'Set the WSDL address you are calling
myClient.SetProperty "WSDLFile", "
https://naas.epacdxnode.net/xml/cdx_v10.wsdl"
'call the execute method to get the data rows = myClient.Execute("ClearTransaction","","")

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