Configuring the database connection for evaluations

You must configure the database connection before you save evaluations in a database.

System prerequisites for database connections

For data export to Microsoft™ Access™, you need to install an appropriate OLE DB driver:

  • Jet 4.0 OLE DB provider: driver for database files of the type (*.mdb) for Access 2003.
  • ACE 12 provider (Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable): driver for database files of the type (*.accdb) for Access 2007 and subsequent versions.

The installation of Microsoft™ Access™ itself is not absolutely necessary for the export.

  • All SQL 2003-compliant databases are supported.
  • The database connection to SQL is suitable and has been tested for the 64-bit editions of Vissim.
  • The database outputs have been tested with Microsoft™ Access™ and Oracle™.
  • You can use the free MS SQL Server 2017 Express Edition. You require administrator rights for the installation.

Downloading Microsoft® SQL Server® 2017 Express edition.

1.  Open the website: http://www.microsoft.com.

2.  Search for SQL Server 2017 Express edition.

3.  Follow the instructions on the Internet page.

Creating new Access database

This is only necessary, if you want to create a new Access database. This creates a new database in the Microsoft Access format *.mdb. If you select a saved file with the same name, the file is overwritten.

1.  From the Evaluation menu, choose > Database Configuration.

The Evaluations (Database) window opens.

2.  Check the version of Microsoft™ Access™ that is installed on your computer:

  • Access 2003: Install a JET 4.0 driver for database files of the type (*.mdb).
  • Access from 2007: Install an ACE 12 driver (Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable) for database files of the type (*.accdb).

3.  Click the button Create New Access Database....

A window opens.

4.  Enter the name of the desired Access™ database.

5.  Click the Save button.

The Data Link Properties window opens. On the Connection tab, in the Data source box, the name of the Access™ database is displayed.

6.  Click the Test connection button.

7.  Confirm with OK.

In the Evaluations (Database) window, the OLE DB Provider is displayed. In addition to Data source, the name of the datbase is listed.

Configuring data link properties

A database link string is created using the Data link properties. This establishes a database connection before the start of the simulation. A database connection can be established only to an existing database. The database connection string is saved encrypted to the *.inpx file.

1.  From the Evaluation menu, choose > Database Configuration.

The Evaluations (Database) window opens.

2.  Click the button Data Link Properties.

The Data Link Properties window opens.

3.  Define the settings in the tabs:

Tab Description
Provider

Select desired provider from the list of installed database providers.

Jet Provider and Oracle Provider, etc., were tested with Vissim.
Connection

The connection properties depend on the selected provider. Examples:

  • Access 2003 (Jet Provider):
  • Database name: Name of output file *.mdb
  • User name: If no other name is required, you can accept the default entry.
  • Access 2007 (Access Database Engine OLE DB Provider):
  • Data source: Name of data source *.Accdb
  • Storage location: name of data storage location
  • Oracle:
  • Server name: establishes connection to the Oracle server
  • User name: You user name
  • Password: the specified password is saved unencrypted with the Vissim network file.
  • Select option Allow saving of password
Advanced

Provider-specific properties. You can accept the default entries.
All

Provider-specific properties. You can accept the default entries.

Notes: Vissim transfers SQL statements with column identifiers in double quotation marks to the database.

Some ODBC drivers provide the database connection with the option Use ANSI quotes (double quotation marks). If this option does not exist for a database connection, you can use a database that is configured to accept double quotation marks.

Examples:

  • SQL Server (Microsoft SQL Server ODBC Driver Version 6.01): Select the option Use ANSI-quoted identifiers.
  • MySql: Enter the parameter sql_mode in ANSI_QUOTES either as a start parameter or in the configuration file.

4.  Confirm with OK.

Superordinate topic:

Configuring evaluations for direct output