# 3. Connect data sources

In this chapter, you will learn how to connect various data sources to your Eliona instance and prepare the incoming data for use on the platform. This process can be divided into three phases:

* Phase A: Data acquisition – External devices capture raw data and send it to a server or broker. This phase takes place entirely outside of Eliona.
* Phase B: Connectivity – A direct data connection is established between the server/broker and Eliona. Various interfaces such as MQTT, RESTful, or webhooks are used here.
* Phase C: Data processing – The incoming data is decoded in Eliona, converted into a usable format, and assigned to the corresponding assets.

To get started with phases B and C, you must ensure that your external devices and servers are correctly configured. In addition, the corresponding asset templates and assets must be created in Eliona so that the data can be assigned.

For an even easier integration, you can also use our specialized [→ Apps](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/apps/apps) . These automate the creation of assets and asset types, so you don't have to worry about manual configuration. The choice of the right connectivity method depends on your existing infrastructure and the devices you want to integrate.

More on this under:

{% content-ref url="../connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro" %}
[connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Dedicated integrations

These integrations are ideal if you already use a specific system in your building automation setup.

More info about Edge Nodes:

{% content-ref url="../edge-nodes/edgenodes-in-abb-buildingpro" %}
[edgenodes-in-abb-buildingpro](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/edge-nodes/edgenodes-in-abb-buildingpro)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### **Niagara**

The Niagara integration is ideal if you use the Tridium Niagara framework for building automation. Eliona enables seamless, bidirectional communication so that control logic, sensor data, and alarms are automatically synchronized between Niagara and Eliona.

The main advantage: Automatic, continuous synchronization of assets, asset types, and their structure reduces manual effort to a minimum.

{% content-ref url="../apps/apps/niagara" %}
[niagara](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/apps/apps/niagara)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### **OpenBOS**

The OpenBOS app is perfect for integrating ABB Ability™ Building Edge systems. The app ensures automatic, continuous asset creation (CAC) and synchronizes alarms.

The main advantage: The assets in Eliona are organized in the same structure and topology as in OpenBOS, which greatly simplifies management and clarity.

{% content-ref url="3.-connect-data-sources/openbos" %}
[openbos](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/getting-started/3.-connect-data-sources/openbos)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## General connectivity

For other devices and systems that use standardized protocols, the following options are available. Click the links for detailed instructions:

* [Connect devices via Modbus](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro/connect-devices-via-modbus)
* [Connect devices via MQTT](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro/connect-devices-via-mqtt)
* [Connect devices via RESTful](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro/connect-devices-via-restful/configure-restful-connection)
* [Connect devices via webhook](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro/connect-devices-via-webhook)
* [Connect devices via Kafka](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro/...with-kafka)
* [Connect devices via OPC UA](https://docs.buildings.ability.abb/collection/english-v14/connectivity-as-a-service/connect-devices-with-abb-buildingpro/connect-devices-via-opc-ua)
* ...