Chapter 8 Cx-Server Network Configuration Tool (Cx-Net) - Omron CX-PROGRAMMER V9 Operation Manual

OMRON
CHAPTER 8
CX-Server Network Configuration Tool (CX-Net)
This chapter describes the CX-Server (CX-Net) Network Configuration tool, the procedures for establishing
communications to PLCs for direct and gateway connections. The Network Configuration Tool hosts tools that
assist in the creation and editing of local and network Routing Tables and the creation and editing of Data Link
Tables.
To successfully establish communications between CX-Server and a network PLC, an intermediary or gateway
PLC has to contain a valid Routing table to allow the correct routing of packets. The CX-Net Network
Configuration tool allows communications to PLCs with a CX-Server project and configuration of the PLC. The
CX-Net Network Configuration tool allows the following:
♦ Hosts the Routing Table editor to provide routing table support at a network level, enabling PLCs to act as
gateways across networks;
♦ Hosts the Data Link table editor to provide Data Link table support at a network level;
♦ Setup of PLC devices and their communication units;
♦ Network diagnostics;
♦ Control of Data Link operation.
Refer to the specific OMRON System and Operation manuals for details of the operation of the various network
units and their available settings and options.
The status bar provides instant help, the status of the current connection and the operating mode of the PLC.
When the CX-Net is initially loaded, the Project Devices field is empty. Opening or creating a CX-Server project
populates the Project Devices list with all the devices in that CX-Server project. Selecting each device in turn
causes the right-hand side of the dialog to display a graphical representation of that connection (either direct or
through a gateway connection), together with node and network information.
Any operations (e.g. network unit setup, Data Link and routing table editing) which are carried out affect the
physical connection PLC which is currently connected, not the CX-Server project PLC.
Routing Tables contain the information necessary to allow communications between different networks including
local and remote network address details; they are held in a specific area of PLC memory. Refer to Chapter 11 -
for information regarding Routing Tables.
CS/CJ/CP-series PLCs linked to either a Controller Link or Ethernet network also use FINS routing tables.
Note: The availability, format and content of the facilities within the CX-Net Network
Configuration tool depend upon the device type of the PLC being considered (C-series,
CS1-series or CV-series) and the network to which that PLC is connected (SYSMAC
LINK, SYSMAC NET, Ethernet or Controller Link).
Note:
Offline connections are shown as a red line whilst for online connections this changes
to green. Other aspects also change when online, refer to Chapter 8 - Opening a PLC
for further information.
CHAPTER 8 – CX-Server Network Configuration Tool (CX-Net)
PART 2: CX-Server PLC Tools
CX-Server PLC Tools_Page 79