4 NETLink PRO ETH
3 System Overview
3.1 Application and function description
The NETLink PRO ETH is a gateway between a TCP network and a PPI,
MPI or PROFIBUS.
Two protocols are available at the TCP end for exchange of useful data with
the automation system (multi protocol mode):
• One is a proprietary protocol that is used to connect to the proprietary
NETLink PRO driver
• The other is the S7-TCP/IP protocol often used by visualization
system manufacturers which is known as ‘RFC1006’ or ‘ISO on top
of TCP’.
Up to seven (6+1) TCP connections (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps) and up to
twelve MPI/PROFIBUS connections (9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps) can be used
simultaneously.
Please note that up six TCP links per TCP protocol but no more than seven
TCP links in total can be opened in multi protocol mode.
This means that at least one spare link always remains that can be used by
the other protocol.
On both the TCP and the field bus sides, the baudrate used can be
determined automatically (autonegotiation or autobaud)
The NETLink PRO ETH can draw the necessary power supply either from
the bus interface of the programmable controller or via an external power
supply.
The connecting cable used to link the NETLink PRO ETH with the
programmable controller is 1.2 meters long and active. Because it is active,
no spur lines are required that could interfere with the bus.
The use of NETLink PRO driver makes it possible to use NETLink PRO
ETH as the following at the PC end
• Programming adapter,
• Teleservice unit or
• Operator control and monitoring unit
The RFC1006 interface also enables you to use third-party software that
supports this protocol for S7-300 and S7-400 systems.
In both cases the NETLink PRO ETH is connected to the PC via a switch or
hub.
If the NETLink PRO is connected directly to a PC, a crossover adapter must
be interposed between the PC and the NETLink PRO ETH (for accessories,
see section 3.5).
