Application and properties
1.2 Communication services and other properties
IE/PB LINK PN IO
16
Operating Instructions, 11/2017, C79000-G8976-C393-02
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Gateway to a DP master system
The LINK serves as a gateway between Ethernet and PROFIBUS. The LINK is operated
as an active node on a PROFIBUS network.
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Data record gateway
Field device parameter assignment (data record routing)
You can use the LINK as a router for data records intended for PROFIBUS nodes.
Devices that are not directly attached to PROFIBUS and that therefore do not have direct
access to the PROFIBUS nodes can transfer data records to the field devices via the
LINK, e.g. via SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager).
Other services and properties
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MPI networking (only in standard operation)
The LINK can be selected as a gateway in standard operation between an MPI subnet
and an Ethernet subnet.
To do this, you need to network the PROFIBUS interface of the LINK with the MPI
subnet.
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PG/OP communication
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Loading programs and configuration data
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Running test and diagnostics functions
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Operator control and monitoring (HMI systems) of a system.
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S7 routing
Cross-subnet S7 connections, for example for HMI operation.
The LINK forwards communication via S7 connections. This service is used, for example,
by HMI applications (PC stations).
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Time synchronization
The LINK supports time synchronization using the following methods:
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SIMATIC mode
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NTP
The LINK uses the synchronized time-of-day, for example for forwarding and time
stamping diagnostics buffer entries.
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Firmware update
The LINK supports firmware updates using the firmware loader. A firmware file can be
loaded from a PC/PG via PROFIBUS, see section Loading firmware (Page 71).
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C-PLUG as exchangeable storage medium for configuration data
The LINK supports storage of configuration data on the optional exchangeable storage
medium C-PLUG. This simplifies replacement of a defective module by simply inserting
the C-PLUG in the new module.
