Siemens SIMATIC ET 200AL, System Manual

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Routing
11.5 Virtual interface for IP-based applications
Communication
Function Manual, 05/2021, A5E03735815-AJ
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11.5 Virtual interface for IP-based applications
As of firmware version 2.8, the S7-1500 CPU offers the option of reaching its IP-based
applications, such as OPC UA, not only via its local (PN) interfaces, but also via the interfaces
of communication processors in the same station. A communication partner reaches these IP-
based applications via a virtual interface that can be configured in the TIA Portal as of version
V16. The virtual interface is called W1 (according to IEC 81346-2).
Features of the virtual interface
The virtual interface is not a fully diagnosable interface with the familiar properties of
conventional interfaces. The virtual interface is not displayed in the graphical views, because
the internal connection via the backplane bus does not represent an S7 subnet and does not
have any ports. A physical connection by means of a network cable therefore cannot be
established.
The IP address of the virtual interface is displayed (e.g. in the TIA Portal, in the display of the
CPU) and can be configured.
The following IP-based services can be used e.g. via the virtual interface W1:
•
OPC UA (client and server)
• Programmed OUC connections
• S7 communication (ES/HMI access and instructions for S7 communication such as PUT,
GET)
The activated interface can be used in dialogs where IP-based connections are configured.
Figure 11-14 Principle of the virtual interface