Import Function. Moxa MGate MB3180/MB3280/MB3480 Series, MGate MB3170/MB3270 Series

Import Function

Once the file is saved, it can be imported into your target unit to duplicate the same settings. Select the target unit first and click the Import button to import.

Select the file you want to import, and then click the OK button

Wait for the MGate Manager to finish configuring the target device. If you import the configuration file successfully, a confirmation message will pop up. After closing the message dialog, the MGate Manager will automatically execute a Broadcast Search for all MGate units on the LAN. Your MGate should reappear in the list of units.

ATTENTION

DO NOT turn off the MGate power before the firmware upgrade process is completed. The MGate will erase the old firmware to make room for the new firmware to flash memory. If you power off the MGate and terminate the process, all settings will disappear, and the MGate gateway will revert to factory defaults. If this happens, import the settings from the file again.

78 MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual

Mxview

The Moxa Mxview network management software gives you a convenient graphical representation of your

Ethernet network and allows you to configure, monitor, and diagnose Moxa networking devices. Mxview provides an integrated management platform that can manage the Moxa MGate MB3000 Series as well as

Ethernet switches and wireless Aps, and SNMP-enabled and ICMP-enabled devices installed on subnets.

Mxview includes an integrated MIB compiler that supports any third-party MIB. It also allows you to monitor third-party OIDs and Traps. Network and Trap components that have been located by Mxview can be managed via web browsers from both local and remote sites—anytime, anywhere.

Additionally, the Moxa Mxview supports the Security View function to follow Moxa’s security guidelines, which are based on current IEC 62243 component-level recommendations. Security View checks the security level of Moxa’s network devices, including the MGate MB3000 Series.

All MGate MB3000 devices can be recognized by Mxview. However, be sure your MGate device has the proper firmware version installed, as listed in the following table:

Model type

MGate MB3170/3170I

MGate MB3270/3270I

MGate MB3180

MGate MB3280

MGate MB3480

Firmware version

2.1 or higher

2.1 or higher

1.3 or higher

2.1 or higher

2.1 or higher

Before adding MGate MB3000 devices to the Mxview utility, you must add the MB3000 plug-in package to

Mxview via Plug-in Manager. The Plug-in Manager is automatically installed when setting up Mxview. Please execute Plug-in Manager and add the plug-in package. You can download the plug-in package at http://www.moxa.com

.

MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual 79

MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual 80

Mxconfig

Moxa’s Mxconfig is a comprehensive Windows-based utility that is used to install, configure, and maintain multiple Moxa devices in industrial networks. This suite of useful tools helps users set the IP addresses of multiple devices with one click, configure the redundant protocols and VLAN settings, modify multiple network configurations of multiple Moxa devices, upload firmware to multiple devices, export/import configuration files, copy configuration settings across devices, easily link to web and telnet consoles, and test device connectivity. Mxconfig gives device installers and control engineers a powerful and easy way to mass configure devices, and effectively reduces the setup and maintenance cost.

Through Mxconfig, users can access the MGate MB3000 devices and take advantage of additional functions, such as searching for MGate MB3000 devices, setting network configurations, upgrading firmware, and importing/exporting configurations.

Before configuring MGate MB3000 devices via Mxconfig utility, you must add the MB3000 plug-in package to

Mxconfig. You can download the plug-in package from the product page and execute plug-in package with just a few clicks.

For more detailed information regarding Mxview/Mxconfig, download the user manual from Moxa’s website at http://www.moxa.com

81 MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual

11.

Case Studies

Introduction

There are many reasons a Modbus gateway might be used to integrate Modbus networks. However, every situation has its own requirements and difficulties. Users may wonder how the gateway can help, or even if the gateway is suitable for the system.

This chapter presents some case studies to guide you. If you cannot find a case like yours, it does not mean the MGate MB3000 is not suitable for you. Please contact Moxa, and we will work it out with you.

Replace Serial Clients/Masters With Ethernet

Client(s)/Master(s), Slave IDs are

Configurable

In this scenario, the original control system comprises several serial-based systems. In each system, a serial client/master directly controls serial server/slave devices, as follows:

The MGate MB3000 can connect to each serial server/slave, so Ethernet SCADA clients/masters will be able to control them. However, since slave IDs cannot be repeated in a system, we will need to change the IDs of some of the servers/slaves to integrate them into a single network, as follows:

MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual 82

Replace Serial Clients/Masters With Ethernet

Client(s)/Master(s), Slave IDs Are Fixed

Some legacy Modbus server/slave devices have fixed IDs that cannot be changed. In order to integrate the devices into a Modbus TCP network, a multiport MGate model (MB3280, MB3270, or MB3480) can be used to assign virtual slave IDs. For more information about virtual slave IDs, please refer to Chapter 9.

Keep Serial Client/Master and Add Ethernet

Client(s)/Master(s)

In this scenario, the serial control system is a direct, low-latency system. The serial client/master must not be replaced, but Ethernet clients/masters will need to have access to the serial servers/slaves for monitoring or supervision.

MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual 83

Serial Redirector

An advanced multiport MGate model (MB3270/MB3270I) supports the serial redirector function, which integrates Modbus RTU/ASCII and Modbus TCP devices at the same time. Many serial control systems in the field and local control devices, such as HMI, are connected to serial field devices. Using Ethernet-based equipment for remote access and monitoring has become a trend. By setting up the MGate, you will be able to keep the original serial control system and add Modbus TCP client/master (e.g., SCADA) or/and Modbus

TCP server/slave (e.g., PLC) into the system. Both Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII clients/masters can control Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII servers/slaves. MGate can act as a “Serial Redirector” by configuring the Protocol Settings. For more information about how to set up the serial redirector function, please refer to the Serial Redirector Settings in this manual.

Integrate Modbus RTU, ASCII, and TCP at the

Same Time

There can be a wide range in number, type, and sophistication of devices on the factory floor. The most common devices are simple serial-based meters, which report certain information relating to factory environment or equipment. However, other Modbus serial servers/slaves may be as complex as a manufacturing machine or a PLC controller.

When integrating these devices, there may be issues if different serial environments are used for different devices. One system may use a different baudrate than another or may use Modbus ASCII instead of

Modbus RTU. The MGate MB3000 allows the different Modbus systems to be integrated into one network, regardless of the protocol or communication parameters.

MGate MB3000 Modbus Gateway User Manual 84