Performance and Visibility
RSLinx® Enterprise Getting Results Guide
Getting Results Guide
Table of contents
Chapter 1
Intended audience ................................................................................. 7
Where to find additional information ................................................... 7
Help ................................................................................................. 7
Release Notes .................................................................................. 8
Training programs ........................................................................... 8
Knowledgebases ............................................................................. 8
Consulting services ......................................................................... 9
Introduction
Chapter 2
Welcome to RSLinx
Enterprise
What is RSLinx Enterprise?................................................................ 11
Features and benefits........................................................................... 11
Overview of basic concepts ................................................................ 12
FactoryTalk Services Platform ..................................................... 12
Local applications versus Network applications........................... 13
FactoryTalk Administration Console and FactoryTalk View Studio
....................................................................................................... 14
Design-time versus runtime .......................................................... 14
Installation and configuration checklist .............................................. 14
Chapter 3
Minimum system requirements........................................................... 17
Hardware requirements ................................................................. 17
Software requirements .................................................................. 17
Software compatibility .................................................................. 19
Install RSLinx Enterprise .................................................................... 19
Update an existing installation ............................................................ 21
Update a system that already has a FactoryTalk-enabled product
installed ......................................................................................... 22
Install RSLinx
Enterprise
Chapter 4
Start RSLinx
Enterprise and
explore the user
interface
Start FactoryTalk Administration Console ......................................... 23
FactoryTalk Administration Console user interface components ....... 24
Add RSLinx Enterprise to the FactoryTalk application ..................... 25
Explore the RSLinx Enterprise Communication Setup editor ............ 25
Right-click versus left-click .......................................................... 27
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Table of contents
Chapter 5
Define RSLinx
Enterprise server
properties
Define General server properties ........................................................ 29
Set up RSLinx Enterprise to support a redundant server (optional) ... 30
Set up RSLinx Enterprise to support FactoryTalk Alarms and Events
(optional) ............................................................................................. 31
Chapter 6
Add a driver ........................................................................................ 33
If you are running on an Ethernet network ................................... 33
If you are running on any network other than Ethernet ................ 34
Add a device ....................................................................................... 34
Automatically add a device by browsing ...................................... 34
Manually add a device .................................................................. 34
Create shortcuts ................................................................................... 35
Create a
configuration
Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
What to check first when you have problems ..................................... 39
Troubleshooting tools for RSLinx Enterprise ..................................... 39
FactoryTalk Diagnostics event log ............................................... 39
Predefined items............................................................................ 40
Answers to common questions ........................................................... 40
Where is the help for RSLinx Enterprise? .................................... 40
Why don't I see RSLinx Enterprise on my Start menu? ............... 40
Why can't I browse for tags? ......................................................... 40
Why can't I edit my ME configuration? ........................................ 40
Can I run RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic on the same
computer? ...................................................................................... 41
How to contact technical support ........................................................ 41
Chapter 8
Advanced topics
4
About the virtual backplane ................................................................ 43
Supported network routes ................................................................... 43
Move RSLinx Enterprise configurations ............................................ 44
Move your shortcuts ..................................................................... 44
Move your physical layout (drivers and devices) ......................... 46
Manage CIP connections .................................................................... 47
Logix controllers with a limited number of connections .............. 48
CIP bridge modules with a limited number of connections .......... 48
Use predefined items to find out how many CIP connections are
being used ..................................................................................... 48
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Table of contents
Use FactoryTalk Diagnostics to track and troubleshoot CIP
connections ................................................................................... 48
Chapter 9
Use RSLinx
Enterprise with
RSLinx Classic
For Vista, Windows 2008, and Windows 7 operating systems .......... 51
Dual-channel 1784-PKTX(D) driver ............................................ 51
For all the supported operating systems.............................................. 52
1784-PKTX driver ........................................................................ 52
Serial-DF1 driver (RS232 DF1 devices)....................................... 52
1784-PCIC(S) driver ..................................................................... 52
Glossary
Index
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The Getting Results Guide provides you with information on installing,
navigating, and using RSLinx Enterprise.
This chapter includes the following information:
Intended audience
Where to find additional information
Important:
Intended audience
Where to find
additional
information
The Getting Results Guide is included as a PDF (portable
document format) file on your FactoryTalk Services
installation DVD. This file must be viewed using the Adobe
Acrobat Reader software, which is also included on the DVD.
You should be familiar with:
Microsoft Windows operating systems
Allen-Bradley PLCs (programmable logic controllers)
Rockwell Automation's PLC programming tools
FactoryTalk Administration Console
For additional information about RSLinx Enterprise, consult the following
resources:
Help
The Help includes all overview, procedural, screen, and reference
information for the product. The Help contains these basic components:
Overview topics
Quick-start topics
Step-by-step procedures
Dialog box descriptions
To view the Help while working in FactoryTalk Administration Console:
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Chapter 1
Introduction
Select Contents from the Help menu on FactoryTalk Administration
Console main window, then select the book, Work with RSLinx
Enterprise, or
Click Help on any RSLinx Enterprise dialog box or property screen, or
Press F1, or
From the Start menu, select Programs > Rockwell Software >
FactoryTalk Tools > FactoryTalk Help > Work with RSLinx
Enterprise.
Release Notes
The electronic Release Notes provide a list of the hardware and software that
is necessary to use RSLinx Enterprise effectively and a list of known
anomalies, anomalies fixed, and new features that are available in the current
release.
The Release Notes are available from the FactoryTalk Services installation
DVD. The Release Notes for all FactoryTalk components, including RSLinx
Enterprise, are available from the FactoryTalk Help. FactoryTalk Help can
be launched from FactoryTalk Administration Console or from the Start
menu as described in the previous section.
Training programs
Rockwell Automation offers a wide range of training programs, from
regularly scheduled classes to custom-tailored classes conducted at your site.
If you would like more information about these training programs, visit the
Rockwell Automation site on the Web or contact the Rockwell Automation
Training Coordinator. The Web address and telephone numbers appear on
page ii of this document.
Knowledgebases
The Rockwell Automation Customer Support Center offers an extensive
online database that includes frequently asked questions and the latest
patches. Please visit http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support and select
Knowledgebase under Self-Service Support to access this database.
8
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Introduction
Chapter 1
Consulting services
Rockwell Automation provides expert consulting and turnkey
implementations for making optimal use of Rockwell Software products.
Please contact your local representative for more information.
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
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Chapter 1
10
Introduction
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Chapter 2
Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise
This chapter includes the following information:
What is RSLinx
Enterprise?
What is RSLinx Enterprise?
Features and benefits
Overview of basic concepts
Installation and configuration checklist
RSLinx Enterprise is a FactoryTalk Live Data™ server and FactoryTalk
Alarms and Events server. RSLinx Enterprise configurations, which you
create and modify using the Communication Setup editor, are used by your
applications to communicate with devices (such as controllers and I/O
scanners) on the plant floor. This enables you to see values, such as sensor
readings and other controller data from your plant floor devices, on your
desktop computer or dedicated PanelView Plus terminal.
An RSLinx Enterprise configuration consists of:
A list of communication devices and their settings (for example, node,
baud rate, and alike).
Device drivers and their associated properties.
A list of potential target devices, with which RSLinx Enterprise can
communicate (that is, exchange data).
Shortcuts. A shortcut is a name that stands for the device you want to
connect to, and the data that device contains. The communication path
associated with the shortcut tells the application where to find that data.
For FactoryTalk View Machine Edition applications, you can pre-configure
RSLinx Enterprise-based communications needed for the runtime
applications, using the design software, FactoryTalk View Studio.You can
also edit configurations, using Windows CE-based tools on the PanelView
Plus terminal.
Features and
benefits
RSLinx Enterprise provides the following features and benefits:
Provides access to controller and device data from any FactoryTalk
Live Data client.
Is optimized for ControlLogix communications.
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Chapter 2
Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise
Overview of basic
concepts
Checks for devices that support a relatively small number of CIP
connections and limits the number of read connections. (The number of
write connections remains fixed at 1.)
Offers a variety of communication drivers and routing options.
Supports Local applications (also called stand-alone applications) for
smaller systems, and Network applications (also called distributed
applications) for larger systems.
For Network applications, provides the option of specifying a
secondary, or redundant, server to take over when the primary server
fails.
Provides editing capabilities outside of FactoryTalk View Studio. You
do not have to install FactoryTalk View Studio to edit RSLinx
Enterprise configurations. Use FactoryTalk Administration Console,
which is installed with FactoryTalk Services.
Installs and supports FactoryTalk Alarms and Events. Refer to the Help
for more information about FactoryTalk Alarms and Events.
Supports FactoryTalk Security to provide a means for system
administrators to control access to resources (such as applications or
areas), or the ability to perform tasks (such as read and write) in the
automation system.
In conjunction with FactoryTalk Gateway, provides standard OPC
connectivity into the FactoryTalk system for third-party products. For
more information about FactoryTalk Gateway, refer to the FactoryTalk
Gateway Help.
It is important to understand some basic concepts about FactoryTalk and
RSLinx Enterprise before you begin working with RSLinx Enterprise within
the FactoryTalk Administration Console. For more detailed information
about FactoryTalk, refer to the FactoryTalk Help.
FactoryTalk Services Platform
Formerly known as FactoryTalk Automation Platform, the FactoryTalk
Services Platform is an underlying architecture and set of services that
Rockwell Automation software products build upon.
The FactoryTalk Services Platform:
12
Provides common services (such as diagnostic messages, health
monitoring services, access to real-time data) and shares plant
resources (such as tags and graphic displays) throughout an automation
system.
Allows defining plant-floor resources once, and then allows
simultaneous access to those resources across product boundaries.
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise
Chapter 2
Supports centralized security services.
The FactoryTalk Services Platform includes the following components:
FactoryTalk Directory
FactoryTalk Directory allows products to share a common address book,
which finds and provides access to plant-floor resources, such as data tags
and graphic displays.
The FactoryTalk Services Platform includes two separate directories: a Local
Directory and a Network Directory. In a Local Directory, a Directory Server,
all project information, and all participating software products are located on
a single computer. Local applications cannot be shared across a network. A
Network Directory organizes project information from multiple FactoryTalk
products across multiple computers on a network.
FactoryTalk Live Data
FactoryTalk Live Data manages connections between FactoryTalk products
and data servers. It reads values from, and writes values to, OPC-DA servers
(OLE for Process Control - Data Access) and Live Data servers on behalf of
client software products, such as FactoryTalk View and FactoryTalk
Transaction Manager.
FactoryTalk Diagnostics
FactoryTalk Diagnostics collects and provides access to activity, status,
warning, and error messages generated throughout a FactoryTalk system.
FactoryTalk Administration Console
FactoryTalk Administration Console is an optional, standalone tool that
enables you to configure and manage FactoryTalk-enabled applications.
FactoryTalk Security
FactoryTalk Security offers centralized security services that provide the
ability to control access to your automation system. For more information on
configuring FactoryTalk Security, refer to the topic titled About
"FactoryTalk Security" in the RSLinx Enterprise Help.
Local applications versus Network applications
An application organizes project information, including elements such as
data servers, HMI servers, and alarm and event servers. The application
makes project information available to all FactoryTalk-enabled products
participating in a FactoryTalk system.
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Chapter 2
Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise
Network applications are held in a FactoryTalk Network Directory.
Project information and participating software products can be located
on multiple computers distributed across a network. All of the
computers participating in a particular Network application share a
common Network Directory Server located on a network computer.
Local applications are held in a FactoryTalk Local Directory. Project
information is located on a stand-alone computer and is available only
to software products installed on that same local computer. Local
applications cannot be accessed remotely and cannot share project
information with a Network application.
FactoryTalk Administration Console and
FactoryTalk View Studio
To edit RSLinx Enterprise configurations, use FactoryTalk Administration
Console or FactoryTalk View Studio as follows:
In a Network (distributed) application, you can use either FactoryTalk
Administration Console or FactoryTalk View Studio.
In a Local application, you can edit locally or remotely using
FactoryTalk Administration Console, or you can edit locally or
remotely within FactoryTalk View Studio.
To edit a FactoryTalk View ME (Machine Edition) project, use
FactoryTalk View Studio because of the specific needs of FactoryTalk
View ME.
Design-time versus runtime
RSLinx Enterprise is comprised of design-time and runtime components. The
design-time components provide the user interface that enables you to set up
devices, drivers, and shortcuts that are ultimately used by the runtime
components. Based on this configuration data, the runtime components
execute read/write requests received during runtime operation.
Installation and
configuration
checklist
14
Use the following checklist to guide you through the installation and
configuration process.
Step
Description
Refer to:
1.
Read and understand the RSLinx
Enterprise Getting Results Guide.
This Guide.
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise
Chapter 2
Step
Description
Refer to:
2.
Plan your system.
"Getting started with a
FactoryTalk system" in the
FactoryTalk Help.
3.
Verify your personal computer meets the "Minimum system
requirements" on page 17
minimum
hardware and software requirements.
4.
Install FactoryTalk Services Platform and "Install RSLinx Enterprise"
RSLinx Enterprise.
on page 19
5.
Configure FactoryTalk Security.
"Getting started with
security" in the FactoryTalk
Help.
6
Add an RSLinx Enterprise server.
"Add RSLinx Enterprise to
the FactoryTalk application"
on page 25
7.
Specify general RSLinx Enterprise
server
properties.
"Define General server
properties" on page 29
8.
Optionally, set up a redundant server to
take over if the primary server fails
(network applications only).
"Set up RSLinx Enterprise
to support a redundant
server (optional)" on page
30
9.
Optionally, set up options for
device-based alarms.
"Set up RSLinx Enterprise
to support FactoryTalk
Alarms and Events
(optional)" on page 31
10.
Add drivers and devices.
"Add a driver" on page 33
11.
Create shortcuts that point to your target
devices.
"Create shortcuts" on page
35
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Chapter 2
16
Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Chapter 3
Install RSLinx Enterprise
This chapter contains the following information:
Minimum system
requirements
System requirements
Install RSLinx Enterprise software for the first time
Update an existing installation
To use RSLinx Enterprise, your personal computer must meet the following
minimum hardware and software requirements:
Hardware requirements
To install RSLinx Enterprise, you need the following hardware:
Minimum: 1 GHz processor (32-bit or 64-bit), 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2
GB RAM (64-bit)
Recommended: 2 GHz or faster processor (32-bit or 64-bit), 2 GB
RAM (32-bit) or 4 GB RAM (64-bit)
Software requirements
To run RSLinx Enterprise, one of the following operating systems is
required:
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 Standard [64-bit]
Windows Server 2012 Datacenter [64-bit]
Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard [64-bit]
Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter [64-bit]
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 [32-bit]
Windows 8.1 [64-bit]
Windows 8.1 Professional [32-bit]
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Chapter 3
Install RSLinx Enterprise
Windows 8.1 Professional [64-bit]
Windows 8.1 Enterprise [32-bit]
Windows 8.1 Enterprise [64-bit]
Windows 8
Windows 8 [32-bit]
Windows 8 [64-bit]
Windows 8 Professional [32-bit]
Windows 8 Professional [64-bit]
Windows 8 Enterprise [32-bit]
Windows 8 Enterprise [64-bit]
Windows 7
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 [32-bit]
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 [64-bit]
Windows 7 Professional [32-bit]
Windows 7 Professional [64-bit]
Windows 7 Professional SP 1 [32-bit]
Windows 7 Professional SP 1 [64-bit]
Windows 7 Enterprise SP 1 [32-bit]
Windows 7 Enterprise SP 1 [64-bit]
Windows 7 Ultimate SP 1 [64-bit]
Windows Embedded Standard 7 SP1
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 SP2 Standard [32-bit]
Windows Server 2008 SP2 Standard [64-bit]
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard [64-bit]
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Standard [64-bit]
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Enterprise [64-bit]
Windows Vista
Windows Vista SP2 [32-bit]
For the latest information regarding software platform support, refer to
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/compatibility/#/scenarios.
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Install RSLinx Enterprise
Chapter 3
Software compatibility
RSLinx Enterprise v5.80.00 (CPR 9 SR 8) has been tested with, and is
compatible with, the following Rockwell Automation products:
Install RSLinx
Enterprise
Studio 5000 Logix Designer™ v28.00.00 or earlier
FactoryTalk Gateway v3.80.00
FactoryTalk Services Platform v2.80.00
FactoryTalk Alarms and Events v2.80.00
FactoryTalk View v8.10.00
RSLinx Classic v3.80.00
RSLinx Enterprise Setup Wizard supports to automatically install a series of
Rockwell software and the necessary prerequisite software, including:
Rockwell Software
FactoryTalk Services Platform v2.80.00
FactoryTalk Activation Manager v3.62.11
RSLinx Enterprise v5.80.00
FactoryTalk Alarms and Events v2.80.00
Rockwell Automation USB CIP Driver v3.18.06 (for 32-bit operating
systems)
Rockwell Automation x64 Driver v1.1.18 (for 64-bit operating
systems)
Prerequisite Software
Adobe Reader XI
MSXML 4.0 SP2
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0
Microsoft SQL Server Compact 4.0
FactoryTalk Diagnostics 2.80.00
Windows Firewall Configuration Utility 1.00.07
Important:
To install RSLinx Enterprise, you must have administrative
rights in Windows on the computers where the software is
being installed. The Windows domain Administrator account
has these rights, for example.
To install RSLinx Enterprise, perform the following steps:
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Chapter 3
Install RSLinx Enterprise
1. Insert the FactoryTalk Services DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.
Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
In the Open control, type x:\setup, where x is the letter of the drive
containing the FactoryTalk Services DVD-ROM, and then press
Enter or click the OK button. The FactoryTalk Services opening
screen appears in a few seconds.
2. On the Welcome to the FactoryTalk Services Setup Wizard dialog
box, wait while the wizard is preparing for installation.
3. On the Rockwell Software Common Setup dialog box, follow the
instructions that appear on the screen. The general order of the
installation will be:
Product selection - Click View Release Notes for Selected
Product to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements,
and to learn about new features included with this version of
RSLinx Enterprise. After you have read the Release Notes, click
Next.
Process Terminating - During the installation, the Setup Wizard
identifies Rockwell Automation software that will be replaced. The
Setup Wizard automatically terminates the Rockwell Automation
processes that are listed on the dialog box. Read the information on
the dialog box and check the Rockwell Automation Software that
are listed. Click Next to terminate the Rockwell Automation
software process and proceed with the installation process. This
step is available only if any Rockwell Automation software process
needs to be terminate.
Important:
20
This procedure could shut down your process
applications! Depending on which applications you are
installing or upgrading, it is possible that your factory
automation system will become inoperable, shutting
down your processes. Be certain you have prepared for
this downtime and all of your company's systems are
prepared for these applications to be terminated.
License Agreement - End-user license agreements (EULA) spell
out your rights and responsibilities. Depending on the applications
being installed, it is possible that there may be more than one
license agreement on this page. The individual license agreements
are listed above the text box. Read the entire Software License
Agreement. Click Accept all to continue installation, or click
Decline to exit the installation.
Configuration Summary - This summary indicates the software
that will be included in the installation process. Clicking on any of
the prerequisites or Rockwell Software will display a description in
the Description window. The bottom of the screen shows the total
hard drive space required for the selected application as well as the
space required for all products that will be installed. When ready to
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Install RSLinx Enterprise
Chapter 3
proceed, click Install to start the RSLinx Enterprise installation
process.
FTA server incompatible - This page lists the incompatible
activation servers. This page is available only if any activation
server is incompatible and needs to be updated. Read the
information and check the servers that are listed. Click Next to
proceed with the installation process.
4. After the RSLinx Enterprise software finishes installing, the Rockwell
Software Setup dialog box opens. Read the installation summary on
the dialog box. Click Finish.
5. A window opens and prompts you to restart the computer. Click Yes to
restart the computer or click No to restart later. The RSLinx Enterprise
installation is complete.
Important:
You must restart your computer after installing Rockwell
Software products. If you are installing multiple products, you
must restart your computer after all of the products are
installed.
6. When you finish installing the software, remove the FactoryTalk
Services DVD from the DVD-ROM drive, and store it in a safe place.
Update an existing
installation
Note the following before upgrading RSLinx Enterprise:
You must have administrative rights in Windows on the computers
where RSLinx Enterprise is being installed. For example, the Windows
domain Administrator account has these rights.
Be sure that you install RSLinx Enterprise with the compatible
Rockwell Automation products.
Perform the following steps to upgrade from a previous version of the
software:
1. Stop your current version of RSLinx Enterprise.
2. Insert the FactoryTalk Services product DVD into the DVD-ROM
drive. Perform the installation steps in the order presented on the
screen. You can refer to Install RSLinx Enterprise on page 19 for the
installation steps.
Important:
The old version of RSLinx Enterprise that exists on your
computer is automatically uninstalled when you install RSLinx
Enterprise v5.80.00 (CPR 9 SR 8).
3. Restart your computer.
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Chapter 3
Install RSLinx Enterprise
Important:
You must restart your computer after installing Rockwell
Software products. If you are installing multiple products, you
must restart your computer after all of the products are
installed.
Update a system that already has a
FactoryTalk-enabled product installed
If you are installing RSLinx Enterprise on a Windows platform, on which
other FactoryTalk-enabled products are currently installed, you must first
verify that all products are of the same CPR number. You can do this from
Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features (view by small icons).
The CPR number is shown with the product. If any products are of a previous
release, you must uninstall the products (following the sequence: uninstall
FactoryTalk Activation Manager > uninstall FactoryTalk Services Platform >
uninstall FactoryTalk Diagnostics last), restart your computer, and then use
the installation DVD to install the correct release version.
If the CPR versions are compatible, verify that FactoryTalk Administration
Console is installed, using the following procedure:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features (view by
small icons).
2. Right click FactoryTalk Services Platform from the program list.
3. Select Change to start the installation wizard.
4. Select Modify from the Program Maintenance screen.
5. Verify the installation status of FactoryTalk Administration Console.
22
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Chapter 4
Start RSLinx Enterprise and
explore the user interface
This chapter includes the following information:
Start FactoryTalk
Administration
Console
Start FactoryTalk Administration Console
Basic FactoryTalk Administration Console user interface components
Explore the Communication Setup editor
RSLinx Enterprise is launched from within Factory Talk Administration
Console. To start FactoryTalk Administration Console, use the following
procedure:
1. From the Start menu, select Programs > Rockwell Software >
FactoryTalk Administration Console.
2. Select the FactoryTalk Directory you want to use. Refer to Chapter 2
for more information about Network and Local applications.
Important:
Depending on the security settings, you may be required to enter
a User name and Password to open an application. Refer to the
FactoryTalk Help for more information.
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Chapter 4
Start RSLinx Enterprise and explore the user interface
FactoryTalk
Administration
Console user
interface
components
24
FactoryTalk Administration Console is made up of the following basic user
interface components:
Item
Description
1
The Explorer pane contains the Application tab and the Communications
tab.
2
The Application tab shows your applications in tree format as you create
them. With the Application tab, you can view and manage your
applications. You use FactoryTalk Administration Console to add
references to data servers, such as RSLinx Enterprise, within FactoryTalk
applications.
For more information about creating applications in the FactoryTalk
Administration Console, refer to the FactoryTalk Administration Console
Help.
3
The Communications tab provides a view from the computer you are
currently using. With the Communications tab, you can browse for devices
your computer can access on the network (similar to RSWho in RSLinx
Classic) and shows them in tree format. The tree is composed of networks,
chassis, devices, and services. The status bar on this tab indicates
whether the computer is online or offline, and whether it is browsing or not
browsing.
4
The workspace is an empty pane when you start FactoryTalk
Administration Console. When you launch RSLinx Enterprise from the
Explorer pane, the Communication Setup editor opens in the workspace.
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Start RSLinx Enterprise and explore the user interface
Add RSLinx
Enterprise to the
FactoryTalk
application
Chapter 4
To begin using RSLinx Enterprise after you install it, you must first add it to
a FactoryTalk application, which is created in the FactoryTalk Directory.
Use the following procedure to add RSLinx Enterprise to an application.
1. In the Explorer window, position the cursor on the area or application,
to which you want to add the RSLinx Enterprise server.
2. Right-click the area or application, select Add New Server>Rockwell
Automation Device Server (RSLinx Enterprise).
3. In the RSLinx Enterprise Server Properties tabs, set the server
properties. These tabs are described in Chapter 5.
4. Click OK to add the RSLinx Enterprise server to the application.
Explore the RSLinx
Enterprise
Communication
Setup editor
Use the Communication Setup editor to add drivers, add devices, set up
driver and device properties, and set up device shortcuts in your RSLinx
Enterprise configurations.
To open the Communication Setup editor, perform the following steps:
1. In the Explorer pane, expand the appropriate application in the
application tree.
2. Expand RSLinx Enterprise.
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Chapter 4
Start RSLinx Enterprise and explore the user interface
3. Double-click Communication Setup. The Communication Setup
editor opens in the workspace.
Important:
26
Modifying this data at run time could cause unexpected results.
See "Making run-time changes in FactoryTalk applications" in the
RSLinx Enterprise Help.
Item
Description
1
In the Device Shortcuts area, you can add, remove, and modify
shortcuts and apply the shortcut properties to the selected shortcut
name. A shortcut is a name that stands for the device you want to
connect to, and the data that device contains. The shortcut is associated
with a communication path to tell the application where to find that data.
2
Tab(s) contain a communication tree control, representing the
communication topology. Depending on your product, you will see the
following tabs:
FactoryTalk View SE (Site Edition) Local: Primary tab
FactoryTalk View SE Network: Primary tab and, if server redundancy is
selected, Secondary tab.
Use the tabs to add, remove, and modify devices and drivers.
Menu options are shown by right-clicking the various nodes within the
communication tree.
3
Mode indicates whether you are Online or Offline.
4
Browse status indicates whether or not RSLinx Enterprise is
interrogating the network to determine if there are additional devices
present.
5
Shortcut Properties Table indicates the properties associated with the
selected shortcut.
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Start RSLinx Enterprise and explore the user interface
Chapter 4
Item
Description
6
Shortcut options indicate the options associated with the selected
shortcut type.
Note: If unsolicited message is selected in the Shortcut Type, the
following shortcut options display under the Shortcut type in the
Communication Setup editor. For any other shortcut type (that is,
processor, EDS parameter, or symbolic), the shortcut options are not
visible.
7
Status shows messages that assist you as you configure your shortcuts.
OK
Saves any changes and closes the Communication Setup editor.
Cancel Closes the Communication Setup editor without saving the current
changes.
Verify
Shows a summary of the shortcuts you created, and their associated
status messages.
Help
Opens Help.
Right-click versus left-click
To do this:
Do this:
Select a device on the communication Left-click the device. If it is a valid device
selection, the Apply button will become
tree to apply a shortcut to it.
active. If it is an invalid device selection,
status message (6) will alert you.
Start browsing the network.
Left-click a network on the communication
tree. The Browse status (4) will indicate
Browsing.
or
Right-click a network. Select Start
Browsing from the context menu.
Stop browsing the network.
Right-click a network. Select Stop
Browsing from the context menu.
View or edit a property screen.
Right-click the device or network. Select
Properties from the context menu.
View a context menu.
Right-click.
Important:
To open the property screen for a device, do not left-click the
device to select it before right-clicking to open the property
screen. The left-click action selects a shortcut target, which may
or may not be the intended target for the highlighted shortcut.
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Chapter 4
Start RSLinx Enterprise and explore the user interface
If making an edit in the development environment will adversely affect the
run-time system, warnings have been added to FactoryTalk to alert you. If
the change is made through a dialog box, this warning icon:
appears next to the component where the edit can be made. Hovering the
mouse cursor over the icon shows the following message:
"Modifying this data at run time could cause unexpected results. See
Making run-time changes in FactoryTalk applications in the Help."
If the edit is made through a menu item, the message opens when you click
the menu item.
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Chapter 5
Define RSLinx Enterprise server
properties
This chapter includes the following information:
Define General server properties
Set up RSLinx Enterprise to support redundant servers (optional)
Set up RSLinx Enterprise to support FactoryTalk Alarms and Events
(optional)
To launch the Communication Setup editor, double-click Communication
Setup from the Explorer under the RSLinx Enterprise server icon. The
RSLinx Enterprise Server Properties dialog box opens.
Define General
server properties
Both Local and Network applications require you to specify server properties
on the General tab of the RSLinx Enterprise Server Properties dialog box.
The server name is RSLinx Enterprise and cannot be changed after the
server has been created.
Use the Description field to describe a component’s location, to
identify a contact person or number in the event of failure, or to keep
track of changes or version information.
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Chapter 5
Define RSLinx Enterprise server properties
For Local applications, the computer hosting the RSLinx Enterprise
server defaults to localhost and cannot be changed. For Network
applications, identify the computer where the RSLinx Enterprise server
resides by either clicking Browse or typing the computer name.
If you are going to set up a redundant server, click the Redundancy tab.
Otherwise, click Apply to save the server information, and then click OK to
close the dialog box.
Set up RSLinx
Enterprise to
support a redundant
server (optional)
On the Redundancy tab of the RSLinx Enterprise Server Properties dialog
box, you can set up a secondary (redundant) server that will take over in the
event that there is service loss of the primary RSLinx Enterprise server.
The secondary server cannot be hosted on the same computer as the primary
server.You can set up a redundant data server for a network (distributed)
application only. Refer to the RSLinx Enterprise Help for more information
about redundant servers.
To set up a redundant server, on the Redundancy tab:
1. Select Provide redundancy using a secondary server.
2. Type the name of the computer that the secondary server will run
on, or click Browse to locate and select a computer.
3. Select a switchover option.
If you are going to set up FactoryTalk Alarms and Events support, click the
Alarms and Events tab. Otherwise, click Apply to save the server
information, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
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Define RSLinx Enterprise server properties
Set up RSLinx
Enterprise to
support FactoryTalk
Alarms and Events
(optional)
Chapter 5
On the Alarms and Events tab of the RSLinx Enterprise Server Properties
dialog box, you can configure the selected server for FactoryTalk Alarm and
Event device-based alarm monitoring. Refer to the RSLinx Enterprise Help,
or click Help on the property page before attempting to set up FactoryTalk
Alarms and Events support.
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Chapter 5
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Define RSLinx Enterprise server properties
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Chapter 6
Create a configuration
This chapter includes the following information:
Add a driver
Add a device
Create shortcuts
To begin working with RSLinx Enterprise, you must add an RSLinx
Enterprise data server to the FactoryTalk Directory. This procedure is
described in Chapter 4. Once you have added RSLinx Enterprise and
configured its properties, use the Communication Setup editor to add drivers,
set up driver and device properties, and set up device shortcuts.
To launch the Communication Setup editor, double-click Communication
Setup from the Explorer under the RSLinx Enterprise data provider.
Add a driver
A driver is software that interacts with a network interface (such as the
interface that connects your computer to the Ethernet network) and manages
the exchange of communication packets over the network, to which the
interface is attached. Refer to the RSLinx Enterprise Help for information
about the drivers that are supported.
If you are running on an Ethernet network
If you are running on an Ethernet network, right-click the network shown
(for example, Ethernet), and select Start Browsing to populate the driver
with devices to add a driver.
Important:
Some Ethernet devices may not support the browse protocol used
by RSLinx Enterprise on Ethernet. If the devices you expect to
appear during the browse do not appear, manually add the
devices to the workstation's Ethernet network by right-clicking on
the network and selecting Add Device.
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Chapter 6
Create a configuration
If you are running on any network other than
Ethernet
If you are running on any network other than Ethernet, right-click the device
shown at this workstation, and select Add Driver to add a driver.
Add a device
You can add devices by browsing the network, or you can manually add
devices.
Automatically add a device by browsing
The list of potential device targets for RSLinx Enterprise can be gathered
during online browsing. During a browse cycle, RSLinx Enterprise scans the
network addresses, determines the present devices, and shows them in tree
format. The display shows the set of devices discovered during the most
recent browse cycle.
If a device is not found during a browse, it does not appear on the display,
regardless of whether or not that device was previously discovered.
If you are running on an Ethernet network, right-click the network shown
(for example, Ethernet) to start browsing. The network is automatically
populated with devices.
Browse the virtual backplane
When you select the virtual backplane on the user interface, RSLinx
Enterprise may not automatically discover devices that reside in it. If you
have added the device with a separate software package, such as the
SoftLogix Chassis Monitor or RSLinx Classic, this is most likely to happen .
If you think you have devices resident in your virtual backplane that are not
showing up on the RSLinx Enterprise user interface, you can right-click the
virtual backplane and select Start Browsing, or Show All Devices to see
those devices. If the devices do not appear, saved configuration data is not
lost.
Manually add a device
You can manually add the devices to the workstation's network using the
following procedure:
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Create a configuration
Chapter 6
1. Right-click the network or driver and select Add Device.
A list of Available Devices that applies only to the network you
selected opens.
2. Select the device you wish to add, and click OK. The device is added
below the driver or network on the communication tree. Unless your
application requires a specific device version, you should select the
most recent revision of that device.
For information on device revisions in the device list, see the drivers, device,
and shortcuts section of "Frequently asked question" in the RSLinx
Enterprise Help. The Help also provides information about how to add and
configure drives and devices.
Create shortcuts
Your application uses a configuration file to communicate with devices on
the network. This file contains at least one shortcut, which is a name that
stands for the device you want to connect to and the data that device
contains. The communication path associated with the shortcut tells the
application where to find that data.
Here are some important aspects about device shortcuts:
A shortcut needs to be configured for each device that the application
needs to access. The connected device must be capable of providing
data to the application.
Shortcuts are stored on a per-FactoryTalk application basis instead of
being associated with the RSLinx Enterprise server itself.
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Chapter 6
Create a configuration
Shortcuts are added, deleted, or modified using the Shortcut Editor in
the Device Shortcuts area of the Communication Setup editor.
To create a shortcut, use the following procedure:
1. In the Device Shortcuts area of the Communication Setup editor, click
Add. A default shortcut named New_Shortcut is created.
2. If you wish to change the name of the shortcut, you can enter the new
name at this point.
When creating a shortcut name:
Use the name of the controller, in which the data (tags) resides.
Ensure that the name is unique within this FactoryTalk View
application.
Do not use any of the following characters: . (period), ], [, %, or /.
Keep shortcut names as short as possible. The name must be less
than 255 characters.
Do not give the same name to RSLinx Enterprise shortcuts and
RSLinx Classic topics. If a shortcut has the same name as a topic,
tags will not be shown for one of them during a tag browse.
3. Select the device on the communication tree by clicking the device that
contains the data you want to access for this shortcut, and click Apply.
A dialog box opens to confirm your changes.
4. Optional -- You may also choose to use an Offline Tag File by
entering the path and name of the file in the Properties Table or by
clicking Browse... and browsing for the file. Click Apply in the Device
Shortcuts area. An offline tag file is a ControlLogix project file (.acd)
that contains tag data. You can use this file to browse for tags when
designing your application when the controller is not online.
Important:
The ControlLogix program file (.acd) must be located on the
local computer, instead of on a networked location. The
offline file must be located in the specified directory on all
RSLinx Enterprise server machines associated with the
shortcut.
5. Optional -- Enable Alarms and Events support for this shortcut by
selecting Yes from the menu in the Shortcut Properties Table. Refer to
the RSLinx Enterprise Help before enabling Alarms and Events
support for a shortcut.
6. To see the status messages associated with each shortcut you have
configured, click Verify on the Communication Setup editor.
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Chapter 6
7. When you have finished adding shortcuts, click OK to close the
Communication Setup editor. The shortcuts are not saved until you
click OK to close this dialog box. A dialog box opens to confirm your
changes.
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Chapter 6
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Create a configuration
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
This chapter includes the following information:
What to check first
when you have
problems
What to check first if you are having problems
Troubleshooting tools for RSLinx Enterprise
Answers to common questions
How to contact technical support
Does your computer meet the minimum hardware and software
requirements? Refer to Chapter 3 for these requirements.
Is the FactoryTalk Administration Console installed on your computer?
If you are running on a Windows platform, verify that FactoryTalk
Administration Console is installed using the following procedure:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features (view by
small icons).
2. Right click FactoryTalk Automation Platform from the program list.
3. Select Change to start the installation wizard.
4. Select Modify from the Program Maintenance screen.
5. Verify the installation status of FactoryTalk Administration Console.
Troubleshooting
tools for RSLinx
Enterprise
RSLinx Enterprise provides diagnostic tools, with which you can
troubleshoot problems when they occur:
FactoryTalk Diagnostics event log
Predefined items
FactoryTalk Diagnostics event log
In a FactoryTalk-enabled automation system, Rockwell Software products
monitor system activity and generates detailed diagnostic messages.
Meanwhile, FactoryTalk Diagnostics collects this activity, warning, error,
and audit messages from all participating products throughout a distributed
system and routes them to Local Logs (also called event logs) on each
computer.
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Chapter 7
Troubleshooting
If you encounter a problem, you can review the events in the log that led up
to the problem to assist in determining the cause. Or you can monitor the log
to identify potential problems and take corrective action before a problem
occurs.
Refer to the FactoryTalk Help for more information about FactoryTalk
Diagnostics and the event log.
Predefined items
Predefined items are counters or strings that are made available by RSLinx
Enterprise as data items for diagnostic purposes. These predefined items
access information contained in RSLinx Enterprise. Refer to the RSLinx
Enterprise Help for more information about predefined items.
Answers to
common questions
Where is the help for RSLinx Enterprise?
From the FactoryTalk Administration Console, select Help > Contents >
FactoryTalk Help > Work with RSLinx Enterprise. If this book is not
present, RSLinx Enterprise is not installed on your computer. Refer to
Chapter 3 for the installation procedure.
Why don't I see RSLinx Enterprise on my Start
menu?
RSLinx Enterprise uses the FactoryTalk Administration Console to edit all of
the configuration data and does not require a standalone interface.
FactoryTalk View Studio can also make changes to RSLinx Enterprise
configurations. Therefore, if you are using FactoryTalk View Site Edition or
FactoryTalk View Machine Edition, you do not have to leave the main user
interface.
Why can't I browse for tags?
Tag browsing (that is, browsing online for data items) is not supported in the
FactoryTalk Administration Console. To browse for tags and connect them to
components in your system, you must use the FactoryTalk View Studio or
the FactoryTalk Transaction Manager tag browsers.
Why can't I edit my ME configuration?
Editing HMI servers within applications, namely FactoryTalk View SE
Distributed, SE Local, and ME, is not supported in the FactoryTalk
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Troubleshooting
Chapter 7
Administration Console. The FactoryTalk Administration Console is
intended to configure and manage your application. To edit SE or ME
configurations, you must use FactoryTalk View Studio.
Can I run RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic on
the same computer?
RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic can run simultaneously on the same
computer, although there are some considerations that you must be aware of
to avoid resource conflicts between these two applications. Refer to Chapter
9 for more information.
How to contact
technical support
Questions concerning installation and use of RSLinx Enterprise software are
handled by the Rockwell Automation Customer Support Center. The center
is staffed Monday through Friday, except on U.S. holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Eastern time zone for calls originating within the U.S. and Canada.
To reach the Customer Support Center, call 440-646-3434 and follow the
prompts. For calls originating outside the U.S. or Canada, locate the number
in your country by visiting
http://support.rockwellautomation.com/contact information.
When you call, you should be at your computer and be prepared to provide
the following information:
The product version number.
The type of hardware you are using.
The exact wording of any errors or messages that appeared on your
screen.
A description of what happened and what you were doing when the
problem occurred.
A description of how you attempted to solve the problem.
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Chapter 7
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Troubleshooting
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Chapter 8
Advanced topics
The following topics are presented in this section:
About the virtual
backplane
About the virtual backplane
Supported network routes
Move RSLinx Enterprise configurations
Manage CIP connections
The virtual backplane is a driver service that provides connectivity between
RSLinx Enterprise and various device drivers and other applications within
the RSLinx Enterprise server. It allows the software modules and
communications resources contained in the server to be configured and
visualized in a manner similar to the devices in a ControlLogix system.
For example, both the PCICS and PKTCS device drivers plug into the virtual
backplane. Packets received by one of these communications interface cards
can be routed across the virtual backplane to (or through) any other interface
card whose driver plugs into the virtual backplane, or to any application that
plugs into the virtual backplane, such as the SoftLogix5xxx controller.
This is very similar to having a 1756-CNB and a 1756-ENBT module
plugged into a ControlLogix chassis: packets received across the ENBT can
be routed across the backplane and out the CNB module, or to a controller
sitting in the backplane.
It is important to remember that RSLinx Enterprise occupies a slot in the
virtual backplane (as can RSLinx Classic), which means that it is able to be
both a source and a destination for packets sent over the backplane.
This chassis-like model is carried over to the PanelView Plus platforms in a
minimalistic fashion. For ControlNet support, those platforms implement
two-slot virtual backplanes, where RSLinx Enterprise sits in one slot (slot
#0) and the 2711P-RN15S ControlNet Scanner card sits in the other (slot #1).
Supported network
routes
The preferred route for PCCC networks is for the RSLinx Enterprise engine
to be connected to the end device. For example, a PanelView Plus device
connected directly to a PLC-5, or an RSLinx Enterprise data server on a
Windows computer connected directly to a DH+/RIO module in a
ControlLogix rack.
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Chapter 8
Advanced topics
RSLinx Enterprise allows you to change the network type used when going
across a route that includes multiple CIP (Control and Information Protocol;
for example, Ethernet or ControlNet) hops.
RSLinx Enterprise does not support offlink routes. Offlink routes are network
paths, in which the underlying network protocol changes. This mean if you
originally start on a PCCC route (for example, DH+/DH485, DH-RIO), you
cannot switch to a CIP route such as ControlNet or Ethernet. The reverse is
also true: you cannot start on a CIP route (for example., Ethernet to
ControlLogix to DH+ to PLC-5), and then switch to a PCCC route.
Move RSLinx
Enterprise
configurations
The following sections provide guidelines for moving your shortcuts from
application to application and for moving your list of selected hardware from
computer to computer. Before moving your files, stop the RSLinx Enterprise
service using the Windows Service Control Panel.
Move your shortcuts
You can reuse shortcuts developed in one application for RSLinx Enterprise
for another RSLinx application without having to re-enter the shortcuts using
the following procedures. These procedures move only the shortcuts and not
the drivers themselves.
Move shortcuts from one computer to another: same
application
1. Right-click the RSLinx Enterprise server in the application tree and
select Properties.
2. Change the computer name in the Computer hosting the RSLinx
Enterprise server box to the new location of the RSLinx Enterprise
server.
3. A warning message opens to alert you that this procedure changes the
RSLinx Enterprise server reference. You must reapply your shortcuts
because the paths may not be set correctly; only the shortcut name is
preserved. Follow the instructions provided on the dialog box.
Move shortcuts on the same computer: different
application
1. Identify the computer, on which your FactoryTalk Directory Server is
located.
2. On that FactoryTalk Directory Server computer, locate the
shortcuts.xml file in:
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Advanced topics
Chapter 8
C:\Documents and Settings\All
Users\Application Data\Rockwell\RNAServer\Global\RnaStore\yo
ur_application_name\any_area_or_sub_areas_you_have\your_RS
Linx_Enterprise_server_name
This assumes that you have not changed your documents and settings
location, and that you installed Windows to the C:\ drive
Your_application_name is the name of your application, and within the
application are folders and sub folders for areas and sub areas, if used.
Any_area_or_sub_areas_you_have will match a file directory of the
same name.
Your_RSLinx_Enterprise_server_name will match the name of your
RSLinx Enterprise data server in the application (the default is RSLinx
Enterprise).
3. Move the shortcuts.xml file to the path where your new application is;
all your shortcuts names will be moved there.
For example:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Rockwell\RNAServer\Global\RnaStore\your_NEW_applicati
on_name\any_area_or_sub_areas_you_have\your_RSLinx_Enterp
rise_server_name
4. For each shortcut, you must reapply the path to the end device.
This method works for moving shortcuts between Local applications
(remembering that Local applications always use the computer, on which it
runs as the Local FactoryTalk Directory server), and for moving shortcuts
between Local and Networked applications.
The path for local shortcuts is:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Rockwell\RNAServer\Local\
RnaStore\your_application_name_here\your_RSLinx_Enterprise_serve
r_name.
Move shortcuts from one computer to another: different
application
To move shortcuts between computers and between applications, follow the
same path on the FactoryTalk Directory server as described in the previous
section. Keep in mind that the FactoryTalk Directory server will have a
directory for each application and for each RSLinx Enterprise server.
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Chapter 8
Advanced topics
Move shortcuts from one computer to another: different
FactoryTalk Directory
To move shortcuts between computers, even with different FactoryTalk
Directories, follow the same path on the FactoryTalk Directory server as
described in the previous section. Keep in mind that the FactoryTalk
Directory server will have a directory for each application and for each
RSLinx Enterprise server, and you can move from application to application.
It is important to remember that your shortcut names are copied, but not the
associated paths; so you must reapply each shortcut.
Move your physical layout (drivers and devices)
Applications using RSLinx Enterprise data services from the same RSLinx
Enterprise host computer always share the same physical hardware
configuration (for example, drivers and devices). In this case, there is no
need to move hardware configurations from one application to another.
Move from one computer to another
Important:
Only qualified personnel familiar with RSLinx Enterprise and the
consequences associated with moving the RSLinxNg.xml file
should perform the procedure described in this section. These
consequences include:
Driver mismatch (different driver configurations, including
addresses)
Communications interfaces mismatch (some cards may get
inappropriately reconfigured)
Topology mismatch (including subnets)
Contact Rockwell Automation Technical Support for assistance.
This procedure is typically used for the following reasons:
You have nearly identical control systems on similar process lines, and
you want to copy the same hardware configurations to duplicate
RSLinx Enterprise host computers on each line.
or
You have nearly identical workstations (RSLinx Enterprise hosts) in
the same control system, each having the same perspective of the
network, and the same hardware configuration is needed in each
workstation.
You can:
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Copy I/O configurations
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Advanced topics
Chapter 8
Avoid losing user-assigned device names
Avoid having to reapply shortcuts for applications copied from the
source computer
By using the following procedure:
1. Stop the RSLinx Enterprise service, using the Windows Service
Control Panel on both the source and the target computers.
Important:
If a Rockwell Automation application attempts to use RSLinx
Enterprise service, RSLinx Enterprise will restart. Rockwell
Automation applications that use RSLinx Enterprise must be
stopped or shut down before you proceed. This will prevent
the service from automatically starting, while you are moving
the configuration file.
2. Use Windows Explorer to locate the file an RSLinxNG.xml file in the
directory C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\Rockwell\RSLinx Enterprise. This assumes you have not
changed your documents and settings location and that you installed
Windows to the C:\ drive.
3. Copy RSLinxNG.xml from the source computer to the target
computer, and restart the computer hosting RSLinx Enterprise. This
results in an exact copy of the source computer's hardware
configuration.
Important:
Manage CIP
connections
Any time you change the RSLinx Enterprise physical
configuration (RSLinxNG.xml), you may break existing
application shortcut assignments. Check all shortcut
assignments in all applications that use the RSLinx Enterprise
service on the same host workstation to ensure that the
correct devices are assigned.
Prior to CPR 9 Service Release 2, RSLinx Enterprise would, by default, open
up to five CIP connections to a Logix controller: Four for read operations
and one for write operations. In some system configurations, the maximum
connection resources in a controller or bridge module could be reached fairly
quickly. In this situation, if the client load changed, problems could result.
For example, if an HMI terminal was introduced into the system, it could
cause performance variation among all terminals in the system, or you might
not be able to go online with programming software.
Starting from CPR 9 Service Release 2, RSLinx Enterprise checks for
devices that support a relatively small number of CIP connections and limits
the number of read connections. The number of write connections remains
fixed at 1. These devices are described in the following sections. By default,
all other devices and bridge modules still open as many as four read
connections and one write connection.
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Chapter 8
Advanced topics
Logix controllers with a limited number of
connections
The following Logix controllers are assigned from 1 to 4 read connections, as
configured, with the default being 1 read connection and 1 write connection.
This is determined at runtime and is based on the actual controller, not the
type specified in the RSLinx Enterprise topology, if it is different.
1769-L23E-QB1
1769-L23-QBFC1
17-69-L23E-QBFC1
CIP bridge modules with a limited number of
connections
The following communication bridge modules are assigned from 1 to 4 read
connections, as configured, with the default being 1 read connection and 1
write connection.This is determination is based on the RSLinx Enterprise
topology; only the bridge module closest to the target controller is checked.
1756-DHRIO
1756-DHRIO
1761-NET-ENI
Use predefined items to find out how many CIP
connections are being used
To determine how many CIP connections RSLinx Enterprise is using for a
particular path, create a shortcut using that path and then check the value in
the @ConnectionsActive predefined item. Refer to the RSLinx Enterprise
Help for more information on predefined items.
Use FactoryTalk Diagnostics to track and
troubleshoot CIP connections
FactoryTalk Diagnostics
The following FactoryTalk Diagnostics messages are used to support this
feature:
48
I_CLXDP_STARTED_ON_ROUTE is logged when a CLX data
provider is started.
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Chapter 8
I_CLXDP_MAX_READ_CONNECTIONS is logged to indicate the
maximum number of read connections that the data provider will
attempt to open.
Refer to the FactoryTalk Help for more information about FactoryTalk
Diagnostics.
Change the allocation of CIP connections
Configuration parameters in the registry file or the RSLinxNG.xml file can
be used to override the default values. Refer to Rockwell Knowledgebase
Answer ID 39366 for information on manually changing the connection
allocation.
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Chapter 9
Use RSLinx Enterprise with RSLinx
Classic
RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic can run simultaneously on the same
computer. This is a common setup if you need to create or edit a program
using RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, and RSLogix 5000 software or Logix
Designer application, which require RSLinx Classic, for use in an
application, and you must accomplish this using only one computer.
Important:
For Vista, Windows
2008, and Windows
7 operating systems
RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic cannot support unsolicited
messages on the same computer. To support unsolicited message,
RSLinx Enterprise needs to bind the TCP/IP port 44818 to receive
CIP messages. This port is reserved by CIP standard, which
means that other CIP products from third parties (for example,
RSLinx Classic and KepServerEx) may also bind this port. To
avoid the port binding conflict issue, do NOT enable the unsolicited
message function of RSLinx Enterprise on the same machine
where other CIP products (such as RSLinx Classic and
KepServerEx) need to bind the TCP/IP port 44818.
For Vista, Windows 2008, and Windows 7 operating systems, if your
RSLinx Enterprise configuration consists of a:
Dual-channel 1784-PKTX(D) driver
As of CPR 9 SR 2, RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic both install and
use the same 1784-PKTX(D) driver. RSLinx Enterprise uses the first channel
(assigned by default and cannot be changed). RSLinx Classic uses the second
channel.
If you are running on Vista, Windows 2008, or Windows 7 operating system,
and your RSLinx Enterprise or RSLinx Classic configuration consists of a
dual-channel 1784-PKTX(D) driver, you configure the driver for both
RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx Classic.
See "Configure the 1784-PKTX(D) driver for RSLinx Enterprise and RSLinx
Classic" in the RSLinx Enterprise Help for this procedure.
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51
Chapter 9
Use RSLinx Enterprise with RSLinx Classic
Important:
For all the
supported operating
systems
This applies only to the dual-channel 1784-PKTX(D) driver; the
single-channel1784-PKTX driver can be configured in only one
RSLinx product at a time.
For all the supported operating systems, if your RSLinx Enterprise
configuration consists of a:
1784-PKTX driver
If your RSLinx Enterprise configuration consists of a 1784-PKTX driver, and
you need RSLinx Classic to communicate using that same driver, then you
must share the driver within RSLinx Enterprise with RSLinx Classic.
See "Sharing an RSLinx Enterprise driver with RSLinx Classic" in the
RSLinx Enterprise Help for this procedure.
Important:
You can use this procedure for Windows Vista and Windows 7
operating systems; however, the previous procedure is the
preferred method.
Serial-DF1 driver (RS232 DF1 devices)
If your RSLinx Enterprise configuration consists of a Serial-DF1 driver
(RS232 DF1 devices), and you need RSLinx Classic to communicate using
that same driver, you must share the driver within RSLinx Enterprise with
RSLinx Classic.
See "Sharing an RSLinx Enterprise driver with RSLinx Classic" in the
RSLinx Enterprise Help for this procedure.
1784-PCIC(S) driver
If your RSLinx Enterprise configuration consists of a 1784-PCIC(S) driver,
you configure the driver in RSLinx Enterprise, and then add a virtual
backplane to RSLinx Classic. The virtual backplane is a sharable component
between RSLinx Classic and RSLinx Enterprise. Because the 1784-PCIC(S)
plugs into the virtual backplane, it is sharable as well.
See "Sharing the RSLinx Enterprise virtual backplane with RSLinx Classic"
in the RSLinx Enterprise Help for this procedure.
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Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Glossary
application. A set of data elements used to implement a control system. See
Network application, Local application.
area. Areas organize and subdivide a distributed Network application into
logical or physical divisions. For example, separate areas may correspond
with separate manufacturing lines in a facility, separate plants in different
geographical locations, or different manufacturing processes. Areas are not
available with Local applications.
bus. In RSLinx Enterprise, a bus is defined as a network, a driver, or chassis.
channel. In RSLinx Enterprise, a channel is a driver.
CIP. Control and Information Protocol.
client. A component or subsystem that uses data or functionality provided by
some other component or subsystem (the server). The term can also refer to
the computer that executes this software, connecting to a server computer
across a communications network.
configuration. A file that contains information about the physical structure
you defined for your system. This file includes all network paths, defined
drivers and devices, data providers, and object protocols.
CPR. Coordinated Product Release.
data access server. A server that provides tags.
data element. An individually addressable item of data. For example, a tag
(for example, OPC or HMI), or an HMI Project Component (for example, a
graphic display, event file, node, channel).
Data Provider. Logic that knows how to speak to a particular class of
products. One of the building blocks of RSLinx Enterprise, a Data Provider
acts as a multiplexor for multiple clients and optimizes what data can be read
together for more efficient handling.
deploy. To copy and distribute project files to designated directories on other
computers.
distributed application. See Network application.
driver. Software that interacts with a network interface (such as the interface
that connects your computer to the Ethernet network), and manages the
exchange of communication packets over the network, to which the interface
is attached.
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
53
Glossary
FactoryTalk. FactoryTalk is a set of services and technologies that enable
Rockwell Automation products to work together to share information across
all layers of an enterprise.
FactoryTalk Administrative Console. A stand-alone tool used to configure
and administer FactoryTalk applications. This tool may be used to perform
such tasks as creating areas and data server elements, creating user accounts
and user groups, configuring security permissions, and viewing system-wide
diagnostic messages. FactoryTalk Administration Console installs along with
most FactoryTalk-enabled software products.
FactoryTalk Alarms and Events. FactoryTalk Alarms and Events is a set of
distributed services that allows participating FactoryTalk products, such as
FactoryTalk View, to use the alarm information, which is detected from
devices that are distributed across an application.
FactoryTalk Directory. The FactoryTalk Directory contains the information
that allows a distributed automation system to organize, browse, and locate
all the data and services available to it. A FactoryTalk Directory can contain
multiple applications, which allows multiple automation systems on the same
network.
FactoryTalk Live Data. FactoryTalk Live Data is a service that reads and
writes tag values (OPC items) to or from any OPC-DA (OLE for process
Control - Data Access) or Live Data server on behalf of client software
products, such as FactoryTalk View Site Edition and FactoryTalk
Transaction Manager.
GUI. Graphical user interface.
HMI. Human machine interface.
local. Using a single computer to carry out a task.
Local application. A Local application is accessible only from the local
computer where it resides. Even if the computer is connected to a network or
a Network application resides on the same computer, the Local application
remains self-contained and does not share its data or any of its project
elements. Local applications do not support areas. Also called stand-alone
applications.
Network application. A software system that uses several interconnected
computers that share information and processing duties to accomplish its
tasks. A Network application organizes project elements from multiple
FactoryTalk-enabled products. All of the computers participating in a
particular application share a common FactoryTalk Directory located on a
network computer. Also called a distributed application.
offline data item. A data item (tag) whose server is not currently available
but whose name is still available for browsing, selection, and use. Offline
data items are read directly from a controller’s project file.
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Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Glossary
online data item. A data item (tag) whose server is currently available to
supply data. Online data items are read directly from a controller, just as they
are defined in that controller.
OPC. A set of industry-standard specifications that define interfaces for
communicating with automation devices and services. Applying OPC
standards makes interoperability possible among automation and control
applications, field systems and devices, and business and office applications
that are supplied by different vendors.
packet. The transmission unit exchanged at the network layer.
PCCC (PC3). Programmable Controller Communication Commands.
redundancy. The availability of a standby hardware or software module that
can assume the responsibilities of a primary hardware or software module if
that primary module fails. reference. A link from one data element to
another. The referring element is called the source element, and the
referenced element is called the target element. A graphic display, for
example, typically reference tags, which supply it with runtime data.
runtime. The operation of a control system.
server. A subsystem that provides services for clients, using a set of
interfaces.
shortcut. Represents a device that you want to connect to on the network,
and the data that device contains. The communication path associated with
the shortcut tells the application where to find that data. This symbolic
reference to a physical device is similar to a topic in RSLinx Classic.
stand-alone application. All application components in a stand-alone
application are located on a single computer, and are only accessible from the
computer where they reside. Stand-alone applications do not support areas.
Also called Local applications.
tag. A logical name for a variable in a device or in local memory. For
example, a tag can represent a process variable in a Logix5000 controller.
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
55
Glossary
56
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Index
event log, FactoryTalk Diagnostics 39
A
adding a data server 25
adding a device
automatically 34
manually 34
adding drivers 33
Alarms and Events tab 31
applications, about 13
B
browsing
for devices 34
tag 40
virtual backplane 34
C
checklist, installation and configuration 14
CIP (Control and Information Protocol) 43
Communication Setup editor, exploring 25
configurations
creating 33
moving 44
consulting services 9
contacting
Customer Support Center 41
creating 35
creating shortcuts 35
Customer Support Center, contacting 41
F
FactoryTalk Administration Console 13
starting 23
user interface components 23, 39
FactoryTalk Diagnostics 39, 48
FactoryTalk Directory 13
FactoryTalk Live Data 13
FactoryTalk Security 13
FactoryTalk Services Platform
about 12
FactoryTalk View Machine Edition 40
FactoryTalk View Site Edition 40
FactoryTalk View Studio 14, 40
FactoryTalk, basic concepts 12
G
General tab 29
H
hardware requirements, RSLinx Enterprise 17
Help, accessing 7
I
installation and configuration checklist 14
installing RSLinx Enterprise 19
K
D
data server, adding 25
design-time component 14
device shortcuts, creating 35
devices
adding 34
moving 46
drivers
adding 33
moving 46
E
Ethernet network, adding drivers to 33
Knowledgebase 8
L
Local applications 13
M
Machine Edition, FactoryTalk View 40
moving
devices and drivers 46
RSLinx Enterprise configurations 44
shortcuts 44
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
57
Index
N
Network applications 13
network routes, supported 43
Site Edition, FactoryTalk View 40
software requirements, RSLinx Enterprise 17
system requirements, RSLinx Enterprise 17
T
O
tag browsing 40
technical support 41
training programs 8
troubleshooting 39
offline tag file 35
P
PCCC networks 43
predefined items 40
U
updating an existing RSLinx Enterprise
installation 21
R
Redundancy tab 30
Release Notes 8
RSLinx 2.x, see RSLinx Classic 51
RSLinx Classic 41
RSLinx Classic, using with RSLinx Enterprise
51
RSLinx Enterprise
adding a device 34
adding drivers 33
basic concepts 12
Communication Setup editor 25
creating a configuration 33
creating shortcuts 35
definition 11
design-time vs runtime 14
features and benefits 11
installing 19
moving configurations 44
system requirements 17
troubleshooting 39
updating an existing installation 21
using with RSLinx Classic 51
RSLinx Enterprise Server properties, General tab
29
RSLinx Enterprise Server Properties,
Redundancy tab 30
runtime component 14
V
virtual backplane
about 43
browsing 34
S
shortcuts
creating 35
moving 44
58
Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
Legal notices
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