How to use WiFi on Nexto Xpress

This tutorial describes guidelines and procedures for using the USB port with a WiFi adapter on the Nexto Xpress.

Components

Software: Mastertool IEC XE 3.30

PLC: XP300 with XP900 accessory (TP-Link TL-WN721N WiFi Adapter)

Tutorial Sections

1. ARCHITECTURE

2. DEVELOPMENT

   2.1. Configuring the IP address on the PLC

   2.2. Configuring the WiFi adapter

   2.3. Connecting to the PLC with Mastertool

1. ARCHITECTURE

In the architecture of this tutorial, the Ethernet port of the XP300 was connected to the computer's Ethernet port using the NX9202 cable and the TL-WN721N WiFi adapter (XP900) was connected to the USB port of the XP300.

2. DEVELOPMENT

This tutorial will show the steps to access the Nexto Xpress Series PLCs via WiFi adapter (USB). In the current configuration, we will use the default Gateway as the WiFi adapter, connecting to an existing WiFi network and being able to access the PLC present on the network through Mastertool IEC XE.

It is important to have the Nexto Series Manual on hand, allowing you to consult it during the application steps. This document will guide you on technical characteristics, installation, programming, and configurations.

2.1. Configuring the IP address on the PLC

Click on NET 1 in your device tree.

Enter an IP address for your PLC in the project settings.

Note: It is possible to change your PLC's IP address using Easy Connection if necessary. Remember that when changing your PLC's IP, you may need to set your computer to the same IP range as the PLC to regain access.

2.2. Configuring the WiFi adapter

Enter your PLC's IP in your computer's browser and on its page go to the CP Management tab. On this tab, on the left side, select the menu option USB Devices.

If a username and password are required, just enter "admin", "admin", respectively.

• Connect the WiFi modem to the USB port of your PLC.

The figure below showing the WiFi adapter settings should be displayed on your screen.

Regarding the parameters, we have the following information:

• Operation Mode: defines how the WiFi adapter will work (currently, only client mode is supported).

• Discovery Mode: defines the method to set up the WiFi network. If set to "Auto", the "Scan" button should be used to choose the desired network. If set to "Manual", the SSID name and Security Type must be entered manually.

• Network SSID: When discovery mode is set to "Auto", this field will show the available networks found during the scan process, sorted from best to worst signal level (top to bottom). When discovery mode is set to "Manual", this field must be filled in with the SSID of the desired network.

• Security Type: This field is only available when discovery mode is set to "Manual" (the "Auto" mode automatically selects the security type provided by the scanned network). This field defines the type of security used on the WiFi network, which can be "Public" or "WPA2-Personal".

• Password: this is where you need to enter the password for the WiFi network. The field will be automatically locked if the Security Type is set to "Public" or if the selected scanned network does not use a security protocol.

• IP Definition: defines whether the WiFi adapter will set the IP address dynamically (assigned by the network's DHCP server) or statically (where the user will need to enter the IP settings manually).

• IP Address, Network Mask, and Gateway: available only when IP definition is set to "Static". These fields will be used to configure the WiFi adapter's network parameters.

• Default Gateway: this field defines which network interface will be used as the gateway to access the Internet. It is possible to choose "WiFi Adapter" or "Local Ethernet" for this function.

We will fill in the data as follows:

• Operation Mode: Client Device;

• Discovery Mode: Auto;

• Network SSID: Click (Scan) and choose the WiFi network where the modem will be connected;

• Password: Password of your WiFi network selected above;

• IP Definition: Static;

• IP Address, Network Mask, and Gateway: We will use an available IP in our IP range where the adapter will connect.

Example:

• IP: 192.168.1.20

• Mask: 255.255.255.0

• Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1 -> must be the same as configured on your WiFi network;

To make network configuration easier, you can use the "ipconfig" command in your CMD to check your current network settings.

• Default Gateway: WiFi Adapter.

Click apply, and observe the field highlighted in the figure below:

The connection field should show the status as connected and just below, the IP settings applied in the previous step should be displayed.

2.3. Connecting to the PLC with Mastertool

Once the previous steps are completed, remove the Ethernet cable from your PLC and ensure that your computer is connected to the same WiFi network that the adapter is connected to.

• In Mastertool, click on Device.

• Click on Communication Settings and select an existing gateway.

• Click on Add Device and then enter the IP configured on the WiFi adapter. It should then be listed below the Gateway. Below we can see how Mastertool instantiates this device.

Note that the address configured in NET 1 in step 1 is presented at first and right after that the address of the configured WiFi modem is shown.

• Double-click on the device instantiated in Gateway - 1 and your PLC will then be ready to receive the project developed in Mastertool IEC XE.