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Português do Brasil

Nexto XF #80 – Configuring the Wi-Fi Router as the PLC Gateway

  • Updated

The purpose of this tutorial is to explain how to configure the Wi-Fi router as the gateway for the Nexto XF.

        

Components

Equipment: 1 computer/laptop.

                     1 XF300/315/325/325-W

Software:  MasterTool X

 

Tutorial Sections

  1. ARCHITECTURE
  2. DEVELOPMENT

 

1. ARCHITECTURE

A computer/laptop will be required to use MasterTool X.

Figure 1. Computer running MasterTool X

 

2. DEVELOPMENT

For the PLC to have internet access (necessary for applications such as SNTP synchronization or data sending via MQTT), it is essential to correctly configure the Network Gateway, which usually corresponds to the Router's IP.

Finding the Router's IP

The first step is to identify the IP address of the router to which the computer is connected.

Step-by-step on the computer

  1. Connect the computer to the router's Wi-Fi network
  2. Open the Command Prompt (CMD)
  3. Type the command:

ipconfig

  1. Press Enter

Figure 2. Running the Command Prompt and executing the ipconfig command

Gateway Identification

After running the command:

  • Locate the section:
    Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi
  • Within this section, find the field:
    Default Gateway
  • The displayed value will be something like:
    192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1

Important

  • This address is the Router's IP
  • Note this value as it will be used in the PLC configuration

Figure 3. Checking the network information of the Wi-Fi interface

Adjusting the PLC for Internet Access

For the PLC to access the router:

  • The PLC Gateway must be the same as the router's IP
  • The PLC must be on the same network range

Example

If the router is:

  • IP: 192.168.1.1

The PLC can be configured as:

  • IP: 192.168.1.50
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Adjustment via the PLC Web Page

In this tutorial, the configuration will be done via the web page.

Accessing the Web Page

  1. Open a browser
  2. Enter the current IP of the PLC
  3. Access the page

Figure 3. PLC WebPage

Login

  1. Go to Device Management
  2. Enter:
  3. User: admin
  4. Password: admin

Network Configuration

  1. Go to the Network tab
  2. Select the desired interface (NET1)
  3. Enable the option for modification via the web page

Parameter Adjustment

Configure:

  • PLC IP Address
  • Subnet Mask
  • Gateway (Router's IP)

Applying the Settings

  1. Click Apply
  2. The PLC will restart automatically

 

Figure 4. Adjusting the PLC IP and Gateway to the router's network settings

Operation

After restarting:

  • The PLC will be connected to the router
  • It will have internet access
  • It will be able to use:
    • SNTP (time synchronization)
    • MQTT (data sending)
    • Other external communications

Important Notes

  • The computer and the PLC must be on the same network
  • The Gateway must be exactly the router's IP
  • Be careful when changing the IP to avoid losing communication
  • Check cables or connection via switch/router

Automation Applications

  • Integration with cloud systems
  • Automatic time synchronization
  • Communication with MQTT brokers
  • Remote monitoring

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