Connection to IP-based networks

In addition to the RS232 interface, the TIM 3V-IE also has an RJ45 socket. This is suitable for the connection of IP-based networks (WAN or LAN). Depending on the application, various types of data communication equipment can be connected such as:

• SCALANCE X switches for Twisted Pair cable or fiber-optic cables
• SCALANCE W (IWLAN) and Ethernet radio devices from various manufacturers
• SCALANCE M communication via mobile wireless networks
• GPRS/GSM modem MD720-3 for GPRS communication over mobile wireless networks
• Broadband systems such as OTN and PCM30

Configuration examples in IP-based networks

Connection via switches, e.g. SCALANCE X

Simple network structures can be built up in this manner, or complex ones that comprise a combination of star, line and ring structures. At the control desk (e.g. ST7cc) the use of a TIM 4R-IE is not necessary, i.e. the connection is made directly to the Ethernet interface of the PC.

Wireless with Ethernet

When wired Ethernet communication is not possible, a wireless network can be installed using commercially available Ethernet wireless modems or with IWLAN. In order to decouple the networks, the connection in the control center can be made via a TIM 4R-IE, as in the example, or directly to the Ethernet interface of the PC.

Transmission over DSL

The continuously falling flat rates for DSL connections make this medium an interesting alternative to a leased line or also a telephone connection. DSL routers must be used in the station and control center, preferably routers in combination with SCALANCE S (VPN), in order to establish secure connections using VPN tunnels. A permanent IP address is recommended for DSL connection of the control center, the IP addresses of the stations can be dynamically assigned.

In order to decouple the networks, the connection in the control center can be made via a TIM 4R-IE or directly to the Ethernet interface of the PC.

Transmission over the GPRS mobile wireless service and the Internet

Continuous coverage of GPRS in many countries as well as inexpensive volume tariffs allow wireless connection of stations to the control desk without the need to create a separate radio network for this purpose. The stations can be either stationary or mobile.

The wireless connection is constantly online and therefore has the same properties as a dedicated line: Data changes can be transferred immediately and station or connection failures are detected at an early stage.

GPRS with simple stations:

A TIM 3V-IE is used in the stations together with the GSM/GPRS modem MD720 or a TIM3V-IE Advanced with DSL router. The simple VPN protocol MSC of the MD720 permits communication via GPRS access and Internet and via routers with NAT or NAPT conversion. The MSC tunnel connections correspond to dedicated lines that are permanently maintained with extremely low volumes of data. When using the MSC tunnel, a TIM 4R-IE must be used as a header station at which the tunnels end. The parameter setting of the MSC connection is performed in the SINAUT ST7 configuration software.

GPRS/UMTS with complex stations and enhanced security:

The wireless router SCALANCE M874-2 (supports GPRS), which is a combination of high-speed GPRS VPN router with enhanced data security (IPsec protocol) and firewall, is used in networked stations. In the stations, other devices connected via Industrial Ethernet to the SCALANCE M874-2 for diagnosis and parameterization can be accessed from the control center.

For higher data rates, in place of the SCALANCE M874-2, the UMTS router SCALANCE M874-3 (supports UMTS with HSPA+) can be implemented for use of the UMTS mobile wireless network.

The control desk PC must be constantly accessible from the GPRS network. It must therefore be directly connected to the GPRS provider using a dedicated line or permanently to the Internet, e.g. by means of DSL. A SCALANCE S612 or S623 Security Module performs the firewall function at the control center and represents the remote stations for the VPN connections of the GPRS stations. The VPN is configured with the SIMATIC NET "Security Configuration Tool" and requires no special IT knowledge.

The IP address of the control center should preferably be permanent; those of the stations can be dynamically assigned.

Secure data transmission with SCALANCE M industrial routers, SCALANCE S security modules and Internet

Connection to a conventional WAN

Connection to a conventional WAN is via the floating RS232 interface of the TIM 3V-IE module, via which various modems or data communication equipment can be connected, depending on the application, such as:

• Dedicated line modem MD2 for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint or line connections
• Wireless devices from various manufacturers, also for private mobile radio using the time slot method
• Analog dial-up modem MD3 for the analog telephone network or point-to-point dedicated lines
• GSM modem MD720 for access to the mobile radio network via dial-up lines

Configuration examples in the conventional WAN

Use of the TIM 3V-IE in the mobile radio network (GSM)

The GSM modem MD720 is used for this purpose. At the control desk (ST7cc or ST7sc), it is connected through a TIM 4 module (e.g. TIM 4R-IE) that is connected to the PC via the Industrial Ethernet. The connections between the GSM modems are set up via GSM dial-up lines.

Use of a TIM 3V-IE in the mobile radio network (GSM) with GSM modem MD720

Use of the TIM 3V-IE in a private radio network

The radio network must be installed in accordance with the radio equipment that is approved in the relevant country (radio equipment is not included in the SINAUT product range). At the control desk (ST7cc or ST7sc), it is connected through a TIM 4 module (e.g. TIM 4R) that is connected to the PC via MPI. If a radio network is set up with time slot procedure, the TIM 4RD with DCF77 radio clock receiver must be used at the control desk.