• Cost advantage resulting from connection to two separate Ethernet segments with network separation
• High level of plant availability due to support of media redundancy (MRP)
• Optimum support of maintenance due to
  • Web-based diagnostics
  • Remote programming via WAN or telephone network
  • Monitoring with IT network management tools (SNMP)
  • Module replacement without programming device using the C-PLUG swap medium
• Securing the system¹⁾ against unauthorized access by means of
  • Central access protection for any devices within an automation cell, e.g. by reliable authentication of the network nodes
  • Secure remote access via the Internet by means of data encryption (VPN) and data integrity checking
  • Traceability by means of data logging on the basis of standard IT mechanisms (Syslog)
• The ability to connect existing SIMATIC S7 systems to Industrial Ethernet at a later point in time using the CP 343-1 Advanced ensures investment protection

¹⁾ Security functions, firewall and VPN only with -1GX31 variant