6GK1704-5SW12-0AA0 - Siemens - Products.Express

___________________

SIMATIC NET

PG/PC - Industrial Ethernet

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions

11/2018

C79000

-G8976-C272-06

Introduction

Safety notes

Product description

Installing and uninstalling

Diagnostics and

troubleshooting

Further Information

PRP-compatible devices

Siemens AG

Division Process Industries and Drives

Postfach 48 48

90026 NÜRNBERG

GERMANY

Document order number: C79000-G8976-C272

Ⓟ

07/2018 Subject to change

Legal information

Warning notice system

This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent

damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert

symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are

graded according to the degree of danger.

DANGER

indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.

WARNING

indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.

CAUTION

indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.

NOTICE

indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.

If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will

be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to

property damage.

Qualified Personnel

The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by

personnel qualified

for the specific

task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions.

Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and

avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems.

Proper use of Siemens products

Note the following:

WARNING

Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical

documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended

or approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and

maintenance are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible

ambient conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed.

Trademarks

All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication

may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.

Disclaimer of Liability

We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software

described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the

information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent

editions.

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 3

Table of contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 5

2 Safety notes ............................................................................................................................................ 9

3 Product description ............................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Example of communication with PRP ..................................................................................... 14

4 Installing and uninstalling ...................................................................................................................... 17

4.1 Notes on setting up ................................................................................................................. 17

4.2 Installation ............................................................................................................................... 18

4.3 Configuration ........................................................................................................................... 27

4.4 License key ............................................................................................................................. 30

4.5 SNMP service ......................................................................................................................... 31

4.6 Uninstalling ............................................................................................................................. 32

4.7 Updating network adapters ..................................................................................................... 34

5 Diagnostics and troubleshooting ............................................................................................................ 35

5.1 Diagnostics ............................................................................................................................. 35

5.2 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 44

6 Further Information ............................................................................................................................... 47

7 PRP-compatible devices ....................................................................................................................... 49

Table of contents

SOFTNET-IE RNA

4 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 5

Introduction

SIMATIC NET SOFTNET-IE RNA (Redundant Network Access)

The "SOFTNET-IE RNA" software is part of the SIMATIC NET product family.

The SIMATIC NET family comprises various software and hardware components that

complement each other and that are carefully tailored for specific automation tasks.

What is possible with SOFTNET-IE RNA?

The SOFTNET-IE RNA software allows the integration of PCs in redundant, parallel Ethernet

structures based on the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) functionality.

Purpose of this document

This document supports you during installation and commissioning of the "SOFTNET-IE

RNA" software on a PC system.

Path information in the document

Note

Path information is based on Windows 7

The path information described in this document is based on the Start menu of Windows 7.

Validity of this document

This document is valid for the following software of the SIMATIC NET product family:

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Standards and approvals

SOFTNET-IE RNA was developed based on the "IEC 62439-3 Edition 2.0 2012" standard

taking into account the draft "IEC 62439-3:2011/FDIS" and with adaptation of the MIB.

Note

The "IEC 62439

-3" standard is still in development and is expected to be finalized in 2016.

Introduction

SOFTNET-IE RNA

6 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

Industry Online Support

In addition to the product documentation, the comprehensive online information platform of

Siemens Industry Online Support at the following Internet address:

(http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/llisapi.dll?func=cslib.csinfo2&aktprim=99&lang=

en)

Apart from news, there you will also find:

● Project information: Manuals, FAQs, downloads, application examples etc.

● Contacts, Technical Forum

● The option submitting a support query:

(https://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/llisapi.dll?func=cslib.csinfo&lang=en&objid

=38718979&caller=view)

● Our service offer:

Right across our products and systems, we provide numerous services that support you

in every phase of the life of your machine or system - from planning and implementation

to commissioning, through to maintenance and modernization.

You will find contact data on the Internet at the following address:

(http://www.automation.siemens.com/partner/guiwelcome.asp?lang=en)

SITRAIN - Training for Industry

The training offer includes more than 300 courses on basic topics, extended knowledge and

special knowledge as well as advanced training for individual sectors - available at more

than 130 locations. Courses can also be organized individually and held locally at your

location.

You will find detailed information on the training curriculum and how to contact our customer

consultants at the following Internet address:

(www.siemens.com/sitrain)

Introduction

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 7

Security information

Siemens provides products and solutions with industrial security functions that support the

secure operation of plants, systems, machines and networks.

In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is

necessary to implement – and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial

security concept. Siemens’ products and solutions constitute one element of such a concept.

Customers are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their plants, systems,

machines and networks. Such systems, machines and components should only be

connected to an enterprise network or the internet if and to the extent such a connection is

necessary and only when appropriate security measures (e.g. firewalls and/or network

segmentation) are in place.

Additionally, Siemens’ guidance on appropriate security measures should be taken into

account. For additional information on industrial security measures that may be

implemented, please visit

(http://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity)

Siemens’ products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more

secure. Siemens strongly recommends that product updates are applied as soon as they are

available and that the latest product versions are used. Use of product versions that are no

longer supported, and failure to apply the latest updates may increase customers’ exposure

to cyber threats.

To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS

Feed under

(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/ps/15247/pm)

SIMATIC NET glossary

Explanations of many of the specialist terms used in this documentation can be found in the

SIMATIC NET glossary.

You will find the SIMATIC NET glossary on the Internet at the following address:

(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/50305045)

Introduction

SOFTNET-IE RNA

8 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 9

Safety notes

Important notes on the use of SOFTNET-IE RNA

Note

Transmission speed

The "SOFTNET

-IE RNA" product is suitable for a transmission speed (T) of 100 Mbps with

long packets. With short packets, the transmission speed is reduced by a factor

corresponding to how much shorter the packets are than 1500 bytes.

T = 100 Mbps * packet

length / 1500 bytes

At higher transmission speeds (T), the processor load of the PC can reach values at which

the PC works only with certain restrictions.

Note

Redundancy mechanisms influence the performance of the system. You should therefore

make sure that there are adequate resources for the processor, memory and network. If the

PC is overloaded for a long time (more than 80 % processor or memory utilization),

this may

result in restrictions and functional disturbances.

Note

The quality of redundancy depends largely on the network adapters used. By updating the

adapter drivers, the response can be significantly changed.

Note

The current standard prescribes that any redundant packet that arrives with a delay greater

than 400 ms is treated as a new packet and not discarded.

Safety notes

SOFTNET-IE RNA

10 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

Note

The Ethernet adapters used must not be used actively from the point in time when the virtual

dapter is configured; in other words, for example, not configured or integrated in other

software.

The "SOFTNET

IE RNA" product must not be used alongside other link aggregation variants

(Server

-, Intel-Teaming etc.).

After creating the virtual adapter, this is the only one to be used. If you use the real adapters

assigned to the virtual adapter, this can lead to functional disturbances.

Before you make changes to the hardware (real Ethernet adapters), you need to remov

corresponding virtual Ethernet adapters from the configuration.

Note

Depending on the components being used and the settings, "Wake on LAN" does not work

with self

-assigned MAC addresses. In this case, use the original MAC addresses.

WARNING

SCALANCE X204RNA products (PRP-RedBox)

Note the warnings and security notices in the "SIMATIC NET Industrial Ethernet Switches

SCALANCE X204RNA / SCALANCE X204RNA EEC" operating instructions if you use

products of the SCALANCE X204RNA product line.

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 11

Product description

The "SOFTNET-IE RNA" product allows the cost-effective connection of a PC station to a

redundant network according to the PRP standard. Along with a brief introduction to this

standard, this section describes the connection of PC stations with "SOFTNET-IE RNA"

compared to the SCALANCE X204RNA product line based on examples.

What is the Parallel Redundancy Protocol?

The Parallel Redundancy Protocol is a redundancy protocol for Ethernet networks. It is

defined in Part 3 of the IEC 62439 standard. In the remainder of the text, PRP always stands

for the PRP-1 protocol. The areas of application of PRP are distributed applications with high

reliability demands that depend on the high availability of the network. Compared with classic

fault-tolerant networks, bumpless redundancy is possible with PRP. This redundancy

procedure can maintain data communication without interruption if there are interruptions in

the network. Other redundancy procedures have a reconfiguration time of the network of, for

example 200 ms (MRP, 50 nodes in the ring) or 300 ms (HSR, 50 nodes in the ring).

PRP has the advantage that it uses parallel, separate networks made up of standard

network components. End devices not capable of PRP can be connected to a PRP network

via a device with PRP capability, for example a SCALANCE X204RNA or RuggedCom

RS950G. This means that the frame of the end device can be transferred at the same time

via both networks. If a transmission path is interrupted, the frame arrives at its destination via

the second path.

Note

When using SOFTNET

-IE RNA, you can only use Ethernet network adapters that support

long Ethernet frames (Jumbo Frames) as the communications adapter.

Which network topologies can be implemented with SOFTNET-IE RNA?

With Gigabit Ethernet network adapters, PCs can be connected to a PRP network.

Note

Make sure that the maximum permitted cable lengths for the relevant devices are not

exceeded. You will find the permitted cable lengths in the Operating Instructions of the

relevant device.

Product description

0 What is the Parallel Redundancy Protocol?

SOFTNET-IE RNA

12 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

What is possible with the PRP-Redbox SCALANCE X204RNA?

The devices of the SCALANCE X204RNA product line allow the cost-effective setup of

Industrial Ethernet structures with PRP functionality.

The SCALANCE X200RNA product line provides you with the following products:

SCALANCE

Description

Article number

X204RNA The SCALANCE X204RNA has two RJ-45 jacks for connection of

end devices or network segments not capable of PRP (P1 and

P2) and two RJ-45 jacks for connecting the PRP networks LAN A

and LAN B (PRP A and PRP B).

6GK5204-0BA00-2KB2

X204RNA EEC The SCALANCE X204RNA EEC has four RJ-45 jacks and two

slots for SFP modules. The SFP modules can be used as an

alternative to the two RJ-45 jacks P1 and P2 that are designed

for connection of end devices or network segments that are not

capable of PRP. The two RJ-45 jacks PRP A and PRP B are

used to connect networks LAN A and LAN B.

6GK5204-0BS00-3LA3

Note

You will find further information about the SCALANCE X204RNA / SCALANCE X204RNA

EEC products in the "SIMATIC NET Industrial Ethernet Switches SCALANCE X204RNA /

SCALANCE X204RNA EEC" operating instructions.

Note

For PCS7 plants in which the frame le

ngth should at no point exceed an MTU-Size of 1500

bytes, the cascading of SCALANCE X204RNA with SCALANCE S is not recommended

because SCALANCE S forms frames with 1500 bytes of user data that are extended by

SCALANCE X204RNA to 1506 bytes according to the

PRP standard.

Product description

0 What is the Parallel Redundancy Protocol?

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 13

Example of use

With the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP), each node must transmit frames on two

independent, parallel networks (in the graphic LAN A and LAN B). These are two physically

separate networks with a bus (linear), star or ring topology. The PRP destination device must

also be connected to the two networks. This then receives each frame twice. The first frame

is forwarded to the application. The second received frame is then detected and discarded if

this reaction is configured. This achieves N-1 redundancy without reconfiguration (=

bumpless switchover).

The so-called DANs (double attached nodes) that use this method are connected to both

networks via two integrated device interfaces e.g. onboard network adapters of the of the

SIMATIC IPC computers or additional plugged in network adapters or via a PRP-Redbox

SCALANCE X204RNA or a SCALANCE X204RNA EEC. This means that the frame of the

end device can be transferred at the same time via both networks. If a transmission path is

interrupted, the frame arrives at its destination via the second path.

Generally, the two separate networks are known as LAN A and LAN B. Since the frames

created for the particular LAN have an ID indicating the LAN, it is possible to identify frames

sent via the wrong network.

Devices that are connected to only one network, such as switches are known as SANs

(single attached nodes).

Product description

3.1 Example of communication with PRP

SOFTNET-IE RNA

14 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

3.1

Example of communication with PRP

How is a redundant PRP network set up?

A network topology in which the Parallel Redundancy Protocol is used (PRP network)

consists of two separate Ethernet subnets. The structure of the two subnets does not need

to be identical.

A PRP network can be set up both with end devices with PRP capability as well as with

standard components. The following devices can be used:

● End devices with PRP capability (Double Attached Nodes PRP, Double Attached Node

implementing PRP, DANP), for example:

– CP 443-1 RNA

– PC with SOFTNET-IE RNA

– SIPROTEC protective devices with PRP capability

● Standard components (Singly Attached Nodes, SAN)

Standard components without PRP functionality, for example, can be connected to a PRP

network via SCALANCE X-204RNA or RuggedCom RS950G.

SANs can, also be connected to a PRP network without supporting the PRP functionality.

All devices that are intended to use the PRP function in redundant networks must be able to

process frames with a length of up to 1532 bytes (Jumbo Frames). If this function is not

supported, data may be lost.

Note

For PCS7 plants in which the frame length should at no point exceed an MTU

-Size of 1500

bytes, the cascading of SCALANCE X204RNA with SCALANCE S is not recommended

because

SCALANCE S forms frames with 1500 bytes of user data that are extended by

SCALANCE X204RNA to 1506 bytes according to the PRP standard.

Product description

3.1 Example of communication with PRP

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 15

Example of a configuration for a PRP network

The following figure shows the options for connecting devices in a network topology in which

the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) is used.

Figure 3-1 Example of the configuration of a network topology with PRP

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 17

Installing and uninstalling

4.1

Notes on setting up

Read the following notes before you start to set up your system:

1. Identify the networks clearly, for example by labeling them (LAN A / LAN B).

2. Use a uniform setup.

Example: Always assign the left / top adapter on a PC to the network of LAN A and the

right / bottom adapter to the network of LAN B.

3. The assignment of the hardware to the corresponding entry in the system can be difficult.

To simplify this, you can, for example, connect the adapter for LAN A to an active

network, this is then noted in the network view and you can now assign this adapter to

LAN A and rename it accordingly.

4. Do not connect to the network until after the installation. With the help of SOFTET-IE-

RNA diagnostics, you can then recognize whether an adapter was connected to the

wrong network as long as an active redundancy partner exists.

5. Try to set up the network as symmetrically as possible. Due to differences in the number

of received frames on the LAN as shown by RNA diagnostics (redundancy status), you

can identify redundancy problems in the network more easily.

6. Use identical network adapters and make sure that these have the same driver version.

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

18 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

4.2

Installation

User experience

To install SIMATIC NET PC software products, you should have experience of installing

software under the Windows version you are using.

To configure the communications modules, you should have experience and knowledge of

the following:

● Structure of the plant involved

● Configuration of the plant

You should only undertake the installation and configuration described below if you have this

knowledge.

Requirements and necessary permissions

To be able to operate "SOFTNET-IE RNA" on your PC, you require the following:

● 2 Ethernet network adapters (onboard network adapters of the PC or additional plugged-

in INTEL network adapters) for connection to a PRP network.

● Administrator privileges for installation

● Per PC and product one software license

General information

Note

Screen savers

Using a screen saver during operation can cause system overload.

Some screen savers do not

release parts of memory again. This leads to a continuous

reduction in usable memory.

Note

Virus scanners

The use of a virus scanner during runtime can impair or severely slow down communication.

Dynamic virus protection, in particular using gatekeepe

r mechanisms, is therefore not

advisable. This is especially the case when trace files of the communication are written at

the same time.

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 19

Procedure during installation

To install "SOFTNET-IE RNA" follow the steps below:

1. Insert the data medium in a DVD drive.

Note

If Setup is not started automatically, start it by double

-clicking on the "Setup.exe" file in

the main directory of the data medium.

2. Click "Install software".

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

20 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

3. Read the message about turning off the power save mode and click "Install software".

4. Select a Setup language and click "Next".

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 21

5. Read and accept the license conditions.

6. Click "Next".

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

22 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

7. Select the entry "SOFTNET-IE RNA" and click "Next".

8. Read and accept the changes to the system settings.

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 23

9. Click "Next". Depending on the selected components, the content of the dialog box may

differ.

10.Wait until all necessary components have been installed.

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

24 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

11.Depending on the installed software components, the "License Setup" dialog box opens.

In this dialog box you have the option of transferring license keys during the installation.

You have the following options for transferring the license key:

– To transfer the license key now during the installation, click on "Transfer license key".

The "Automation License Manager" is started. Enter the license key and return to the

installation (License key (Page 30)).

– To transfer the license key later, click "Next".

If the dialog box does not open, start the "Automation License Manager" when you have

completed the installation and enter the license keys.

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 25

12.To complete the installation, select the option "Yes, restart the computer now." and click

"Finish".

The computer is restarted.

Installing and uninstalling

4.2 Installation

SOFTNET-IE RNA

26 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

Extension for the SNMP service

Note

Note that to be able to use this functionality, the Windows SNMP service must be installed

(

SNMP service (Page 31)).

The extension of the SNMP service, the "SNMP extension agent" software allows

communication via SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). It supports the

Community-based SNMP Version 2 (SNMPv2c). The "SNMP Extension Agent" software

makes the defined PRP MIB of the standard available (OID=.1.0.62439.3). The MIB

(IEC62439_120217.mib) is on the data medium (cd\sw\snmp\mibs) and contains

descriptions of the individual objects.

Run "Installation SNMP extension agent"

1. Install the software from the Start menu:

"Start" > "All Programs" > "Siemens Automation" > "SIMATIC" > "SIMATIC NET" >

"SOFTNET-IE RNA" > "Installation SNMP extension agent"

After installation, a dialog window is opened.

2. Close the dialog with "OK".

Run "Uninstall SNMP extension agent"

1. Uninstall the software from the Start menu:

"Start" > "All Programs" > "Siemens Automation" > "SIMATIC" > "SIMATIC NET" >

"SOFTNET-IE RNA" > "Uninstall SNMP extension agent"

After it is uninstalled, a dialog window is opened.

2. Close the dialog with "OK".

Installing and uninstalling

4.3 Configuration

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 27

4.3

Configuration

Procedure during configuration

Note

Configuring the software is only possible with administrator privileges.

Installing and uninstalling

4.3 Configuration

SOFTNET-IE RNA

28 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

To configure the software, follow the steps below:

1. Open the properties page of the SOFTNET-IE RNA configuration via the Start menu:

"Start" > "All Programs" > "Siemens Automation" > "SIMATIC" > "SIMATIC NET" >

"SOFTNET-IE RNA" > "SOFTNET-IE RNA Configuration"

2. Wait until the dialog for configuration opens and then make the required settings.

You can select from the following settings:

–

Display configured adapters

The "Configured adapters" area shows the existing virtual adapters.

–

Delete configured adapters

To delete a virtual adapter, select it in the list in the "Configured adapters" area and

click "Remove".

Installing and uninstalling

4.3 Configuration

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 29

–

Configure further adapters

To create a new virtual adapter, enter a name for the adapter in the "Adapter name"

box in the "Configure further adapters" area.

Then assign real network adapters for LAN A and LAN B of the virtual adapter.

Available adapters are displayed in the list boxes. If an adapter is selected on one

side, it is no longer available on the other.

Set the MAC address address of the virtual adapter in the "MAC address of virtual

adapter" box. To do this, use the MAC address of one of the two real network

adapters or enter a valid MAC address. No multicast/broadcast address and no

address that already exists in the network may be entered. The character set for

permitted adapter names is as follows: 0-9; a-z; A-Z; - (hyphen); _ (underscore); ' '

(space); # (hash)

–

Add a configured adapter

With the "Add" button, you enter the configured adapter in the list in the "Configured

adapters" area.

–

Apply changes

With the "Finish" button, you exit the configuration screen and the changes are

adopted in the system.

–

Discard changes

With the "Cancel" button, you close the dialog without adopting the changes.

–

When the dialog is open, the adapters are locked

When the dialog is open, the functionality of the SOFTNET-IE RNA module is not

affected. However, when the dialog is open, the SOFTNET-IE RNA module cannot be

changed with other configuration tools, e.g. VMWare ESXi. If you wish to configure the

SOFTNET-IE RNA module, you need to close the dialog first.

Note

Not all applications recognize changes to the running system. To retain ful

l performance,

restart the system after making changes to network adapters.

Note that the configuration of the adapters can take several minutes (maximum 5 min)

depending on the number of adapters involved and the system. The progress can be

followed in th

e Device Manager or in the Network and Sharing Center.

Installing and uninstalling

4.4 License key

SOFTNET-IE RNA

30 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

4.4

License key

Transferring the license key

A suitable license key is required for SOFTNET-IE RNA.

You can manage the license keys for running SIMATIC NET programs with the "Automation

License Manager".

Note

For more detailed information on the "Automation License Manager", refer to the online help

for the program.

Follow the steps below to transfer a license key:

1. Start the "Automation License Manager".

2. Select the data medium containing the required license key in the left-hand list

(navigation area).

3. In the right-hand list (object area), select the license key you want to transfer.

4. Click on the menu command "License Key" > "Transfer..." > "Transfer License Key"

dialog box.

5. Select the local drive of your PC to which you want to transfer the license key and confirm

with "OK".

Releasing licenses in use

Note

To release a license that is in use, remove all virtual adapters from the system. Enabling the

license can take some time (maximum 5 minutes).

Installing and uninstalling

4.5 SNMP service

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 31

4.5

SNMP service

Installing the SNMP service

The SNMP functionality of SOFTNET-IE RNA requires the SNMP service in the operating

system.

Following standard installation of Windows, the full SNMP service is not yet available in the

operating system.

To be able to use the full SNMP functionality of SOFTNET-IE, work through the following

steps in order:

● Installing the SNMP service

● Adapting the network security settings to your own security needs

To do this follow the same steps as described in the installation instructions for the "SIMATIC

NET PC Software". This is in the "doc" subdirectory of the "SIMATIC NET PC Software"

DVD.

SNMP - MIB file for SOFTNET-IE RNA

The MIB file to be used for SOFTNET-IE RNA is on the "SIMATIC NET PC Software" DVD in

the folder "\sw\snmp\mibs" > "IEC62439_120217.mib"

Installing and uninstalling

4.6 Uninstalling

SOFTNET-IE RNA

32 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

4.6

Uninstalling

Procedure for uninstalling

To uninstall the "SOFTNET-IE RNA" software, follow these steps:

1. Close all open programs.

2. Open the list of installed programs from the Start menu:

"Start" > "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features"

3. Right-click on the component "SIMATIC NET SOFTNET-IE RNA".

4. Select the "Uninstall" entry in the shortcut menu.

Installing and uninstalling

4.6 Uninstalling

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 33

5. Confirm the prompt with "Yes".

6. Restart the PC to complete the uninstall procedure.

Note

If you have not used any other Siemens products, you can then also uninstall the

"Siemens Automation License Manager". To save your licenses prior to uninstalling the

"Siemens Automation License Manager", follow the steps below:

Use the "SIemens Automation License Manager" to back up the licenses.

Uninstall the "Siemens Automation License Manager" if you no longer require it.

Installing and uninstalling

4.7 Updating network adapters

SOFTNET-IE RNA

34 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

4.7

Updating network adapters

If you operate Ethernet network adapters via SOFTNET-IE RNA, and want to update them,

follow the steps below:

1. Remove the Ethernet network adapter from SOFTNET-IE RNA operation using the

configuration (refer to the section "Configuration (Page 27)".

2. Update the drivers of the Ethernet network adapter.

3. Configure the SOFTNET-IE RNA mode of the Ethernet network adapter again, see

section "Configuration (Page 27)".

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 35

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1

Diagnostics

Start "SOFTNET-IE RNA diagnostics" from the Start menu:

"Start" > "All Programs" > "Siemens Automation" > "SIMATIC" > "SIMATIC NET" >

"SOFTNET-IE RNA" > "SOFTNET-IE RNA Diagnostics".

Note

If you start diagnostics with administrator privileges, you can make additional settings.

With "SOFTNET-IE RNA diagnostic", you can setup the system and monitor it to obtain

pointers to disruptions in the redundant network. If you require more information, you can

use a "diagnostics" SAN to perform more precise diagnostics on a LAN with conventional

network tools.

The next section describes the menus of "SOFTNET-IE RNA diagnostic".

The following general elements exist in every menu:

● Overview

With this button, you open the "Overview" menu.

● Adapters 1-4

With these buttons, you select the adapter via which the information will be displayed. A

separate button appears for each adapter you create.

● Update

With this button, you update the values.

● Help

With this button, you open the online help.

● info

With this button, you open a window with information about the product (article number,

version etc).

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

36 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

"Overview" menu

The overview page lists all the existing virtual adapters with the following information:

● Adapter name

Name of the virtual Ethernet adapter

● Network name

Network name of the virtual Ethernet adapter

● Link status

The link status of the relevant adapter is displayed for each interface.

Symbols

Cause

Remedy

There is a network connection. -

There is no network connection. Check the network connectors.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 37

● Redundancy status

The redundancy status monitors the communication

Symbols

Cause

Remedy

PRP frames are transferred via the

intended LAN. Both LANs are working.

Redundancy problem, redundant

communication is currently not guaran-

teed:

• PRP frames on the wrong LAN

• There are more PRP frames being

received via one LAN A than via

the other LAN B (can also occur

due to a heavy data load).

• A network connection is disrupted.

• Check the link status of both physical

adapters.

• Check whether PRP frames are being

received via the wrong LAN (in the

"Statistics" tab and in the "Node ta-

ble").

• Check whether PRP frames are being

received via both LANs from all DANs

(in the "Node table" tab).

• Reduce the communication load

No PRP frames are transferred. Con-

nection disruption on both LANs.

Check the network connectors and make

sure that the computer is connected to an

active LAN.

"Statistics" tab

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

38 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

After selecting the virtual adapter, the "Statistics" tab shows several counters that are

important for diagnostics broken down according to the real Ethernet adapters being used.

These are the following:

● Adapter name

Name of the real Ethernet adapter

● Network name

Network name of the real Ethernet adapter

● Link status

Display of the connection status (up/down)

● Frames sent (Tx)

PRP frames sent over this LAN

(range of values: 0 to 4,294,967,295)

● Frames received (Rx)

PRP frames received from this LAN

(range of values: 0 to 4,294,967,295)

● Bad frames

Number of bad PRP frames received on the LAN. Errors occur either due to an incorrect

or missing RCT (Redundancy Check Tag) or due to a bad supervision frame.

● Frames (Rx) on wrong LAN

PRP frames that according to their identifiers were received on the wrong LAN

● Generated supervision frames

Number of generated supervision frames

● "Reset" button

Resets the values of the statistics

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 39

"Node table" tab

Each node in the table consists of two rows. Each row stands for a LAN. The first row stands

for LAN A and the second row for LAN B. General information is shown only in the first row

of a node (MAC address, type etc).

In addition to the information in the table, the "Node table" tab contains the following

information and buttons:

● Number of nodes

Number of nodes with which there was no contact during a specific period.

This period is set in the "Settings" tab with "Forget node after".

● Maximum number of nodes

Maximum number of stored nodes in the node table

● "Reset" button

Removes all entries from the node table

● "Export" button

Exports the table to a CSV file

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

40 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

The following table describes the parameters of the node table:

Parameter

Description

MAC address

Shows the MAC addresses of the connected nodes in the network

Type Shows how a node is connected:

• "SAN" (Single Attached Node)

Extra parameter that shows the LAN via which the node is connected:

– "A"

– "B"

– "A+B"

• "DAN" (Double Attached Node)

Extra parameter that shows the standard of redundancy:

– "P" for Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP)

– "H" for High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR)

• "REDBOX" for red boxes, such as the SCALANCE X204RNA

• "VDAN" for nodes connected via a red box

D filter Shows whether or not a node discards duplicate frames (1 - discard, 0 - forward) and whether out-

going frames have an RCT frame.

Seq no.

Contains the (RCT) sequence number of the last received frame of the node

SF seq. no.

Contains the sequence number of the last received supervision frame of the node

Received frames

Contains the sum of all frames received on a LAN

Sent frames

Contains the sum of all frames sent on a LAN

Last frame

Time of the last frame received from a node

Last SF

Time that has elapsed since the last supervision frame received from a node

Received red.

Number of received PRP frames

Sent red.

Number of PRP frames sent

Received SF

Number of supervision frames received

Wrong LAN

Shows how many frames were received on the wrong LAN

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 41

"Settings" tab

Note

Administrator rights required to make settings

Settings can only be made if diagnostics was started with administrator privileges.

Remember that changes to the settings can impair the general functionality and

communication.

The parameters IP address, Subnet mask and MAC address cannot be changed.

The "Settings" tab contains the following information or setting options:

● IP address

IP address used for the virtual adapter

● Subnet mask

Subnet mask used for the virtual adapter

● MAC address

MAC address used for the virtual adapter

● Multicast address

Multicast address of the protocol

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

42 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

● Monitoring interval [ms]

Interval in milliseconds at which supervision frames are sent.

● Forget node after [s]

Time after which a node is removed from the node table.

● Transparent reception

If this is enabled, the RCT frame of frames is not removed before they are forwarded to

the application.

Note

Enabling the "Transparent reception" option can cause problems with the communication

capability with various applications. These applications need to remove the RCT frame.

● Duplicates buffer

Setting of the input and output buffer.

Note

Changes to the "Duplicates buffer" cause a brief interruption of the connection. With

certain protocols, this interruption can lead to a connection abort.

● Statistics refresh rate [ms]

Time in milliseconds after which the statistics are updated.

● Language

Sets the language of the Diagnostic dialog box

● "Save" button

Applies the changes made

The following table shows the parameters you can set in the "Settings" menu:

Name

Value

Multicast address 01:15:4E:00:01:

- 01:15:4E:00:01:

Only the last two characters can be changed.

The default value is set to 01:15:4E:00:01:00.

Monitoring interval 500 ... 3 600 000 [ms] (= 0.5 s ... 1 h)

The default value is set to 2000 ms.

Forget node after 10 ... 3 600 [s] (= 10 s ... 1h)

The default value is set to 60 m.

Duplicates buffer 32 ... 1024 frames

The default value is set to 512 frames.

Statistic Update Time 100 ... 3 600 000 [ms] (= 0.1 s ... 1 h)

The default value is set to 5000 ms.

Language

German or English

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.1 Diagnostics

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 43

"Info" menu

The "Info" menu opens a dialog box in which all important information about the product is

shown.

Function check

You can use "SOFTNET-IE RNA Diagnostic" or the SNMP functionality to check the

functionality. The following properties provide you with a general overview:

● LAN A and LAN B are connected.

● The counters for "Frames sent (Tx)" and "Frames received (Rx)" increase when data is

transferred. The counters are not generally identical.

● The error counter for LAN A and LAN B should both be 0. Bad frames occur, in particular,

following restarts and reconfiguration of SOFTNET-IE RNA. If the error counters rise

continuously, you should check your network for errors/faults.

● The counter for "Frames (Rx) on wrong LAN" must be 0 for LAN A and LAN B. If not,

check and correct your network configuration.

● The " Number of nodes" counter shows the number of redundant devices.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.2 Troubleshooting

SOFTNET-IE RNA

44 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

5.2

Troubleshooting

Remedy if errors occur

Errors

Cause

Troubleshooting

Media status = down • No connection to network

• Software not correctly installed

• Check the connection to the net-

work (cable correctly plugged in,

partner exists and active, change

the cable of the receiving port or the

partner)

• Check the Link LED on the Ethernet

adapters

• Reinstall the software

Frames are received on the wrong

LAN.

At least one node in the network is incor-

rectly connected.

The check and adapt the cabling and

assignment of the Ethernet adapters of

the redundant nodes. The MAC ad-

dress of the incorrectly connected node

can be obtained from the node table.

LAN A or LAN B is up but no frames

are being received (Rx).

No communication Check the firewall settings of the devic-

es involved

More frames are being received on

one LAN than on the other.

• More SAN devices on one LAN

• There is an interruption in one of the

networks

• Overload of a LAN, for example when

one LAN has 100 Mbps and the other

LAN 1 Gbps and large data volumes

(> 100 Mbps) are being transported

• Differences due to a high communica-

tion load

Check the availability of the devices in

the network with less frames (for ex-

ample, run ping tests using a SAN)

Transport lower data volumes or adjust

the slower LAN so that the same data

rates can be achieved

Error in a LAN (damaged redundant

frames are being received).

• A node is sending damaged redun-

dant frames

• Redundant frames are being corrupt-

ed in the network

• The receiving adapter is damaging

the redundant frames

• Different standard implementations

are being used

• A former DAN does not send any

further PRP frames because it was

reconfigured to become a SAN.

• Identification of the source of the

problem (for example by discon-

necting nodes in the network affect-

ed and monitoring the number of

errors)

• Replacement of devices (switches,

adapters)

• Make sure that all devices com-

municate according to the same

version of the standard

• Before reconfiguring, disconnect

nodes from the LANs. (for longer

than the setting for "forget node af-

ter") and reset the statistics and the

node table

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.2 Troubleshooting

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 45

Errors

Cause

Troubleshooting

The SNMP service is not supplying

any values.

• The SNMP service is not installed.

• Security settings were forgotten or

incorrectly set.

• Firewall is blocking the SNMP port

• Check whether the SNMP service

and SNMP Extension Agent were

installed.

• Check the security settings for the

SNMP service and the configuration

of the firewall.

No communication is possible. • LAN is not active • Check the cabling and the network

settings (IP, subnet mask etc.).

• Run a ping test

• Installing the software again

The node is not indicated as a re-

dundant device on other nodes.

• The node uses an incorrect PRP

address.

• The monitoring interval is greater than

the "Forget node after" time of the

other node.

• Check the PRP address

• Match up the time settings

The node table contains less stations

than actually exist.

• The monitoring interval of some

nodes is greater than the "Forget

node after" time of this node.

• Match up the time settings

Duplicate frames are being received. • The delay between LAN A and LAN B

is greater than 400 ms or the commu-

nications buffer is full and the later re-

dundant frame is treated as a new

frame.

• Reduce network load

• Comparison of the network speeds

of LAN A and LAN B

Only duplicate frames are being

received.

• The "Discard duplicates" function is

disabled so that both redundant

frames are forwarded.

• Enable the "Discard duplicates"

function with SNMP.

License message appears perma-

nently.

• No license found. • Check whether a license was in-

stalled and used.

The Ethernet adapters can no longer

be activated.

• The Ethernet adapters are disabled. • Restart the system.

Problems in communication • The duplicate filter was disabled. • Set the duplicate filter to active

again using SNMP (lreDupli-

cateDiscard)

An application is receiving frames

with an RCT frame.

• The "Transparent reception" function

is enabled so that frames with an

RCT frame (trailer) are forwarded to

the application.

• Disable the "Transparent reception"

function under Settings in the diag-

nostics.

Created adapters are not present. • The configuration is not yet finished. • Wait until the adapters are fully

configured (5 minutes).

• Reconfigure the adapters and follow

the progress in the Device Manager

(network adapter).

Diagnostics and troubleshooting

5.2 Troubleshooting

SOFTNET-IE RNA

46 Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06

Errors

Cause

Troubleshooting

• The adapters being used are not

compatible.

• Use compatible adapters.

During adapter configuration, several

adapters disappear in the list of

available adapters.

• Several adapters have the same

name and were not indexed by Win-

dows.

• Uninstall the affected adapters and

reinstall them with the same driver.

The configured adapters do not exist

in some user interfaces.

• Applications do not register the

changes to the running system.

• Restart the system.

SOFTNET-IE RNA

Operating Instructions, 11/2018, C79000-G8976-C272-06 47

Further Information

Readme file

All important information on SOFTNET-IE RNA can be found in the readme file (main folder

on the product DVD).

Additional Information on the Internet

Along with a wide range of other information, you can also obtain documentation on the

product from the Internet:

(http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/de/)

(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/ps) → Technical Info (see "More on Product

Information" box) → Manuals/Operating Instructions

Other product-related Internet addresses include:

SIMATIC NET product catalog "IK PI"

(http://www.automation.siemens.com/infocenter

(http://w3app.siemens.com/mcms/infocenter/dokumentencenter/sc/ic/Documentsu20Catalog

s/SIMATIC_NET_IKPI_chap02_PROFINET_IE_English_2015.pdf))

Technical support, contacts and training

You will find information on this in the file "TechnicalSupport.pdf" in the "\doc" folder of the

"SIMATIC NET PC Software" DVD.