5 Settings

These modes are used to adjust the operational details of PRONETA Basic.

5.1 General Settings

You can set various parameters in connection with the network scan and visualization here.

Online topology

"Automatically assign temporary IP addresses"

"Automatically assign temporary device names":

• Checking either option will ensure that all devices found during a network scan will automatically have valid IP addresses and/or device names assigned to them. The IP addresses are taken from the subnet defined by "Subnet network IP address", and the devices will receive the subnet mask from the respective area.
  IP addresses and device names are lost when the respective device is powered off.

Network Scanner

"Scan network automatically (scanner continually runs)":

• If this option is checked, the scanner will be permanently active, unless specifically stopped. This will result in a constantly up-to-date representation of the physical network, but will also create higher traffic loads and may lead to problems with time-critical communications in the network.
  To stop the scanner, use the Scanner Status Indicator context menu.

"Maximum load generated by the scan process":

• This slider lets you set an upper limit for the bandwidth used by the PRONETA Basic network scan. High traffic loads may have a negative impact on general communication, but will also lead to shorter update cycles. Reduce this value if you experience general communication problems in your network due to PRONETA Basic scans.

"Provide additional information":

• This function influences which data is read from each device in each scan cycle. The selected information can be found in the online mode in the device details or in the graphical view. The additional information is also contained in a topology export as an XML file.
  • "Device details for PROFIenergy": Basic information on PROFIenergy is read from all devices.
  • "Details on connections via fiber-optic cables": The interface and port information for fiber optic connections is read out by all devices.
  • "Asset Management data": This data is read out for PROFINET devices that provide an Asset Management Record (AMR).
  • "Information on central IO modules": Enables identification of modules connected to CPUs. The "PG/PC interface" driver must be installed. The installer is part of the PRONETA Basic delivery and can be found in the "Misc" folder.
  • "Diagnostics information for all devices in the network overview": This option provides a good, quick diagnostics overview. The entries from the diagnostic buffer displayed in the Online Mode, as described in the Diagnostic Information section.

"Read out data from SIMATIC controllers with deactivated Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)":

• This option makes it possible to read data from SIMATIC controllers using an alternative data protocol. Normally, PRONETA uses the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). However, it is disabled by default for the following controllers:
  • S7-1200 with firmware version 4.6 or higher
  • S7-1500 with firmware version 3.0 or higher

• If SNMP is disabled, there are two prerequisites for using the alternative data protocol:
  • The "PG/PC Interface" driver must be installed. The installer is part of the PRONETA Basic delivery. It can be installed immediately with administrator rights. If you select this option, the installation status will be checked and, if necessary, you will be offered to install the driver.
  • You have at least read access to the controller. Otherwise, you might have to temporarily remove the password protection using the TIA Portal.

"Include devices found via IP forwarding in other subnets":

• It is possible to detect all devices connected to the PRONETA PC via PROFINET, not only those which are part of the subnet the PRONETA PC is connected to, but also devices which are part of a subnet connected to another PROFINET interface. Detection of cascading subnets is not supported.

"Define additional local or routed subnets (including devices that do not support PROFINET":

• This option enables devices that do not support PROFINET to be found in the local network. It is also possible to find other devices in routed subnets. If this option is activated, subnets to be scanned can be added.

Language selection

• The drop-down menu allows you to change between English, German and Simplified Chinese as the language for the PRONETA Basic user interface.