Hello, everyone! First of all, I want to express my appreciation to Phil for the great update. The current situation is that I am mainly working from home due to the ongoing pandemic. When I'm not at the site (which accounts for about 10-15% of my time) or conducting Factory Acceptance Tests (5%) with clients, I am working remotely. Unfortunately, a tunnel I used to drive through daily has been closed post-pandemic, resulting in a long commute of 2h30-3h30 each day. Fortunately, my boss has allowed me to continue working remotely to retain me. As a result, I have a significant amount of PLC equipment at home, primarily for our laboratory testing devices. Recently, I brought home a new project Rockwell PLC rig and I started to feel a bit stressed with my daughters around it. The value of this equipment makes me anxious about keeping it uninsured in my car or at home. My boss also shared concerns about the potential risks to the project if anything were to happen to the equipment. Therefore, I have decided to return the equipment to the office and I am seeking the best way to set up an efficient workspace. Specifically, I need access to Rockwell PLC/Logix Designer and InTouch installations. Currently, I have separate VMs for each, and only one license for WW. Several years ago, we set up a similar setup on a server using a free VMware product for remote access collaboration with a team in Vancouver while I am in Montreal. I need to recreate this setup for remote access. I still have access to the router at the office and can retrieve my NO-IP account if necessary. Additionally, I can re-host my VM licenses and activate them on a new installation. My goal is to have remote access to Studio 5000 and InTouch, along with the L82 and other devices on the network, using multiple screens. I prefer not to create a tunnel to poll the PLC from home and am apprehensive about using Team Viewer for remote control. For those who work remotely, what solutions would you recommend in this situation?
Throughout the years, I have shared various posts regarding this particular subject as I continue to be fascinated by the advanced technology that is now at our fingertips. On a daily basis, I find myself needing to offer remote assistance for equipment located in the field and provide FAT support. Within my company, I am the sole individual who possesses Studio 5000 software, despite residing a thousand miles away from the factory. Additionally, our equipment is dispersed globally. The ongoing challenge remains: "How can individuals on the receiving end assist me in connecting without the need for costly or invasive hardware/software installations on their end?" To address this, I employ VM VirtualBox on my computer to operate a minimal operating system (TinyCore Linux) for establishing the pipeline connection. Remarkably, all that is required from the end user is the installation of Java on their Windows PC, internet access, and an Ethernet connection. The internet connection can be facilitated through a facility WIFI (even a guest network) or a cell phone hotspot. An added advantage is that I can bypass the need for a VPN and gateway configuration.
Although I don't have all the specifics, the software used was VMWare. Our organization utilized VMWare for remote collaboration with multiple employees working on projects through a shared server. This solution required expertise and a server-class machine, so it wasn't free. Rest assured, achieving your desired setup is feasible with the right tools and knowledge.
I recently powered on my previous server, a VMWare ESXi 6.7, which was offered for free before the pandemic hit (unfortunately, I have misplaced the post-it note containing the complex root password). I am unsure if it has simply been rebranded as VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) 8.0U2 or if there are significant changes to the platform. Currently, I am researching pricing options, although I am not a fan of navigating through such websites.
After digging through my old project notebooks, I had a sudden revelation. And just like that, the playing field is level.
VMWare's Linux-based ESXi hypervisor is a valuable tool, especially for its free and low-spec versions. Many IT professionals prefer VMWare due to the high-performance virtual machine servers that ESXi allows them to build. However, the free ESXi version was recently affected by VMWare's acquisition by Broadcom, resulting in the discontinuation of free activation codes. Despite this, users can still install ESXi from previously downloaded versions. In my office, I have a PLC test bench set up with an old PC running OpenWRT as a firewall and router connected to the Company network. I utilize ZeroTier to create secure tunnels to access the router from the Internet without using the Company VPN. Additionally, some computers are configured for wake-on-LAN to remotely start up the firewall. The test bench consists of a small 19" wheeled rackmount server rack with various devices attached, powered by a UPS and connected through a surplus 24-port switch. The ESXi server is located under my desk, allowing me to spin up guest operating systems as needed. To access the ESXi hypervisor, I use the vSphere client, a Web browser, or VMWare Workstation. I have ZeroTier set up on each guest VM for remote access via Windows Remote Desktop. Another access point is an old Intel NUC running CloudReady, which enables me to log in remotely and use it as a local browser for tasks within the lab.
Hi there! It definitely sounds like quite the challenge you've been facing with the pandemic and remote work situation. For remote access and control setup, you might consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It's safer than a public IP and more reliable than Team Viewer. A VPN can provide a secure connection between your home computer and your office network devices. You may need some assistance to set it up if you're not tech-savvy, but once done, it should give you smooth access to your Logix Designer and InTouch installations. Another thing: have you considered cloud solutions? Some platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, offer virtual machines that can host different applications and allow remote access from anywhere, which might be suitable for your case. This way, you can work comfortably from home without worrying about the physical PLC equipment.
Hi there! It sounds like you're looking for a secure and convenient remote solution that doesn't compromise comfort or functionality. Given your requirements, I'd suggest a VPN service to establish a secure connection to your office network. From there, you can use a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access your work machine, allowing you to operate the necessary software as if you were physically at the office. This method would negate needing to transport equipment back and forth, which addresses the insurance anxiety. As for managing multiple screens, most RDP software should support this feature. Regarding personal preferences, it needs a bit of knowledge to set up initially, but once it's done, it's usually pretty stable. I hope this gives you a good starting point!
Hi there! First, I want to say good on you for adapting to these challenging circumstances. Let's see if we can help reduce some of that stress. It definitely sounds like a VPN (Virtual Private Network) could be a solution here, if the concerns around a tunnel aren't related to security. With a VPN, you'd be able to safely connect to your office network, and then it'd be just like you're sitting right there at your workstation, able to access all necessary programs and files. If security isn't really the issue but the setup is, then you might look into Remote Desktop software solutions other than Team Viewer, such as Chrome Remote Desktop, LogMeIn, or even Windows Built-in Remote Desktop Connection. Another option to consider is RemoteApp or other similar solutions to host your applications on a server, which could provide you access from anywhere. Remember, it's crucial to prioritize the protection of both data and devices under such arrangements. Let's hope for a solution that gives you peace of mind and the efficient workflow you need!
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Answer: - One recommended solution could be setting up a virtualized environment similar to what was previously done on a server for remote access collaboration. Utilizing separate VMs for each software application and ensuring proper licensing and network access can facilitate efficient remote work with Rockwell PLC/Logix Designer and InTouch.
Answer: - To enhance security and protect valuable equipment, it is advisable to avoid keeping expensive equipment uninsured at home or in a car. Returning the equipment to the office and setting up a secure remote access solution can help mitigate risks and safeguard the project.
Answer: - When recreating a remote access setup, consider factors such as licensing, network configuration, access to the router, and utilizing tools like NO-IP for hostname resolution. Prioritize creating a secure and efficient workspace with access to the necessary software and devices for seamless remote work.
Answer: - Yes, it is possible to establish remote access to Studio 5000, InTouch, and PLC devices without creating
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