Hello everyone, My laptop's ethernet port recently stopped working, so I'm looking to temporarily use a USB-C dongle to connect to my PLC (B&R X20CP0483) which operates on 10/100BASE-T. I've tried a few dongles that are compatible with my laptop's internet connections and PLC specifications, but I haven't been successful in establishing a connection. Can anyone provide recommendations or advice on what specifications I should be focusing on? I have also purchased a USB-C to ethernet cable, but I'm uncertain if it will work better than the dongles I've tried. Thank you for any help you can provide!
I never really bother checking the specifications of the USB-Ethernet adapters I buy because they always seem to work flawlessly with all my devices. I am confident that the adapter you successfully used to connect to the internet will also work with your PLC. Any issues you are experiencing are likely related to network settings rather than the dongle itself. Personally, I prefer using a model with extra USB ports, like the one available on Amazon.com.
Although it seems unlikely, I am encountering issues while using an older program with my usual network settings. I decided to switch to a different laptop that has the same software and a functioning ethernet port. Surprisingly, when I connect this laptop to my PLC, it connects as expected. However, when I try to connect my new PC to the internet using dongles, I am unable to establish a connection. I doubt that these dongles require drivers, especially since they work for internet connections, but I will verify this. Additionally, I noticed that the dongle port shows connection lights when linked to my PLC, but there is no change in status on the PLC, unlike when the cable was directly connected to my computer.
The dongle comes with its own driver, but with a limited number of chipset makers available, Windows likely already includes a driver for it. It's possible that the communication driver for your PLC is still set to use the built-in Ethernet port instead of the new dongle. For instance, the RSLinx Ethernet I/P driver allows for configuration of which adapter to browse. Adding a new network adapter does not automatically update RSLinx configuration to utilize it. Consider the compatibility between your old hardware and the new adapter. The concept of polarity and cross-over cables may be unfamiliar to some, as devices may not support Auto MDI-X, which can seem surprising in today's technological landscape.
In my experience with Siemens products, I have not encountered any issues related to different types of dongles such as Dongle A, Dongle B, or Dongle C. While I am less familiar with B&R, I see no reason why their dongles would behave differently. If you are facing problems with the dongles, could it be related to the PLC programming software? Have you tried pinging the PLC or accessing its webpage, as well as checking other devices on the network? It is worth considering if there are any hidden settings that need to be adjusted to change the default download settings and select the new adapter. In Siemens systems, we typically use a regular download option but sometimes need to use Extended Download to reconfigure the PLC download settings. The system usually prompts for Extended Download during the initial setup for communication settings, but it retains this information for subsequent downloads. It is possible that a similar situation is occurring in this case.
Have you located the USB dongle in your Network settings? Have you deactivated the Ethernet adapter on your malfunctioning PC and transferred the IP settings to the dongle?
Since your laptop supports USB-C, have you given USB-C to Ethernet adapters a thought? They give you a solid wired connection and I personally find them reliable. As you mentioned your PLC operates on 10/100BASE-T, ensure that the adapter you pick also supports this. Another point is the driver compatibility with your laptop OS. If auto-configuration isn't working, it could be a driver issue. So pick something that explicitly lists compatibility with your laptop's operating system. The cable you purchased should theoretically work in a similar fashion. Try that out, and keep us updated. Good luck!
In my experience, issues like this sometimes boil down to driver compatibility between your laptop and the dongle or cable. Make sure you download and install the latest drivers for your specific dongle, some manufacturers provide these on their website. Additionally, try connecting different devices using your dongle to see if the issue persists, as this can help you determine if the problem lies with the PLC, the dongle, or your laptop. It's also worth noting that USB-C to Ethernet cables generally deliver more stable connections than dongles, as they tend to have less signal loss. Hope you find a solution soon!
Hey! It sounds frustrating dealing with your laptop’s connectivity issues. When choosing a USB-C dongle, make sure it explicitly supports 10/100BASE-T and is compatible with your laptop’s operating system. Not all dongles are created equal, so checking for ones with good reviews from users who connected similar devices can help. As for the USB-C to Ethernet cable, it’s worth a shot since it eliminates the extra step of a dongle, but verify that both the cable and your laptop's ports support the appropriate data transfer speeds. Good luck, and I hope you get it sorted soon!
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Answer: - Answer: When selecting a USB-C dongle for connecting to a PLC like the B&R X20CP0483, ensure that the dongle is compatible with 10/100BASE-T Ethernet connections. Look for dongles that specifically mention support for this type of connection to ensure compatibility.
Answer: - Answer: The issue could be related to compatibility issues between the dongles you've tried and the specific requirements of the PLC. It's important to double-check the compatibility of the dongles with both your laptop's internet connections and the PLC specifications to ensure they are a match.
Answer: - Answer: A USB-C to Ethernet cable can be a straightforward solution for connecting your laptop to the PLC, as it eliminates the need for a separate dongle. However, ensure that the cable is compatible with both your laptop and the PLC's Ethernet requirements for a successful connection.
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