As a new intern delving into the world of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), I am eager to configure my WECON LX5S-1616MT PLC. However, I am faced with the challenge of identifying its IP address. Despite attempting the default Wecon IP address of 192.168.8.8 and using Wireshark, I am encountering the unexpected IP address of 169.254.80.186. What further steps can I take to establish a successful connection between my PLC and laptop?
The protocol supported by this PLC is unknown, but typically an Ethernet device will broadcast its desired IP address through an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) packet. By installing Wireshark on your computer, directly connecting it to the PLC, starting a capture, then disconnecting and reconnecting the LAN cable, the PLC should send an ARP message revealing the IP address it is attempting to use. This method allows you to easily identify the IP address being requested by the PLC.
AlfredoQuintero recommended using Wireshark to determine the protocol supported by the PLC, as Ethernet devices typically broadcast their desired IP address via ARP packets. By connecting your PC directly to the PLC, starting a capture with Wireshark, disconnecting and reconnecting the LAN cable, you should be able to see the IP address the PLC wants to use. If you notice two ARP announcements with different IP addresses, it is important to consider what may be causing this discrepancy.
I wanted to provide an update and express my gratitude for the help - I have now successfully connected with my PLC after receiving the initial ARP message IP. Thank you for your assistance!
That's great, Adrian! It's awesome to hear that it worked for you. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Best of luck with the remainder of the project. I imagine that your work is just beginning now.
Hey there! Sounds like an exciting journey you're starting. Regarding your PLC's IP, when you see an IP address starting with 169.254.x.x, it generally means your device (PLC, in this case) can't reach the DHCP server for its correct IP settings. A practical step you could try: manually set your laptop's IP address to the same subnet, let's say 169.254.80.x, maintaining the same subnet mask. Then, you might be able to communicate and update the PLC's IP to your desired settings. While it's a workaround, it often tackles this DHCP issue. Best of luck!
It sounds like you've done some solid troubleshooting already! That 169.254.x.x address indicates that your PLC is likely in a state where it can't acquire a proper IP address from a DHCP server, which can happen if it's not connected to a network with DHCP or if your laptop isn't set up to communicate with it correctly. Try checking if your PLC is set to a static IP address; if so, ensure your laptop is on the same subnet. You could manually set your laptop's IP to something like 192.168.8.10 and see if that helps. Also, make sure you have the right cable connections between your PLC and laptop, as this can sometimes be overlooked. Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask for more help if you need it!
It sounds like you're on the right track, but that 169.254.x.x IP indicates your laptop is in a link-local address range, meaning it's not finding the PLC on the network. First, ensure both devices are on the same subnet; you might need to set your laptop's IP manually to something like 192.168.8.10. Additionally, double-check that your PLC’s network settings are configured correctly, and try resetting it if you're unsure. If you have access to the PLC configuration software or manual, it can provide specific steps to adjust network settings. Don't forget to check the Ethernet cable and port functionalities too; sometimes a simple connection issue can cause more headaches. Good luck!
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Answer: - You can try using the default Wecon IP address of 192.168.8.8 or use tools like Wireshark to identify the IP address.
Answer: - If the Wecon PLC is showing an unexpected IP address, you may need to further troubleshoot the network connection. Ensure that the PLC and your laptop are on the same network subnet.
Answer: - You can try resetting the PLC network settings, checking the network configuration on both devices, and ensuring there are no network conflicts or issues causing connectivity problems.
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