Greetings, I am currently utilizing an A.B CompactLogix system to establish communication with two Fanuc robots through Ethernet. In addition, the programmable logic controller (PLC) is also connected to an Automation Direct HMI display. Recently, I noticed some lagging issues with the HMI during cycle timer operations. Despite replacing the Ethernet switch box with a new one from a different manufacturer, the problem resurfaced after about 6 months. I suspect that the lagging is related to the Ethernet box, as the issue seemed to be resolved temporarily after the initial replacement. I intend to integrate a PC to provide live demonstrations of the ladder logic and also incorporate a remote I/O block. However, I am concerned that adding these components may further slow down communication and potentially cause lag, particularly between the robots and PLC. Any insights or suggestions on how to prevent this lag issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
If you're experiencing lag, it's unlikely to be caused by the switch. A basic Moxa should be able to handle the small amount of traffic generated by all devices mentioned. It's important to check devices with buffers or logs to ensure memory isn't being depleted. Start by examining the robots for any issues.
Are you currently utilizing multicast T->O settings? If multicast functionality is unnecessary, consider switching to unicast transmission instead, especially if your switch is unmanaged. Without IGMP snooping capabilities, the HMI may become bogged down processing excess network traffic.
Is this switch managed? If not, we utilize an unmanaged Ntron switch that continuously polls the port and retrieves data during every scan, regardless of necessity.
Are you looking for a high-speed unmanaged switch option that outperforms others on the market? Consider checking out McMaster's range of unmanaged switches for superior data transmission speeds.
Hello alive15, I don't believe that swapping out the unmanaged switch will resolve your issue, but I want to double-check. Your posts lack sufficient details for me to confirm my suspicions, but since you mentioned using an unmanaged switch, the probability of the issue aligning with my thoughts increases. In EtherNet/IP IO and implicit messaging communication, many devices are set to default "multicast" T->O configuration. This means that the IO data from the adapter device is transmitted to a multicast IP address instead of the scanner's IP address. With a managed switch, the ports are remembered and only forwarded to the necessary ones, reducing unnecessary traffic. It appears that your HMI might be inundated with multicast traffic it doesn't need. If my assumption is accurate, there are both hard and soft solutions: Hard solution: Invest in a managed switch. Soft solution: Alter the IO connections in the scanner to T->O "unicast" to ensure that the unmanaged switch only forwards the IO data to the scanner and not the HMI.
It sounds like you have a complex setup with a lot of different equipment needing to communicate through the same Ethernet switch. While it's possible the switch could indeed be causing the problem, you might also consider whether the network itself might be slowing down under the load. You could look at improving the network infrastructure, such as using Category 6 cables which can handle higher bandwidth. As for integrating a PC, you're right that could add additional load on the network, but depending on the capacity of your current setup, it might handle it just fine. Likewise, the remote I/O block could put extra strain on the communication but those are typically designed to handle high-demand conditions. My advice would be to take a closer look at the entire network system before adding new components, to ensure it can handle the load and isn't the root cause of your issue.
I would look into the bandwidth of your current Ethernet system—particularly if you're planning on integrating further devices. A cluttered or overwhelmed network could lead to those lagging issues you're dealing with now. Have you tried checking the overall data rate of your communication system? Also, when integrating the PC, make sure you're not overwhelming the PLC by making it the sole traffic manager. To prevent lag, you might want to consider using a dedicated server or a device that can manage traffic better. With regards to your remote I/O block, try to keep your scan rates stable and as fast as possible to maintain smooth operations.
Based on your description, the lagging issue does seem to be network-related given the temporary resolution on swapping the Ethernet box, but it's not necessarily the sole cause. Are you sure that the Ethernet box is rated to cater to the high communication traffic between your PLC and robots? If not, you might find it beneficial to upgrade to a more robust networking solution with greater bandwidth. As for integrating a PC and a remote I/O block, I'd recommend considering a separate network or using network segmentation. This could potentially segregate the high traffic between the PLC and robots from the incoming PC and I/O block traffic, preventing any possible slow down. Another point is to carry out detailed network analytics, there might be some network congestion during peak operations.
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Answer: - The lagging issues could potentially be related to the Ethernet switch box used in the communication setup. Despite replacing it, the problem resurfaced after a period of time.
Answer: - To prevent lagging issues, you may need to investigate the compatibility and performance of the Ethernet switch box being used. Additionally, optimizing the network configuration and considering network traffic management can help improve communication efficiency.
Answer: - Introducing additional components like a PC or a remote I/O block could potentially impact communication speed. It is advisable to carefully assess the network bandwidth and performance requirements to ensure smooth communication without introducing lag.
Answer: - Some suggestions for enhancing communication performance include monitoring network traffic, ensuring proper network infrastructure, optimizing communication protocols, and periodically checking for any potential sources of latency or lag in the system.
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