Remote Access to Schneider M241 PLC from Machine Expert Software via SSH Tunneling: Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

Question:

Greetings! As part of our project, we are utilizing an M241 controller that connects to an industrial computer and a router through a switch to create a secure network. I have installed the Machine Expert software on a local virtual machine (VM) on my laptop, which is connected to our local network. To enable remote access for configuration changes and downloads, we are utilizing SSH tunneling via Putty software in the VM, following the instructions in the M241 manual. I have set up port forwarding within Putty on the VM for the required ports, which have also been forwarded on the router and firewall rules have been configured accordingly. The ports include UDP ports 1740, 1741, 1742, 1743, and TCP ports 1105, 11740 for the Machine Expert Protocol, as well as TCP port 502 for the Modbus Protocol. Although I can successfully connect to the router and perform Modbus scans on the PLC using localhost (IP: 127.0.0.1, Port: 502) in the VM, I am facing an issue with the Machine Expert software. Despite adding 127.0.0.1:1105 in the Gateway Management Console and seeing it connected as a client, I am unable to establish a connection with the controller in Machine Expert for online access. I have tried various connection modes in the controller communication settings, but the controller does not appear in the list for me to connect to the PLC online. I have checked the Machine Expert help for solutions, but have not found a resolution to this problem. If anyone has insights on how to establish a remote connection to the PLC from Machine Expert software on my VM using SSH tunneling, your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

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Learn how to set up a remote connection with dual LAN levels on the Modicon M262 system. Find out more at Schneider Electric Canada.

Lare inquired about setting up a remote connection with 2 levels of LAN on the Modicon M262. Despite reviewing a provided link, the suggested method for connection did not work due to a different setup. Instead of using a VPN connection, SSH port forwarding on a separate network router is being utilized, along with Putty software on a local machine connected to the local network. Port forwarding for the machine expert port has been configured on both Putty and the router. Are there any alternative methods or suggestions to troubleshoot this issue? Thank you. Schneider Electric Canada.

Hello, chances are you've already attempted this, but if not, I have previously set up port forwarding on an IPC. To connect via Expert/SOM/SOMM on an M241, you only need to open TCP port 1105. I utilized the NAT feature with options for "Nodename via NAT (remote TCP)" or "IP Address via NAT (remote TCP)". You can try setting NAT to 127.0.0.1 or the tunneling address. Remember to input Port 1105, Node name, and IP address of the M241. Ensure that encrypted communication is disabled and online mode is confirmed. Also, make sure that firewalls are not blocking port 1105.

Hi there. It sounds like a pretty solid setup, but from what I gather, a potential problem could lie with the target configurations on your Machine Expert software's end. The IP address on the Machine Expert software should align with the PLC's IP, not the localhost's IP. This might be why your controller isn't appearing in the list. Another idea would be to double-check if the PLC's firmware matches with the version that your Machine Expert software supports, as compatibility issues can also cause this. Lastly, firewall or antivirus software on your VM or main system could be blocking necessary processes, so considering temporarily turning these off for testing purposes might help to diagnose the problem.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why am I facing connectivity issues when trying to establish a remote connection to the Schneider M241 PLC from Machine Expert software via SSH tunneling?

Answer: Answer: Connectivity issues can arise due to various reasons such as misconfigured port forwarding, firewall settings, incorrect network configurations, or compatibility issues between the software and protocols being used. Troubleshooting each of these aspects can help resolve the problem.

FAQ: 2. How can I troubleshoot the connection problem between Machine Expert software and the M241 controller when using SSH tunneling for remote access?

Answer: Answer: To troubleshoot the issue, you can check if the port forwarding settings in Putty, router, and firewall are correctly configured. Ensure that the required ports (UDP 1740, 1741, 1742, 1743, TCP 1105, 11740, 502) are open and forwarded properly. Verify the network settings, controller communication modes, and software configurations for any discrepancies.

FAQ: 3. Why am I able to connect to the router and perform Modbus scans on the PLC using localhost IP, but facing difficulties with the Machine Expert software connection?

Answer: Answer: The ability to connect to the router and perform Modbus scans using localhost indicates that the basic network and port configurations are correct. The issue with Machine Expert software could be related to how it handles the connection or the specific settings required for establishing a connection to the M241 PLC. Review

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