The PLX35-NB2 Network Bridge is the ideal solution for system integrators, machine builders, and OEMs requiring remote system access for commissioning, troubleshooting, or network maintenance.
During the commissioning phase, a network bridge is deployed on site with automation equipment. Once the equipment is installed and ready for configuration and programming, the bridge allows the user to remotely access the network to commission, maintain, and troubleshoot the system, thereby reducing travel time costs.
By deploying a network bridge to an existing network, the network bridge allows access from anywhere by authorized personnel. In the event of unscheduled downtime, an authorized user can connect to the network to minimize downtime and loss of profit.
Module configuration and remote connections are accomplished through Belden Horizon™, ProSoft Technology’s secure, cloud-native platform for the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT).
The PLX35-NB2 allows users to:
• Securely connect to remote devices from any PC without having to use a 3rd-party software application
• Locally control the VPN connection through an EtherNet/IP® message.
The PLX35-NB2 provides 2 Ethernet ports. One port is used for the local network requiring remote access. The second port is used to connect to the internet.
The module has one visible set of jumper pins on the back of the gateway. These pins should only be jumped/shunted when resetting the gateway back to factory defaults.
To perform a factory reset:
1 Set the jumper on both pins and power-cycle the module.
2 Wait until the FLT, CFG and ERR LED’s flash in a reverse-clockwise direction (the gateway should boot twice by then).
3 You will notice all the LED’s flashing twice (except interface LED’s).
4 Remove the jumper and wait for the gateway to finish the power-cycle.
5 When the factory reset has finished, the CFG LED flashes.
The Failover process provides a recovery mechanism whenever a serious malfunction renders the main filesystem inoperable.
If the system fails to boot up (all LEDs are solid on) 4 times in a row, on the 5th boot up the gateway will enter a failover state (the FLT LED is solid red and the CFG LED blinks amber). While in this state, the PLX35-NB2 can be accessible using its default configuration. A new upgrade can be performed on the gateway which should fix the serious malfunction that led to the failover state.