CPU IE vs Communications Processor

Hi,

Newbie question, what does a separate communications processor give you over using the IE port on the CPU itself?

I am using a CPU 1518F-4 PN/DP which has three IE interfaces, but only 1 that is suitable for 1000Mbps I believe.  Ideally I would like two 1000Mbps IE ports.  I am considering using a Communications processor to bring out another port.  Is this reasonable?  Am I right in thinking that I can use these two ports from my program?

Hi Hati,

Thank you for getting back to me.  We need a second port for redundancy.  The end goal is to relay the status of inputs across a network connection. 

That single 1Gb port is not a profinet port. You will want 2 cp's or a single cp with 2 x Gbit ports (if that exists).

Are you trying to do profisafe?

Have you looked at the various Siemens profinet design tools?  I personally would start with one of their profinet design tools before purchasing hardware.

zm152

Hi Hati,

Thank you for getting back to me.  We need a second port for redundancy.  The end goal is to relay the status of inputs across a network connection.