Dear Experts
I would like to have your recommendation please.

Currently, my proyect considers CPU 416-3DP and CP443-1 for ethernet connection for their Control system. Adittionaly, we I have to set up at least 4 independent Profibus segment per controller.

Our question is if we leave spare the MPI port or use it as an adittional Profibus port.

I personally think that when you need to solve complex problems that involve lost of configuration in communication modules or something like this, it is completely necessary to start using the MPI port.

I could be wrong, because I do not know if the CP443-1, even if it lost the configuration, allows comunication to the CPU. Perhaps Siemens provides a tool for assignment the IP address to this module, detecting their MAC for example, and in that way them avoid the necessity of using MPI port as the primary point of connection.

Please, could you feedback me with your opinions and experience.

Kind regards.
Pedro Ascencio