BobB said:
I guess I would need an Ethernet port on the PLC as well? Standard Ethernet or Ethernet IP or does it matter?
Just Ethernet will do. And shame on you if you are using a PLC without Ethernet in 2020 !
To get access for remote support there are 3 ways:
1. The customers IT department provide you with the VPN connection.
It may mean you have to install a special VPN software on your side.
Usually big companies have a IT department and security policies.
2. You install a dedicated VPN router onsite. There are plenty of good VPN router vendors. We use E.won. Others use Stridelinx, MBconnect, etc..
2a. The customer provides the internet connection.
2b. The VPN router can have an integrated 3G or 4G cellular modem.
A good solution for smaller companies without a big IT department.
3. Software based VPN. There are a few. I wrote a guide on how to use Teamviewer as a VPN router. You can find it in the download section of this site.
I use it in a pinch when 1 or 2 is not possible, but always with the customers approval.
Quite a few times, my service guy onsite has had to use his smartphone as a hotspot for the onsite PC to connect via Teamviewer and for me to go online via VPN.