Can it be done?

shoelesscraig · Jul 26, 2010

I had an idea but I'm not sure if it can be done. Input is welcome.

The laptop I use at work sits in a cradle on the network, and it uses DHCP so the IP address is assigned to it. When I take it out into the plant to use it on a PLC that uses ethernet to communicate I have to change the IP address in the "network settings" to something that allows me to talk to the machines. Then I have to set it back when I'm done. I was wondering, is there a way to create a batch file that will change the address for me so I do not have to go into the "network settings" every time to do this? And then maybe have another to send it back to automatically detecting the address?

Or if someone has a better idea, I'm up for that too! And if this is not possible, its no big deal. Just thought I would ask!

sthompson · Jul 26, 2010

Do a search here, there are a number of threads that deal with this problem. Also, what Operating System are you using? The answer to that question makes a difference. The TCP/IP Stack operates differently on different Operating Systems.

Stu......

lostcontrol · Jul 27, 2010

I use a simple batch file with the following:
For DHCP

netsh interface ip set address name="Local" source=dhcp
netsh interface ip set dns name="Local" source=dhcp

netsh interface ip set address name="wireless" source=dhcp
netsh interface ip set dns name="wireless" source=dhcp

And for Static:

netsh interface ip set address name="Local" static 10.1.1.90 255.255.255.0 10.1.1.254 1
netsh interface ip set dns name="Local" source=static addr=10.1.1.254 register=PRIMARY
netsh interface ip add dns name="Local" addr=10.1.1.215 index=2

netsh interface ip set address name="Wireless" static 10.1.1.91 255.255.255.0 10.1.1.254 1
netsh interface ip set dns name="Wireless" source=static addr=10.1.1.254 register=PRIMARY
netsh interface ip add dns name="Wireless" addr=10.1.1.215 index=2

I actually have a bunch of 'static' files, for different customers sites & configuration.

This method does depend on your adaptor having the same name, but that is just a formality...

Ken Roach · Jul 27, 2010

I'm going to presume Windows XP for now.

The really simple way that I handle this is to stick with DHCP automatic configuration for your TCP/IP protocol, but to click the "Alternate Configuration" and put in a static IP address configuration that works with the automation network.

When you plug into the automation network, the computer will try to get a DHCP address just like when you plug into the enterprise network. But after about 45 seconds, it will give up and go to the Alternate Configuration address.

Sometimes that timeout is an annoyance, but not enough to make me take the time to learn how to do this with a batch file. If that's something you'd like to make part of your skill set, do some searching here on the Forum for the excellent examples that have been given by members over the past few years.

bits'bytes · Jul 27, 2010

nice procedures and ideas.

I did it completely different.

Use an USB-Ethernet adapter for INTRANET and connect with the built-in one to the PLC.

Works without any troubles ....

br
bb

lostcontrol · Jul 27, 2010

Ken Roach said:
but not enough to make me take the time to learn how to do this with a batch file.

Hmm, I somehow doubt that it would take you long to set this up Ken, heck there is hardly a learning process....

BryanG · Jul 27, 2010

I have been using NetSetMan for a while now, it seems to do exactly what is says on the tin. 18 Euro for a commercial license, free for personal use.

http://www.netsetman.com/index.php?s=nsm

Bryan

JesperMP · Jul 27, 2010

I use the NETSH method. Easy and does not require any additional software.

However, on a colleagues PC which is supposedly the same as mine, NETSH does not work. Both are Win XP Pro.

George Graziano · Jul 27, 2010

I also use a usb ethernet as my second connection.

George

The Plc Kid · Jul 27, 2010

I use this http://www.eusing.com/ipswitch/free_ip_switcher.htm it is free and works well. Works on win 2k, xp,win7

TConnolly · Jul 27, 2010

Here are the batch files I use. I have shortcuts to each one on my desktop.

This one sets my computer to a fixed IP

Code:

@echo off
Echo Setting IP address to static 192.168.10.109
netsh interface ip set address name="Local Area Connection" source=static addr=192.168.10.109 mask=255.255.255.0 
ipconfig
pause

This one sets it back to DHCP

Code:

@echo off
echo Setting IPaddress to DHCP
netsh interface ip set address name="Local Area Connection" source=dhcp
ipconfig
pause

However I am finding that I'm not using those much any more. I have a small Netgear wireless router that I plug it into the PLC and it issues the IP address to my laptop. Its really quite handy to be able to roam about the machinery with my laptop in hand and not be tethered to a cord.

shoelesscraig · Jul 27, 2010

Alaric said:
Here are the batch files I use. I have shortcuts to each one on my desktop.

This one sets my computer to a fixed IP

Code:

@echo off Echo Setting IP address to static 192.168.10.109 netsh interface ip set address name="Local Area Connection" source=static addr=192.168.10.109 mask=255.255.255.0 ipconfig pause

This one sets it back to DHCP

Code:

@echo off echo Setting IPaddress to DHCP netsh interface ip set address name="Local Area Connection" source=dhcp ipconfig pause

However I am finding that I'm not using those much any more. I have a small Netgear wireless router that I plug it into the PLC and it issues the IP address to my laptop. Its really quite handy to be able to roam about the machinery with my laptop in hand and not be tethered to a cord.

Thanks for the responses everyone! Alaric, thank you for this code. That is exactly what I am looking for.

I hear what you are saying about the wireless, but unfortunately, that is STRICTLY forbidden in my workplace. I guess they are scared someone will try and steal our "top secret" info...(trust me, its anything but impressive!)

James Mcquade · Jul 27, 2010

Allen Bradley software and novell network is not compatible with each other. i told my bos but it wasn't until it took my laptop 2 hours to boot did he get the point.

AB has a tech note for novell.

regards,
james

Paul B · Jul 27, 2010

Ken Roach said:
I'm going to presume Windows XP for now.

The really simple way that I handle this is to stick with DHCP automatic configuration for your TCP/IP protocol, but to click the "Alternate Configuration" and put in a static IP address configuration that works with the automation network.

When you plug into the automation network, the computer will try to get a DHCP address just like when you plug into the enterprise network. But after about 45 seconds, it will give up and go to the Alternate Configuration address.

Sometimes that timeout is an annoyance, but not enough to make me take the time to learn how to do this with a batch file. If that's something you'd like to make part of your skill set, do some searching here on the Forum for the excellent examples that have been given by members over the past few years.

I use this method but I'll go you one step further.

First, use DHCP to obtain network access. Then at a command prompt (Start - Run - cmd) type the following:
ipconfig /all

Write down what it gives you for IP, DHCP & DNS.

Then I change to a static IP that matches the DHCP format (or just use the one DHCP gave me) and configure the DHCP & DNS servers appropriately. Now I'm static but can access the company network. (I realize this might eventually conflict, but has worked for me for several years.)

This eliminates the delay when using an alternate configuration at the PLC.

Jeev · Jul 27, 2010

Cable to the machine, wireless to the office. Now you can be connected to everything you want at the same time. I also keep a Wireless N Router for Commissioning, so I can do the opposite and play with machines in the workshop while I'm in the office.

Can it be done?

shoelesscraig

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sthompson

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lostcontrol

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Ken Roach

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bits'bytes

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lostcontrol

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BryanG

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JesperMP

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George Graziano

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The Plc Kid

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TConnolly

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shoelesscraig

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James Mcquade

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Paul B

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Jeev

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