RSNetWorx

RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET

GETTING RESULTS GUIDE
PUBLICATION CNET-GR001H-EN-E–December 2016
Supersedes Publication CNET-GR001G-EN-E
ControlNetnew.book Page ii Tuesday, November 8, 2016 9:55 PM

Contact Rockwell Customer Support Telephone — 1.440.646.3434

Online Support — http://support.rockwellautomation.com/
Copyright Notice © 2016 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
This document and any accompanying Rockwell Software products are copyrighted by
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Any reproduction and/or distribution without prior
written consent from Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. is strictly prohibited. Please refer
to the license agreement for details.
Trademark Notices Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, FactoryTalk, PLC-2, PLC-3, PLC-5, Rockwell Automation,
Rockwell Software, RSLinx, RSView, and the Rockwell Software logo are registered
trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.
The following logos and products are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.:
RSLogix, Data Highway Plus, DH+, RSView, FactoryTalk View, RSView Studio, FactoryTalk
View Studio, RSView Machine Edition, FactoryTalk View ME, RSView Supervisory Edition,
FactoryTalk View SE, RSView32, WINtelligent, FactoryTalk Activation, FactoryTalk
Administration Console, FactoryTalk Alarms and Events, FactoryTalk Automation Platform,
FactoryTalk Services Platform, FactoryTalk Directory, FactoryTalk Live Data, RSAssetSecurity,
FactoryTalk Security, RSSql, FactoryTalk Transaction Manager, MicroLogix, RSLinx Classic,
RSLinx Enterprise, RSNetWorx, RSNetWorx for ControlNet, RSNetWorx for DeviceNet,
RSNetWorx for EtherNet, RSNetWorx for EtherNet/IP, SLC 5, RSLadder, and RSTrend.
Other Trademarks ActiveX, Microsoft, Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual
SourceSafe, Windows, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003,
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Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Adobe, Acrobat, and Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
ControlNet is a registered trademark of ControlNet International.
DeviceNet is a trademark of ODVA, Inc.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel, and Xerox
Corporation.
OLE for Process Control (OPC) is a registered trademark of the OPC Foundation.
Oracle, SQL*Net, and SQL*Plus are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged.
Warranty This product is warranted in accordance with the product license. The product’s performance
may be affected by system configuration, the application being performed, operator control,
maintenance and other related factors. Rockwell Automation is not responsible for these
intervening factors. The instructions in this document do not cover all the details or variations in
the equipment, procedure, or process described, nor do they provide directions for meeting
every possible contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance. This product’s
implementation may vary among users.
This document is current as of the time of release of the product; however, the accompanying
software may have changed since the release. Rockwell Automation, Inc. reserves the right to
change any information contained in this document or the software at anytime without prior
notice. It is your responsibility to obtain the most current information available from Rockwell
when installing or using this product.

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Contents

Preface vii
Purpose of this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Intended audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
How does this guide fit in with other Rockwell Software product documentation? . . vii
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Product manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Contact Rockwell Automation Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

1 • Welcome to RSNetWorx for ControlNet 1

Features and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Understanding ControlNet concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Exploring RSNetWorx for ControlNet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Title bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Menu bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Online icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Network usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Hardware and Favorites views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Graph or Spreadsheet view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Diagnostics view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Message view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Status bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Exploring the Scanlist Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Title bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Menu bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Online icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Resource usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Scanlist entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
File settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Status bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Quick Start steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Online mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Offline mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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2 • Installing and Starting RSNetWorx for ControlNet 23

System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Hardware requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Software requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Software Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Installing RSNetWorx for ControlNet software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Step 1: Launch the installation wizard and select what to install . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Step 2: Read and accept license agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Step 3: Start the installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Step 4: Finish the installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Installing a client copy from a dedicated server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Starting RSNetWorx for ControlNet software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Troubleshooting installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3 • Advanced Concepts 33
EDS-based devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
EDS library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Class Instance Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ControlNet versus Remote I/O and DH+ networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Online without Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Offline without Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Offline with Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Online with Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

4 • Finding the Information You Need 57

Using the online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Accessing help for a control or field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Accessing help for messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Finding step-by-step procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Finding definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Accessing the Product Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
When you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

A • Activation 65
Activate RSNetWorx with FactoryTalk Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Node-locked activation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

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• • • • •
CONTENTS

Concurrent activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How to activate RSNetWorx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Finding more information about FactoryTalk Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Grace period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Protecting your activation files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Some common questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

B • Security 69
How do I set up security in RSNetWorx? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
What can I secure in RSNetWorx? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

C • Use unattended installation 73

Perform unattended installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

D • Glossary 77

Index 89

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RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET GETTING RESULTS GUIDE

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Preface

3 • Welcome
Purpose of this document
This getting results guide provides you with information on how to install and navigate
the RSNetWorx™ for ControlNet™ software. It explains how to effectively use the
RSNetWorx for ControlNet software and how to access and navigate the online help.

Intended audience
We assume that you are familiar with:
 Microsoft® Windows® operating systems
 RSLinx® Classic™ communications software

How does this guide fit in with other Rockwell Software product
documentation?
The Getting Results with RSNetWorx for ControlNet guide can be considered the entry
point into Rockwell Software’s documentation set for this product. Other components of
the documentation set include online help, Online Books, a product tutorial, and
electronic release notes.
The documentation set contains pertinent, easily accessible product information. This set
ships with the software product, and is designed to free you from tedious paper shuffling
and reduce information overload.

Online help
The online help includes all overview, procedural, screen, and reference information for
the product. The help contains these basic components: overview topics, quick start
topics, step-by-step procedures, troubleshooting topics, and screen element descriptions
(for example, text boxes, drop-down lists, and option buttons). All of the help is context-
sensitive with the application and provides you with immediate access to application tasks
and screen element descriptions. Refer to the “Finding the information you need” chapter
in this guide for a more detailed description of the online help.

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RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET GETTING RESULTS GUIDE

Product manuals
Within RSNetWorx for ControlNet, we provide a Product Manuals feature that allows you
to immediately access and search your product documentation from the Help menu. This
feature includes the Getting Results with RSNetWorx for ControlNet guide, as well as
several hardware product reference guides, in an electronic book format. As a part of the
product installation, you have the option of installing these electronic books to your local
hard drive during installation, or access them directly from the DVD.

The product manuals included with RSNetWorx for ControlNet are in portable document
format (PDF), and can be viewed using Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.

Contact Rockwell Automation Technical Support

If you cannot find the answer to your question in the documentation or on the Internet,
contact Rockwell Automation Technical Support, using any of these methods:
 Telephone: 1-440-646-3434
 Online: http://support.rockwellautomation.com
Support staff are available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time
(North America only), except on statutory holidays.

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1 Welcome to RSNetWorx for ControlNet

1 • Placeholder
RSNetWorx™ for ControlNet™ is a 32-bit Windows® application program that lets you
configure ControlNet networks. Using either a graphical or a spreadsheet representation
of your network, you can configure network-wide parameters and generate the network-
wide schedule for all nodes with a ControlNet scanlist. Also bundled with RSNetWorx for
ControlNet is the Scanlist Configuration Tool (SCT), which is the scanner-specific
configuration tool. This program lets you define scanlist entries for certain scanners and
map scanner memory onto the network and network data into the scanner memory from
within RSNetWorx for ControlNet.
This chapter contains the following sections:
 Features and benefits
 Understanding ControlNet concepts
 Exploring RSNetWorx for ControlNet
 Quick Start steps

Features and benefits

RSNetWorx for ControlNet has the following features:
 Support for FactoryTalk Activation. If you are a new user, you must activate your
software using FactoryTalk Activation.
 Support for FactoryTalk Security. FactoryTalk Security is intended to improve the
security of your automation system by limiting access to those with a legitimate need.
FactoryTalk Security authenticates user identities and authorizes user requests to
access a FactoryTalk-enabled system. These security services are fully integrated into
the FactoryTalk Directory and are included as part of the FactoryTalk Services
Platform that installs with many products.
 Device usages view displays usage percentages for factors such as minimum and
maximum CPU, and connection usages (when your device’s Electronic Data Sheet
(EDS) file contains capacity information) or raw transmission data information (when
your device’s EDS file does not contain capacity information). When edits are
enabled, you will get to see both current and pending device usage information.
 Embedded EDS is supported. With this functionality, you can now change the state of
your device from unknown to known by uploading and registering its EDS, instead of
obtaining the EDS file from an external website or a DVD.
 PKTCS devices are supported.
 A Windows-based point and click interface that allows you to easily configure
ControlNet networks.

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RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET GETTING RESULTS GUIDE

 Use of RSLinx Classic communication services, which allows you to browse online
through various networks, devices, bridges, etc., to choose the network you want to
view or edit.
 The ability to optimize your network by configuring network parameters, such as
network update time (NUT) and maximum scheduled or unscheduled addresses.
 The ability to edit configurations either online or offline.
 Simple and complete network upload/download. You can upload a configuration
directly from the network or download a configuration to the online network. When
you upload or download a configuration, both the ControlNet network configuration
and the scanlist for the integrated scanners (PLC-5C processor, 1747 scanner) are
transferred, as well as the network schedule for all scanners.
 The Scanner Configuration Tool configures both I/O and peer-to-peer data addresses.
Supports target devices for Rockwell Automation and third-party devices via
ControlNet International standard Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) files.
 Integration with RSLogix5 software (release 4.0 and higher), allowing you to
configure, commission, and maintain a PLC-5C-based system on a ControlNet
network.
 Reports generated in HTML format.
 Comprehensive context-sensitive online help, including additional information and
troubleshooting hints on any message that appears in the Message View.
 Quickly detect and resolve conditions that arise when initially commissioning a
system, minimizing initial start-up times and costs.
 Debug and correct network/device problems, thereby reducing network downtimes
and related costs.
 Detect preventive maintenance needs within the devices on your network, thereby
preventing system downtimes.

Understanding ControlNet concepts

You begin configuring your ControlNet network by determining how many devices will
be connected to your network and the type of data the devices will be exchanging.
ControlNet provides the capabilities to exchange data in both a scheduled and
unscheduled fashion. (The details of the scheduling algorithms are presented in the
ControlNet International specification.) Scheduled bandwidth is generally used for time
critical, control process I/O data. Unscheduled data is generally used for less time critical
I/O exchanges as well as configuration operations (for example, upload, download, or
browse). RSNetWorx for ControlNet allows you to describe your scheduled traffic and
execute the tasks necessary to distribute this schedule to the devices on your network,
such as ControlLogix scanners, ControlNet PLC-5C processors, 1747 scanners, and other
vendor’s scanners that follow the ControlNet International specification. Each device on
the ControlNet network must be assigned a unique address. For devices sending
scheduled data, assign a node address between 1 and the maximum scheduled node

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• • • • •
1 • WELCOME TO RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET

address. For all other devices, assign a node address between the maximum scheduled
node address + 1 and the maximum unscheduled node address (for further information

1 • Placeholder
about the maximum scheduled and unscheduled node address, see page 4). For example,
if the maximum scheduled node address is 10 and the maximum unscheduled node
address is 20, then the devices sending scheduled data would be given a node address
between 1 and 10, and the devices sending unscheduled data would be given a node
address between 11 and 20.
To schedule the ControlNet network, you must determine your data update requirements.
Typically you will set your Network Update Time (NUT) to the fastest data exchange
required. The NUT is the basic unit of scheduling on the ControlNet network. It defines a
periodic network cycle. If a valid schedule was specified, each node whose address is
between 1 and the maximum scheduled address will send its scheduled data (which is also
scheduled for transmission) during the scheduled portion of the NUT. If an invalid
schedule was specified (too much scheduled data to be transmitted within the NUT),
RSNetWorx informs you and you must either reduce the amount of scheduled data and/or
change the NUT. After all scheduled traffic is transmitted within a NUT, unscheduled data
is transmitted in round-robin fashion until the NUT expires.
You may also define the maximum scheduled node address for your ControlNet network.
This indicates the highest address that will be able to transmit in the scheduled (vs.
unscheduled) portion of the NUT. As well as indicating the Maximum Scheduled Node
Address, you may also configure the Maximum Unscheduled Node Address. This
indicates the highest address that will be able to transmit any information on the
ControlNet network. You enter these values into your configuration by utilizing the
Network Parameters tab on the Network Property pages.

If the Maximum Unscheduled Node Address is set lower than the node address of the
workstation that is communicating with the network, then the workstation won’t be able to
successfully communicate with the network. You continue configuring your network by
determining the physical layout of the devices, i.e., the amount of coaxial cable (to the
nearest 100 meters) and/or the amount of fiber optic cable (to the nearest 100 meters)
needed. Also, you need to know how many and what type of repeaters will be needed.
Determine the longest path (in terms of delay time). This is the worst-case data path
through the network. After you have defined this worst-case path, you use the Media
Configuration tab on the Network property pages of the RSNetWorx for ControlNet
software to enter the parameters of that path into your configuration file.

Finally, you finish creating the configuration by defining connections between the nodes
on the network. To do this, you determine which data is to be consumed by each scanner,
and you determine where in each scanner’s data table this data is placed. You may also
choose to determine which scanner will maintain the configuration for each adapter
device. After you have defined these parameters, you use the Scanlist Configuration Tool

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(with integrated scanners) or Studio 5000 Logix Designer (with non-integrated scanners)
to enter them into your configuration for each of your ControlNet scanners.
For many devices, you can also use the Scanlist Configuration Tool to configure how
outputs are set in the event of a fault, such as loss of communication to the controlling
scanner. Depending on the information contained in a device’s EDS file, you may be able
to configure other device parameters. These parameters may be found on the connection’s
property page from the Configuration Settings tab and/or the Advanced Settings tab
depending on the device or module for which you are setting the parameters. However,
the PLC-5C processor requires the use of RSLogix 5 to set the Configuration Settings.

Exploring RSNetWorx for ControlNet

When you start RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, the RSNetWorx for ControlNet
window appears. It shows the current network (ControlNet is the default network
filename) in its view. The following illustration shows the RSNetWorx for ControlNet
window and the design elements associated with it. (The Message view and Favorites
view will not be automatically shown in the default view, but may be chosen by selecting
View > Messages > Show or View > Favorites.) Each of the design elements are
described in the sections following this illustration.

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• • • • •
1 • WELCOME TO RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET

1 • Placeholder
Title bar
Menu bar
Toolbars

Network
usage

Hardware
view

Status bar

Message view Favorites view Network configuration

(Graph or Spreadsheet view)

Title bar
The title bar shows the RSNetworx icon, the name of the current RSNetWorx
configuration, and the name of the software product.

Menu bar
The RSNetWorx for ControlNet menu bar contains the following menus:

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Each menu contains options for performing the following tasks:

Menu Description

File New, print, open, and save a network configuration, generate reports, or exit
RSNetWorx for ControlNet.
Edit Invoke actions such as cut, copy, and paste on selected items in the
network configuration.
View Set and change RSNetWorx for ControlNet interface displays.
Network Browse the network, toggle between online and offline mode, enable and cancel
edits, and upload and download data to and from the network.
Device Edit the properties of the selected device, chassis, or module.
Tools Launch the EDS Wizard.
Help Access help options for RSNetWorx for ControlNet, ControlNet related
hardware, and other Rockwell Software products and services.

Online icon
The online icon displays in the right side of the RSNetWorx for ControlNet window at the
same level as the menu bar.

This icon indicates whether or not RSNetWorx for ControlNet is in the online mode. If
you toggle the Online toolbar button to online, the Online icon becomes animated. If the
icon is not animated, RSNetWorx for ControlNet is in offline mode. When online,
RSNetWorx for ControlNet writes information to the devices and to the offline file when
you save. When offline, RSNetWorx for ControlNet only updates the offline file when
you save.

Toolbars
The toolbars contain shortcuts to several commonly used functions. Each toolbar button is
a graphical representation of a command (except Symbol Legend) that is also available
from the RSNetWorx for ControlNet menu bar. RSNetWorx for ControlNet contains the
standard toolbar and the tools toolbar.
The following items appear on the RSNetWorx for ControlNet standard toolbar.

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1 • Placeholder
Icon Menu Selection Description

File > New Creates a new network configuration.

File > Open Opens an existing network configuration. The arrow to the
right of the Open icon provides quick access to recently
used files.
File > Save Saves the current network configuration.

File > Print Prints the current network configuration.

Edit > Cut Cuts the selected device from the network configuration
and place it on the clipboard. If you cut a device, only the
device, not its configuration, is retained.
Edit > Copy Copies the selected device to the clipboard. If you copy a
device, only the device type, not its configuration, is
retained.
Edit > Paste Pastes the device from the clipboard to the current network
configuration.

Help > Places the cursor in What’s This? help mode. Place the
What’s This? cursor on the control you want help with and right-click to
see the context-sensitive help.

The following items appear on the RSNetWorx for ControlNet tools toolbar.

Icon Menu Selection Description

View > Zoom-In Increases the size of the images located in the current
network configuration. The choices available are high,
medium, and low. Zoom-In only applies to the graph view.

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Icon Menu Selection Description

View > Zoom-Out Decreases the size of the images located in the current
network configuration. The choices available are high,
medium, and low. Zoom-Out only applies to the graph
view.
View > Hardware Displays a list of all available hardware devices.

View > Favorites Displays a list of hardware devices that you have added to
your favorites list.

Network > Single Pass Locates all currently available devices based on the drivers
Browse or Network > configured in RSLinx Classic. Allows you to browse once
Continuous Browse and stop (single pass) or browse continuously (continuous
browse).
Network > Online Places RSNetWorx for ControlNet in online mode. To go
offline, click the button or choose Network > Online
again.
View > Diagnostics Displays the Diagnostic view, allowing you to view the
diagnostic parameters for all of the devices on your
network, and indicates the current diagnostic status of your
network.
View > Refresh Refreshes the window. This will reorder the graphic
display by device address.

No menu selection Displays the Symbol Legend, which contains descriptions

of the device comparison states. The Symbol Legend can
also be accessed from the online help system by selecting
Help > Contents and selecting symbol legend from the
index tab.

Network usage
The Network Usage area allows you to obtain the edit resource, enabling and disabling
edits to the current ControlNet offline configuration file (*.xc) and online network, while
also displaying statistics such as current and pending network update time and scheduled
bandwidth.

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1 • Placeholder
Hardware and Favorites views
A device can be added to the network configuration by selecting it from the Hardware
view and dragging it to the configuration (graph or spreadsheet view). Once a device is
added, it will display in the appropriate configuration. The Favorites view displays all
hardware devices that you have defined as favorites by selection from the Hardware list.
To add an item from the Hardware list to the Favorites list, select the item, right-click and
choose Add to Favorites.

Graph or Spreadsheet view

The application workspace displays network information in either a graphic or a
spreadsheet view. Click on the appropriate tab in the network configuration to display the
desired view.

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Diagnostics view
RSNetWorx Diagnostics provides a hierarchal view of the real-time status (or health) of a
network. At a glance, you can quickly and easily determine the overall status of your
network, or any device on your network, by viewing a single status indicator. Click the
Diagnostics tab in the network configuration to display this view.

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Displays any network and/or device problems Displays the troubleshooting page for
that are detected on your network warning or error diagnostics

1 • Placeholder
Starts or stops the
diagnostic scan

Displays a count
of diagnostics
by state

Message view
The message view, which appears in the bottom portion of the workspace, displays a log
of messages. Each message consists of four parts:
 an icon that indicates error, warning, or information.
 an error code (including a distinguishing software component designator and a 16-bit
numeric designator)
 a timestamp that displays the date and time the message is generated
 a description of the message

If View > Messages has not been previously selected, the Message View will
automatically appear when a message is logged by RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

This view may contain error, warning, and/or informational messages as indicated in the
following table:

If you want more information on any particular message, you can select the message and
press the F1 key to access the online help. You can Show, Clear, Copy, or Clear and Hide
messages by making the appropriate selection from the View > Messages command on
the main menu, or by right-clicking and selecting the Message option while in the Message
view.

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Status bar
The status bar, which is located at the bottom of the RSNetWorx for ControlNet main
window, provides information about the status of the software.
The left portion of the status bar displays informational messages about the operation of
RSNetWorx for ControlNet software. For example, when you highlight a device in the
application workspace, a brief description of that device appears on the status bar.
The right portion of the status bar displays the current state of the browsing operation.

Exploring the Scanlist Configuration Tool

The Scanlist Configuration Tool is an extension of the RSNetWorx software that allows
you to create, modify, and delete connection entries within a scanlist (for example, a PLC-
5 processor). Using the Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can establish connections among
devices and their respective I/O components (identifying data types, sizes, and timing
intervals) and then map that information to the data table. The following illustration
shows the Scanlist Configuration Tool window and the design elements associated with it.
(The Message view will not be automatically shown in the default view, but may be
chosen by selecting View > Messages > Show.) Each of the design elements are
described in the sections following this illustration.

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Title bar
Menu bar

1 • Placeholder
Toolbar

Resource
usage

Connection
settings

File
settings

Messages

Status bar

Title bar
The title bar shows the Scanlist Configuration Tool icon, the name of the selected scanner,
the name of the software product and so on.

Menu bar
The Scanlist Configuration Tool menu bar contains the following menus:

Each menu contains options for performing the following tasks:

Menu Description

File Save a configuration, generate a report for this scanner, or exit the Scanlist
Configuration Tool.
Edit Invoke actions such as cut, copy, and paste on selected items in the configuration.
View Set and change the Scanlist Configuration Tool interface displays.
Network Toggle between online and offline mode, and enable or cancel edits.

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Menu Description

Device Change mode of the scanner from, for example, run to program mode or download
to device.
Connection Insert connections or change connection parameters.
Help View help options for the Scanlist Configuration Tool and other Rockwell Software
products and services.

Online icon
The online icon displays in the right side of the Scanlist Configuration Tool at the same
level as the menu bar.

This icon indicates whether or not RSNetWorx for ControlNet is in the online mode. If
you toggle the Online toolbar button to online, the Online icon becomes animated. If the
icon is not animated, RSNetWorx for ControlNet is in offline mode. When online,
RSNetWorx for ControlNet writes information to the devices and to the offline file when
you save. When offline, RSNetWorx for ControlNet only updates the offline file when
you save.

Toolbar
The toolbars contain shortcuts to several commonly used functions. Each button on the
toolbars is a graphical representation of a command that is also available from the Scanlist
Configuration Tool menu bar.
The following items appear on the Scanlist Configuration Tool toolbar.

Icon Menu Selection Description

File > Save Saves the current network configuration.

Edit > Cut Cuts the selected field value and places it on the
clipboard.

Edit > Copy Copies the selected field value to the clipboard.

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Icon Menu Selection Description

1 • Placeholder
Edit > Paste Pastes the field value from the clipboard to the current
network configuration.

Connection > Auto Insert > Interrogates all devices that can have connections on the
All Devices ControlNet configuration and adds connections to
the scanlist.
Connection > Auto Insert > Interrogates selected devices that can have connections
Selected Devices in the ControlNet configuration and adds connections to
the scanlist.
Connection > Auto Address > Auto maps all unmapped addresses in all entries.
All Entries

View > Connection Displays information respective to the selected

Configuration connection.

View > Connection Status Switches the view to a display of the status of each
connection.

Network > Online Places the Scanlist Configuration Tool in online mode.
To go offline, click the button or choose Network >
Online again. This button is unpressed when in online
mode.
Help > What’s This? Places the cursor in What’s This? help mode. Place the
cursor on the control you want help with and right-click
to see the context-sensitive help.

Resource usage
Within the Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can also view all of the network aspects
related to the selected node, including node memory usage, node network usage, and
overall network usage. With this information, you can easily make changes to any scanlist
and readily identify how your changes affect the ControlNet network.

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Scanlist entries
The scanlist entries enable you to perform tasks such as defining the connection targets
and inserting connections for the selected devices. You must be in edit mode to edit these
entries.

File settings
File settings are only available for the PLC-5C processor. The file settings enable you to
define the files to be used by the scanlist entries for the selected device. You must be in
edit mode to edit these files. If you choose the auto address command, the necessary files
are selected for you; otherwise, you can specify your own files.

Status bar
The status bar, which is located at the bottom of the Scanlist Configuration Tool window,
provides information about the status of the software and the scanner.
The left portion of the status bar displays informational messages about the operation of
the configuration software. For example when you mouse over a toolbar icon, a brief
description of that icon appears on the status bar.
The right portion of the status bar displays the following information:
 Online mode - Offline or Online

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 Edit mode - Monitor or Edit

 Scanner type, series, and revision

1 • Placeholder
 Address number
 Scanner mode - Remote Program, Program, Remote Run, or Run

Quick Start steps

The fastest way to configure your ControlNet network is to let the RSNetWorx for
ControlNet software browse your online network for ControlNet devices and
automatically add them into your configuration. Then, let the Scanlist Configuration Tool
automatically configure connections to your target devices. You can follow this same
procedure for configuring your network in the offline mode by manually dragging and
dropping devices from your Hardware tab into your network configuration.
For some devices, you need additional RSLogix software to complete your network
configuration. Refer to the following table:

If you have the following

device in your network: Use this software to complete your configuration:

PLC-5C processors RSLogix 5

SLC scanners RSLogix 500
ControlLogix processors Studio 5000 Logix Designer
Important: There is no offline mode when working with
ControlLogix processors. Also, for more information on
using Studio 5000 Logix Designer and ControlLogix
processors, refer to the online help for the Scanlist
Configuration Tool.

This section walks you through the tasks you will need to perform to use RSNetWorx for
ControlNet software in both the online and offline modes. To remain focused on the high-
level nature of each task and on the flow of these tasks, the following steps do not include
the step-by-step procedure for accomplishing each task. When you are ready to use
RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, you should follow the detailed procedures found in
the Quick Start, which is located in the RSNetWorx for ControlNet online help.
To access the software’s quick start, select Help > Quick Start from the RSNetWorx for
ControlNet window. To see information about any control on the RSNetWorx for
ControlNet or Scanlist Configuration Tool windows, remember to use the What’s This?
help.

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Online mode
Step 1 - Create a new configuration and browse for an online network
The first step in using RSNetWorx for ControlNet in the online mode is to create a new
ControlNet configuration. Once you create the configuration, an empty network displays
in the network configuration.
Next, go online and select a communication driver using the RSWho browse utility. A
graphical representation of the selected network appears in the network configuration. If
you would like to see a tabular view of the information instead of the graphical view, click
the Spreadsheet tab.
Step 2 - Configure your ControlNet network and save your configuration
After creating your new configuration and going online, you must configure your
ControlNet network by enabling edits to obtain the edit resource for the network. Once
you obtain the edit resource for the network, no other individual can simultaneously edit
the online network or the associated .xc file. Enabling edits also obtains exclusive write
access to the .xc file. Editing your network properties consists of tasks such as entering
the media configuration information, and setting network parameters (for example,
maximum scheduled node and maximum unscheduled node).

At various times, you may want to save the work you have completed on your network
configuration. To save a configuration file (*.xc), click File > Save. If you save, keep in mind
that you will lose the edit resource. To obtain the edit resource again, click the Edits
Enabled checkbox.

Step 3 - Start the Scanlist Configuration Tool and insert a connection

The Scanlist Configuration Tool is a software tool used to create, modify, and delete
scanlist entries in a scanner. This tool also allows you to define how particular devices
communicate on the network. To configure devices that contain an internal scanlist (for
example, a PLC-5 processor), use the Scanlist Configuration Tool. Once you open the
Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can either insert connections to other devices on the
network manually, or you can use the auto insert feature within the Scanlist Configuration
Tool to automatically insert the scanlist entries.
Step 4 - Define a connection target and save your schedule
To provide data from the scanner to other devices on the network, you must define a
connection target. You can define the connection target for the scanner nodes on your
network manually. After defining your connection targets, the final step is to save your
configuration schedule and exit the Scanlist Configuration Tool.
Step 5 - Diagnose and troubleshoot your online network

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Once you save your configuration, you can diagnose the network and determine the status
of all of the devices on that network. If any of the devices are exhibiting diagnostics

1 • Placeholder
problems, you can troubleshoot those devices and return your network to proper operating
condition.
Step 6 - Schedule network diagnostics
After diagnosing and troubleshooting your online network, you can schedule diagnostics
to occur for each network that has associated offline configuration file (*.xc) developed in
RSNetWorx, allowing you to support an unattended, background mode of diagnostic
operation. Further, via the RSNetWorx Diagnostics Service Monitor, you can start, stop,
and establish the startup mode for each network diagnostic schedule that you have
configured.

Offline mode
Step 1 - Create a new configuration and describe your network topology
The first step in using RSNetWorx for ControlNet in the offline mode is to create a new
ControlNet configuration (File > New). Once you create the configuration, an empty
network displays in the network configuration.
Next, Enable Edits to obtain exclusive write access to the offline configuration file (*.xc).
After you obtain the edit resource, no other individual can simultaneously edit the offline
configuration file. In the edit mode, you can describe your network topology by double-
clicking on an available device or by dragging it from the Hardware tab and dropping it
into the network configuration. When you are finished, a graphical representation of the
selected network appears in the network configuration. If you would like to see a tabular
view of the information instead of the graphical view, click the Spreadsheet tab.
Step 2 - Configure your ControlNet network and devices
After creating your new configuration, you must configure your ControlNet network and
devices. This consists of tasks such as entering the media configuration information, and
setting network parameters (for example, maximum scheduled node and maximum
unscheduled node).

At various times, you may want to save the work you have completed on your network
configuration. To save a configuration file (*.xc), click File > Save. If you save, keep in mind
that you will lose the edit resource. To obtain the edit resource again, click the Edits
Enabled checkbox.

Step 3 - Start the Scanlist Configuration Tool and insert a connection

The Scanlist Configuration Tool is a software tool used to create, modify, and delete
scanlist entries in a scanner. This tool also allows you to define how particular devices
communicate on the network. To configure devices that contain an internal scanlist (for

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example, a PLC-5C processor), use the Scanlist Configuration Tool. Once you open the
Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can either insert connections for the scanner nodes on
your network manually, or you can use the auto insert feature within the Scanlist
Configuration Tool to automatically insert the scanlist entries.
Step 4 - Define a connection target and save your schedule
To provide data from the scanner to other devices on the network, you must define a
connection target. You can define the connection target for the scanner nodes on your
network manually. After defining your connection targets, the final step is to save your
configuration schedule and exit the Scanlist Configuration Tool.

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1 • Placeholder

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2 Installing and Starting RSNetWorx for

2 • Placeholder
ControlNet
This chapter explains how to install and start RSNetWorx for ControlNet software. This
chapter includes information on the following:
 system requirements
 software compatibility
 installation methods
 installation procedure
 starting procedure
 troubleshooting
After installing the software, we recommend that you read the release notes located in the
online help. The release notes may contain more up-to-date information than was
available when this document was published. To view the release notes, start RSNetWorx
for ControlNet, and then choose Help > Release Notes from the main menu.

System requirements
To run RSNetWorx for ControlNet, your system must meet the following hardware and
software requirements:

Hardware requirements
To run RSNetWorx for ControlNet, your system must meet the following hardware
requirements:
 An Intel® Core 2 Duo processor running at 2.8 GHz or faster or another processor
with equivalent specifications
 4 GB or more memory RAM
 At least 16GB of available hard drive space

Software requirements
To run RSNetWorx for ControlNet, you require one of the following operating systems:
 Windows 10 Enterprise
 Windows 10 Professional
 Windows 8.1 Enterprise
 Windows 8.1 Professional
 Windows 8 Enterprise
 Windows 8 Professional

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 Windows 7 Ultimate with Service Pack 1

 Windows 7 Enterprise with Service Pack 1
 Windows 7 Professional with Service Pack 1
 Windows Server 2012 Standard
 Windows Server 2012 Datacenter
 Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
 Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter
 Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard with Service Pack 1
 Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise with Service Pack 1

Software Compatibility
RSNetWorx for ControlNet version 26.00 is a component aligned to Studio 5000 Logix
Designer™ version 30.00. This version of RSNetWorx has been tested with, and is
compatible with, the following products:
 FactoryTalk Activation Manager version 4.01
 FactoryTalk Services Platform version 2.90
 RSLinx Classic version 3.90
 RSLogix 5 version 8.00
 RSLogix 500 version 9.05
 Logix Designer version 30.00

It is recommended that you use all products from the same CPR release.

Installing RSNetWorx for ControlNet software

RSNetWorx supports two installation methods: Setup wizard installation and unattended
installation.
The unattended installation reduces user interaction and provides command line
parameters to install RSNetWorx. For more information, see “Use unattended
installation” on page 73.
This chapter uses the Setup wizard installation method to illustrate the steps.

While installing RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, you will have the opportunity to
specify a directory. The default directory is:
x:\Program Files\Rockwell Software\RSNetWorxII
where x is the drive where the operating system is installed.
We recommend that you use the default directory whenever possible. This subdirectory
contains all of the application files required to run the product.
In procedures that appear throughout this document, it is assumed that you used the
default name. If you did not use the default name, substitute the actual name you specified
for the default name shown.

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To install RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, perform the following steps:

2 • Placeholder
1. Launch the installation wizard and select what to install.
2. Read and accept license agreements.
3. Start the installation.
4. Finish the installation.

Step 1: Launch the installation wizard and select what to

install
1. Close all open programs.
2. Place the RSNetWorx installation DVD in the computer’s DVD drive, or double click
Setup.exe within the installation package.
3. If Microsoft .NET Framework 4 is not installed on your computer, the Microsoft
.NET Framework Setup dialog box shows. Click Install.

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4. On the RSNetWorx Setup page, select a language to be shown during the installation
process if needed. By default, your system language is selected.

5. To install RSNetWorx for ControlNet, RSNetWorx for EtherNet/IP, and RSNetWorx

for DeviceNet, click Install now and skip to “Step 2: Read and accept license
agreements” on page 27.
6. To select a particular software product, click Customize.

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7. On the Customize page, select RSNetWorx for ControlNet v26.00.00 and its
components.

2 • Placeholder
8. Select the location for Rockwell Automation software. The default location is
C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockwell Software.
9. Click Install.

Step 2: Read and accept license agreements

End-user license agreements (EULA) spell out your rights and responsibilities.
Depending on the components being installed, there may be more than one license
agreement on this page. The individual license agreements are listed above the text box.

You can also view the license agreements from the License folder of RSNetWorx installation
package.

Some software products may be delivered or made available only after you agree to the
terms and conditions of each of the license agreements.
1. On the End User License Agreements page, select each agreement and read the
agreement carefully.

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2. When all license agreements have been read, click Accept All.

Step 3: Start the installation

After accepting the license agreements, the Setup Wizard automatically installs all the
Rockwell Software applications selected previously. .

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During the installation, if prompted to restart your computer, click Restart now.

2 • Placeholder

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Step 4: Finish the installation

After the installation completes, you need to activate the software for its full feature
capabilities. You can activate the software now or late. For more information about
activation, see “Activation” on page 65.

 To active the software, select Activate your software and click Next. In the Software
Activation dialog box, enter the required information and click Continue.
You will be prompted to restart the computer after the activation.

 To finish the installation without activation, Select Skip activation and click Next.
 To view the installation details, click Installation Summary.

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 To receive latest product updates and patch notification, click Register for
updates.

2 • Placeholder
 To install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, click Download it free and
follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart the computer to complete the installation.

Installing a client copy from a dedicated server

As a client to a client-server installation, you can install one or more Rockwell Software
products from the dedicated server location to an end-user destination. To install the
RSNetWorx for ControlNet software from the server, perform the following steps:
1. Map a network drive to the dedicated server location provided by your system
administrator. The system administrator must have copied the entire DVD contents
and provided only Read and Execute permissions of the files. Users installing the
software cannot have write access to the files.
2. Double-click Setup.exe in the client installation directory.
3. See the “Installing RSNetWorx for ControlNet software” section in this chapter.

Starting RSNetWorx for ControlNet software

To start RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, click Start > All Programs > Rockwell
Software > RSNetWorx > RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

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Troubleshooting installation
If RSNetWorx for ControlNet does not start up or run properly, consider the following:
 Do you have the correct version of RSLinx Classic installed? RSNetWorx for
ControlNet requires RSLinx Classic 3.90 or later.
 Does your computer have enough memory? RSNetWorx for ControlNet requires a
minimum of 4 GB of RAM.
 Have you reinstalled an earlier Service Pack, or removed a component, such as
DCOM, that RSNetWorx for ControlNet requires?
 Have you checked the RSNetWorx support on the web for troubleshooting
information? Go to http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/, click
Knowledgebase, and search for Tech Notes on RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

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3 Advanced Concepts

3 • Placeholder
This chapter contains the following sections:
 EDS-based devices
 Class Instance Editor
 ControlNet versus Remote I/O and DH+ networks
 RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx integration

EDS-based devices
RSNetworx for ControlNet relies on an electronic data sheet (EDS) for configuring
devices. An electronic data sheet is an ASCII file that is created by the manufacturer and
supplied with the device.
As long as the EDS file for the device you want to configure is registered with the
RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, you can configure its target connection
configuration (attributes) and how it will communicate with other devices on the
ControlNet network. Although the procedure for configuring a device is basically the
same for all devices, each device has a unique set of properties.

EDS library
The electronic data sheet (EDS) library is a collection of EDS files that have been
registered with RSNetWorx for ControlNet. The EDS files, which are provided by the
device manufacturers, contain configuration and identification information for the
devices.
RSNetWorx for ControlNet software can access only those devices that have been
registered. You must use the EDS Registry Wizard for registering EDS files for unknown
devices, or if you have updated EDS files to install. To access the EDS Wizard, select
Tools > EDS Wizard.

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Although you get a large number of electronic data sheet (EDS) files with the RSNetWorx
for ControlNet software, there may be a time when you need to acquire/create additional
EDS files. The most common ways to get these files are to:
 obtain them on distribution diskettes that accompany the devices.
 download them from ControlNet sites on the world wide web. You can either select
the device in the network configuration, right-click the mouse and select Re-register
Device, and click Download EDS File in the EDS Wizard or access one of the
following world wide web sites from which EDS files are available:
 http://www.controlnet.org (ControlNet International web site)
 http://www.ab.com/networks/eds (Allen-Bradley technical support site)
 download them from a different manufacturer’s site.

Class Instance Editor

The Class Instance Editor is a tool that allows you to send data to, and read data from, a
ControlNet device that is not otherwise configurable with RSNetWorx for ControlNet.
Using the Class Instance Editor you can either enter raw data and download it to the
device, or read the data from the device.

We do not recommend configuring devices with the Class Instance Editor unless you are
instructed to do so by technical support personnel for the hardware product.

To use the editor, you will need to know the service code, class, instance, and attribute by
their appropriate hexadecimal codes within the device. This information may be on the
printed data sheet accompanying the device.

For further information about configuring a device with the Class Instance Editor, contact
the manufacturer of the device. For more information on how to enter data into the Class
Instance Editor, contact Rockwell Software technical support.

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ControlNet versus Remote I/O and DH+ networks

3 • Placeholder
Because ControlNet combines the functionality of an I/O network with that of an
informational network, you can use it in place of using Remote I/O and DH+ or Remote
I/O and Ethernet networks in combination. However, when you design your architecture,
keep the following considerations in mind.
 The ControlNet network is designed optimally for predictable and repeatable delivery
of scheduled data (much like the Remote I/O network). This design also provides for
the delivery of unscheduled data, like the DH+ network, but makes it difficult to
predict unscheduled data transfer performance.
 ControlNet and Ethernet are not equivalent networks and they are designed for
different purposes. Used correctly, these networks are complementary but not
competitive. Therefore, be aware that if you use ControlNet for applications with
predominant or heavy unscheduled traffic, you may be misapplying the network.
Data delivery for traffic on an Ethernet network is designed for first-come, first-served
delivery. Therefore, the delivery of a particular message on a lightly loaded Ethernet
network could be faster than on ControlNet. Also, for comparison, one maximum-size
Ethernet message (750 words) may be substituted with as many as seven ControlNet
unscheduled messages.
As a rule, if you expect to use small, unscheduled packets with fewer than 100 words
and do not expect heavy unscheduled network traffic, you can use either ControlNet
or Ethernet for unscheduled messaging with comparable performance. If you expect to
use larger packets and heavy traffic, you should use the Ethernet network.
 The PLC-5/C15 processor implementation of ControlNet 1.5 unscheduled messaging
simulates Programmable Controller Communication Command (PCCC) messaging
and therefore, does not support more than 128 words in a single message packet
(versus 255 words maximum allowable). As a result, PLC-5/C15 processors must
work twice as hard to send/receive unscheduled messages on ControlNet.

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 Buffer limitations are device-specific and can affect the total number of messages
handled by that device, thereby affecting overall performance. The following table
provides information about available product buffers for unscheduled connected and
unconnected messaging.

Product Connected Unconnected

PLC-5/C processor 32 20
1784-KTCx module 25 20
1756-CNB module 64* 20/5**

*This is not a fixed value; it is determined by the Network Update Time (NUT).
**The limit is five prior to firmware release A01.19 of the module and 20 with firmware
release A01.19 and later.
By their nature, connected messages require the use of buffers for longer periods of time
than do unconnected messages because the connection—and thus the buffer—remains in
use until the connection is ended. By contrast, with unconnected messages, a connection,
and its buffer, remains in use for only short periods of time.

RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx integration

Online without Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage

To quickly and effectively use RSNetWorx for ControlNet and
RSLogix 5 in the online mode when Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) is not a
consideration, perform the following steps:

These steps assume that you have configured a communication driver with RSLinx Classic
for communication to your ControlNet network.

DEFINE THE NETWORK LAYOUT

1. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the hardware layout of your ControlNet

network. Complete the following:
a. Start RSNetWorx for ControlNet and select Network > Online.
b. On the Browse for Network dialog, select a communication path to your
ControlNet network, and then click OK. Allow the entire browse operation to
complete before proceeding to step 1c.

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3 • ADVANCED CONCEPTS

c. Click the Edits Enabled checkbox.

3 • Placeholder
If the Online/Offline Mismatch dialog appears, choose the use offline data (download)
option, and then click OK.

INSERT CONNECTIONS

2. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the connections needed by the PLC-5C for
ControlNet communication. To define these connections, complete the following:
a. In the network configuration, click a PLC-5C processor and then select Device >
Scanlist Configuration. RSNetWorx for ControlNet launches an instance of the
Scanlist Configuration Tool and displays the scanlist for the selected PLC-5C
processor.
The PLC-5C you are currently configuring is highlighted in green. In addition, the
node address of the PLC-5C is also displayed in the title bar.
b. Click the device that you want to insert a connection to, then select Connection >
Insert. On the Connection Properties dialog, specify all of the ControlNet
configuration properties associated with that connection. When complete, click
OK.
Repeat for each device that you want to connect to on your ControlNet network.

You can insert default connections to all of the devices on the ControlNet network
or a selected set of devices on the ControlNet network. Select Connection > Auto
Insert > All Devices to search all of the devices in the configuration and insert a
pending connection entry. Select Connection > Auto Address > All Entries to
allow the software to select the next available, unconfigured address and define the
ControlNet specific files (for example, status, configuration, data input, and data
output) needed for each connection.

3. Repeat step 2 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network.

Keep in mind that a separate instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool will be
launched for each PLC-5C that you are actively editing on your ControlNet network.

4. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, select File > Save to save your work to the ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc). You will associate individual RSLogix 5 project files (.rsp) to
this file in the following sections.
When complete, minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool. Then
minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

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ASSOCIATE AN RSLOGIX 5 PROJECT FILE (*.RSP) WITH EACH PLC-5C

NODE IN THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE (*.XC) AND SPECIFY
MODULE CONFIGURATION INFORMATION

5. In RSLogix 5, create a new project for a PLC-5C processor and associate the project
to the configuration file (*.xc) created in RSNetWorx for ControlNet. Complete the
following:
a. Start RSLogix 5, and then select Comms > Who ActiveGo Online.
b. In the Communications dialog, select a PLC-5C processor node, and then click
OK.
c. On the Default Program Rename dialog, enter a name for the selected PLC-5C
processor, and then click OK. The processor image is uploaded to the RSLogix 5
project file (*.rsp)

If the PLC-5C already has a name, the Going to Online dialog is displayed. Click
Create New File.

d. In the Project tree control, select the Controller Properties icon. Click the right
mouse button and select Open. On the Controller Properties dialog, browse your
computer to find the ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) that you created in steps
2 and 3. In addition, be sure to specify the node address where the selected PLC-
5C resides on your ControlNet network, and then click OK.

It is not necessary to enter a value for the ControlNet Source Link ID field. For more
information on the ControlNet Source Link ID field, see the RSLogix 5 online help.

6. Configure each module and store the configuration data in the processor’s data table.
To define these locations in RSLogix 5, complete the following:
a. In the Project tree control, select the I/O Configuration icon. Click the right mouse
button and select Open. On the I/O Configuration - Chassis Table dialog, all of the
devices that this processor communicates with and associated I/O mapping
information are displayed.
b. Select the chassis that contains the module that you want to configure on the
ControlNet network. Click the right mouse button and select Display Chassis.
Each of the modules that this PLC-5C communicates with in that chassis are
automatically added and displayed by RSNetWorx for ControlNet.
c. Select the module type in that chassis that you want to configure. Click the right
mouse button and select Display Module. On the Module Configuration dialog for
the selected module, configure the module for your application. When complete,
click Accept Edits, and then click Close. Close all of the associated dialogs.

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3 • ADVANCED CONCEPTS

Repeat for each module in that chassis (if applicable).

3 • Placeholder
d. You are prompted to download the configuration to the module. Click OK.
7. Enter the appropriate ladder logic for the PLC-5C processor.
8. Save the RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp) for this PLC-5C processor. You are prompted
to upload current data table values; click Yes. At this point, the changes are committed
to the specified RSLogix 5 project file and all pending edit information is included in
the associated .xc file.
When complete, close the RSLogix 5 project file.
9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each PLC-5C processor on your ControlNet network.

Be sure to specify a unique ControlNet node number for each PLC-5C processor on
your ControlNet network.

When complete, minimize RSLogix 5.

INTEGRATE RSLOGIX 5 EDITS

10. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, integrate the changes made in RSLogix 5 for each
PLC-5C on the network to the configuration file (*.xc) created in steps 1 through 3.
Complete the following:
a. Maximize RSNetWorx for ControlNet and select the Edits Enabled checkbox. All
changes made in RSLogix 5 are automatically included as pending edits.

In each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can review the changes
made to the modules in RSLogix 5. These changes appear in blue text (pending
edits).

b. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet (or any instance of the Scanlist Configuration

Tool), select File > Save to incorporate all of the pending RSLogix 5 changes into
the associated *.xc file. On the Save configuration dialog, select the correct save
option and click OK.
c. Minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool.
Your system configuration is now complete.

SYNCHRONIZE THE RSLOGIX 5 PROJECT FILE (*.RSP) WITH THE ONLINE

PLC-5C
11. In RSLogix 5, open each project file (*.rsp) that was created for each PLC-5C node on
your network. Complete the following:
a. Open a RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp).

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b. Select Comms > Upload to save the network configuration in the ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc). Your offline network should match your online network.
c. Select Comms > Go Online.

If you are prompted to save changes, click Yes.

d. Select Remote Run mode.

12. Repeat for each RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp). When complete, RSLogix 5 and
RSNetWorx for ControlNet are synchronized.
For more information about the integration of RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx for ControlNet,
contact Rockwell Software Technical Support.
Offline without Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage
To quickly and effectively use RSNetWorx for ControlNet and RSLogix 5 in the offline
mode when Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) is not a consideration, and then download
that information to your online network, perform the following steps:

These steps assume that you have configured a communication driver with RSLinx Classic
for communication to your ControlNet network.

DEFINE THE NETWORK LAYOUT

1. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the hardware layout of your ControlNet

network. Complete the following:
a. Start RSNetWorx for ControlNet and click the Edits Enabled checkbox.
b. In the Hardware view, select one of the devices on your ControlNet network (for
example, PLC-5C or adapter module) and drag it to the network configuration
area (either the Graph or Spreadsheet view). RSNetWorx for ControlNet
automatically assigns the next available node number to the device; if it is not
acceptable for your application, change the node number accordingly.
Repeat for each device on your ControlNet network.
c. Click an adapter module in the network configuration and specify the contents of
the chassis by selecting Device > Define Chassis. On the Define Chassis dialog
box, add all of the appropriate modules to that chassis to match the actual
hardware allocated on your network. When complete, click OK.
Repeat for each adapter module on your ControlNet network.

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DEFINE THE LOCAL RACK INFORMATION AND INSERT CONNECTIONS

2. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the local rack information and insert the

3 • Placeholder
connections needed by the PLC-5C for ControlNet communication. Complete the
following:
a. In the network configuration, click a PLC-5C processor and then select Device >
Scanlist Configuration. RSNetWorx for ControlNet launches an instance of the
Scanlist Configuration Tool and displays the scanlist for the selected PLC-5C
processor.
The PLC-5C you are currently configuring is highlighted in green.
b. Click Device > I/O File Allocation. Specify your local rack information, then
click OK.
c. Click the device that you want to insert a connection to, then select Connection >
Insert. On the Connection Properties dialog, specify all of the ControlNet
configuration properties associated with that connection. When complete, click
OK.
Repeat for each device that you want to connect to on your ControlNet network.

You can insert default connections to all of the devices on the ControlNet network or a
selected set of devices on the ControlNet network. Select Connection > Auto Insert >
All Devices to search all of the devices in the configuration and insert a pending
connection entry. Select Connection > Auto Address > All Entries to allow the
software to select the next available, unconfigured address and define the ControlNet
specific files (for example, status, configuration, data input, and data output) needed for
each connection.

3. Repeat step 2 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network.

Keep in mind that a separate instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool will be
launched for each PLC-5C that you are actively editing on your ControlNet network.

4. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, select File > Save to save your work to the ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc). You will associate individual RSLogix 5 project files (.rsp) to
this file in the following sections.
When complete, minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool. Then
minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

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ASSOCIATE AN RSLOGIX 5 PROJECT FILE (*.RSP) WITH EACH PLC-5C

NODE IN THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE (*.XC) AND SPECIFY
MODULE CONFIGURATION INFORMATION

5. In RSLogix 5, create a new project for a PLC-5C processor and associate the project
to the configuration file (*.xc) created in RSNetWorx for ControlNet. Complete the
following:
a. Start RSLogix 5.
b. Open a new project file by selecting File > New. On the Select Processor Type
dialog, specify the correct platform (ControlNet), PLC-5C processor (including
series and revision), processor name, communication driver, and node number for
a PLC-5C processor on your ControlNet network. Click OK.

To work with a ControlNet network, you must specify one of the PLC-5C processors that
are followed by 1.5 suffix (for example, PLC-5/40C 1.5).

c. On the Select ControlNet Project dialog, browse your computer to find the
ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) that you created in steps 2 and 3. In addition,
specify the node address where the specified PLC-5C processor resides on your
ControlNet network, and then click OK.
6. Configure each module and store the configuration data in the processor’s data table.
To define these locations in RSLogix 5, complete the following:
a. In the Project tree control, select the I/O Configuration icon. Click the right mouse
button and select Open. On the I/O Configuration - Chassis Table dialog, all of the
devices that this processor communicates with and associated I/O mapping
information are displayed.
b. Select the chassis that contains the module that you want to configure on the
ControlNet network. Click the right mouse button and select Display Chassis.
Each of the modules that this PLC-5C communicates with in that chassis are
automatically added by RSNetWorx for ControlNet and displayed.
c. Select the module type in that chassis that you want to configure. Click the right
mouse button and select Display Module. On the Module Configuration dialog for
the selected module, configure the module for your application. When complete,
click Accept Edits, and then click Close. Close all of the associated dialogs.
Repeat for each module in that chassis (if applicable).
7. Enter the appropriate ladder logic for the PLC-5C processor.

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3 • ADVANCED CONCEPTS

8. Save the RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp) for this PLC-5C processor. At this point, the
changes are committed to the specified RSLogix 5 project file and all pending edit

3 • Placeholder
information is included in the associated .xc file. Close the RSLogix 5 project file.
9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each PLC-5C processor on your ControlNet network.

Be sure to specify a unique ControlNet node number for each PLC-5C processor on
your ControlNet network.

When complete, minimize RSLogix 5.

INTEGRATE RSLOGIX 5 EDITS

10. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, integrate the changes made in RSLogix 5 for each
PLC-5C on the network to the configuration file (*.xc) created in steps 1 through 3.
Complete the following:
a. Maximize RSNetWorx for ControlNet and select the Edits Enabled checkbox. All
changes made in RSLogix 5 are automatically included as pending edits.

In each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can review the changes made
to the modules in RSLogix 5. These changes appear in blue text (pending edits).

b. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet (or any instance of the Scanlist Configuration

Tool), select File > Save to incorporate all of the pending RSLogix 5 changes into
the associated .xc file. On the Save configuration dialog, select the correct save
option and click OK.
c. Minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool.
Your system configuration is now complete.

DOWNLOAD THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE (*.XC) THAT

CONTAINS THE PLC-5C SCANLIST
11. Attach to the online ControlNet network and download the integrated configuration
file (*.xc). Complete the following:
a. Select Network > Online. On the Network Browse dialog, select the ControlNet
network to which you want to download the integrated configuration file (*.xc).
Click OK.

If the Online/Offline Mismatch dialog appears, specify that you want to use the offline
data and download it to the network. Click OK.

If the Online/Offline Mismatch dialog does not appear, select Network >
Download.

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RSNETWORX FOR CONTROLNET GETTING RESULTS GUIDE

b. Close RSNetWorx for ControlNet. Each instance of the Scanlist Configuration

Tool closes automatically.

DOWNLOAD AND SYNCHRONIZE THE RSLOGIX 5 PROJECT FILE (*.RSP)

WITH THE ONLINE PLC-5C
12. In RSLogix 5, open each project file (*.rsp) that was created for each PLC-5C node on
your network. Complete the following:
a. Select Comms > System Comms. On the Communications dialog, select the
appropriate node, and then click Download. You are prompted to proceed with the
download; click Yes.
b. You are prompted to keep the existing online configuration; click Yes. You are
prompted to continue with the download; click Yes.
c. On the Save Program As dialog, you are prompted to save the RSLogix 5 file;
click Save. You are then prompted to go online; click Yes.
d. Select Remote Run mode.
13. Repeat for each RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp). When complete, RSLogix 5 and
RSNetWorx for ControlNet are synchronized.
For more information about the integration of RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx for ControlNet,
contact Rockwell Software Technical Support.
Offline with Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage
To quickly and effectively use RSNetWorx for ControlNet and RSLogix 5 in the offline
mode when Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) is a consideration, and then download that
information to your online network, perform the following steps:

These steps assume that you have configured a communication driver with RSLinx Classic
for communication to your ControlNet network.

OPEN THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE (*.XC) AND DEFINE THE

NETWORK LAYOUT

1. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the hardware layout of your ControlNet

network. Complete the following:
a. Start RSNetWorx for ControlNet and click the Edits Enabled checkbox.
b. In the Hardware view, select one of the devices on your ControlNet network (for
example, PLC-5C or adapter module) and drag it to the network configuration
area (either the Graph or Spreadsheet view). RSNetWorx for ControlNet
automatically assigns the next available node number to the device; if it is not
acceptable for your application, change the node number accordingly.
Repeat for each device on your ControlNet network.

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c. Click an adapter module in the network configuration and specify the contents of
the chassis by selecting Device > Define Chassis. On the Define Chassis dialog

3 • Placeholder
box, add all of the appropriate modules to that chassis to match the actual
hardware allocated on your network. When complete, click OK.
Repeat for each adapter module on your ControlNet network.

DEFINE THE LOCAL RACK INFORMATION

2. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the local rack information needed by the
PLC-5C for ControlNet communication. Complete the following:
a. In the network configuration, click a PLC-5C processor and then select Device >
Scanlist Configuration. RSNetWorx for ControlNet launches an instance of the
Scanlist Configuration Tool and displays the scanlist for the selected PLC-5C
processor.
The PLC-5C you are currently configuring is highlighted in green. In addition, the
name of the PLC-5C is also displayed in the title bar.
b. Click Device > I/O File Allocation. Specify your local rack information, then
click OK.
c. Select File > Save to save your work to a ControlNet configuration file (*.xc).
You will associate individual RSLogix 5 project files (*.rsp) to this file in the
following sections.
When complete, close the Scanlist Configuration Tool.
3. Repeat step 2 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network, saving your changes to
the same ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) created in step 2c.
When complete, minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

ASSOCIATE EACH PLC-5C TO THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE

(*.XC) AND DEFINE THE REMOTE I/O
4. In RSLogix 5, create a new project for a PLC-5C processor and associate the project
to the ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) generated in step 2. Complete the
following:
a. Start RSLogix 5.

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b. Open a new project file by selecting File > New. On the Select Processor Type
dialog, specify the correct platform (ControlNet), PLC-5C processor (including
series and revision), processor name, communication driver, and node number for
a PLC-5C processor on your ControlNet network. Click OK.

To work with a ControlNet network, you must specify one of the PLC-5C processors
that are followed by 1.5 suffix (for example, PLC-5/40C 1.5).

c. On the Select ControlNet Project dialog, click Browse to find the location where
your ControlNet configuration files (*.xc) reside. On the Open dialog, find the
appropriate directory location on your computer, and then select the name for the
ControlNet configuration file created in step 2c. When complete, click Open.
When you return to the Select ControlNet Project dialog, specify the node address
where the specified PLC-5C processor resides on your ControlNet network, and
then click OK.
5. Configure the remote I/O data table settings for your ControlNet network. Complete
the following:
a. In the Project tree control, select the Channel Configuration icon. Click the right
mouse button and select Open.
b. Coordinate your remote I/O channel settings for your specific application. When
complete, click Apply, and then close all associated dialogs.
c. When complete, close the Edit Channel Properties dialog.
6. Select File > Save to save your RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp). Specify a name for your
RSLogix 5 project file, and then click Save. All changes will also be associated to the
ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) that you created in step 4.
When complete, close the RSLogix 5 project file.
7. Complete steps 4 through 6 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network. Note that
for each PLC-5C on your network, you will associate the same ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc) specified in step 2c.
When complete, minimize RSLogix 5.

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INSERT CONNECTIONS

8. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the data table input, output, and integer file

3 • Placeholder
locations needed by the PLC-5C for ControlNet communication. To define these
locations, complete the following:
a. Maximize RSNetWorx for ControlNet and click the Edits Enabled checkbox. A
separate instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool will be launched for each
PLC-5C that you are actively editing on your ControlNet network.

When working offline, the number of scanners (for example, PLC-5C processors)
that can be scheduled on a ControlNet network are dependent upon the particular
operating system and the amount of RAM installed on the computer. For more
information, see the capacity document.

b. In the network configuration of RSNetWorx for ControlNet, click a PLC-5C

processor and then select Device > Scanlist Configuration. RSNetWorx for
ControlNet displays the instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool that contains
the scanlist for the selected PLC-5C processor. The PLC-5C you are currently
configuring is highlighted in green. In addition, the PLC-5C is also displayed in
the title bar.
c. Click the device that you want to insert a connection to, then select Connection >
Insert. On the Connection Properties dialog, specify all of the ControlNet
configuration properties associated with that connection. When complete, click
OK.
Repeat for each device that you want to connect to on your ControlNet network.

You can insert default connections to all of the devices on the ControlNet network or
a selected set of devices on the ControlNet network. Select Connection > Auto
Insert > All Devices to search all of the devices in the configuration and insert a
pending connection entry. Select Connection > Auto Address > All Entries to
allow the software to select the next available, unconfigured address and define the
ControlNet specific files (for example, status, configuration, data input, and data
output) needed for each connection.

9. Repeat step 8 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network.

10. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, select File > Save to save your work to the ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc).
When complete, minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool. Then
minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

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SPECIFY MODULE CONFIGURATION INFORMATION

11. In RSLogix 5, configure each module and store the configuration data in the
processor’s data table. To define these locations in RSLogix 5, complete the
following:
a. Maximize RSLogix 5.
b. Open the RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp) for a PLC-5C processor.
c. In the Project tree control, select the I/O Configuration icon. Click the right mouse
button and select Open. On the I/O Configuration - Chassis Table dialog, all of the
devices that this processor communicates with and associated I/O mapping
information are displayed.
d. Select the chassis that contains the module that you want to configure on the
ControlNet network. Click the right mouse button and select Display Chassis.
Each of the modules that this PLC-5C communicates with in that chassis are
automatically added by RSNetWorx for ControlNet and displayed.
Select the module type in that chassis that you want to configure. Click the right
mouse button and select Display Module. On the Module Configuration dialog for
the selected module, configure the module for your application. When complete,
click Accept Edits, and then click Close. Close all of the associated dialogs.
Repeat for each module in that chassis (if applicable).

RSNetWorx for ControlNet will be displayed, signifying that changes have been
made in RSLogix 5. Minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

12. Enter the appropriate ladder logic for the PLC-5C processor.
13. Select File > Save to save the RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp) for this PLC-5C
processor. At this point, the changes are committed to the specified RSLogix 5 project
file and all pending edit information is included in the associated .xc file. Close the
RSLogix 5 project file.
14. Repeat steps 11 through 13 for each PLC-5C processor on your ControlNet network.
When complete, minimize RSLogix 5.

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3 • ADVANCED CONCEPTS

INTEGRATE RSLOGIX 5 EDITS

15. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, integrate the changes made in RSLogix 5 for each

3 • Placeholder
PLC-5C on the network to the ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) created in step 2c.
Complete the following:
a. Maximize RSNetWorx for ControlNet and select the Edits Enabled checkbox. All
changes made in RSLogix 5 are automatically included as pending edits.

In each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can review the changes
made to the modules in RSLogix 5. These changes appear in blue text (pending
edits).

b. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet (or any instance of the Scanlist Configuration

Tool), select File > Save to incorporate all of the pending RSLogix 5 changes into
the associated ControlNet configuration file (*.xc). On the Save configuration
dialog, select the correct save option and click OK.
c. Minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool.
Your system configuration is now complete.

DOWNLOAD THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE (*.XC) THAT

CONTAINS THE PLC-5C SCANLIST
16. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, attach to the online ControlNet network and download
the integrated ControlNet configuration file (*.xc). Complete the following:
a. Select Network > Online. On the Network Browse dialog, select the ControlNet
network to which you want to download the integrated configuration file (*.xc).
Click OK.

If the Online/Offline Mismatch dialog appears, specify that you want to use the
offline data and download it to the network. Click OK.

If the Online/Offline Mismatch dialog does not appear, select Network >
Download.
b. Close RSNetWorx for ControlNet. Each instance of the Scanlist Configuration
Tool closes automatically.

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DOWNLOAD AND SYNCHRONIZE THE RSLOGIX 5 PROJECT FILE (*.RSP)

WITH THE ONLINE PLC-5C
17. In RSLogix 5, open each project file (*.rsp) that was created for each PLC-5C node on
your network. Complete the following:
a. Select Comms > System Comms. On the Communications dialog, select the
appropriate node, and then click Download. You are prompted to proceed with the
download; click Yes.
b. You are prompted to keep the existing online configuration; click Yes. You are
prompted to continue with the download; click Yes.
c. On the Save Program As dialog, you are prompted to save the RSLogix 5 file;
click Save. You are then prompted to go online; click Yes.
d. Select Remote Run mode.
18. Repeat for each RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp). When complete, RSLogix 5 and
RSNetWorx for ControlNet are synchronized.
For more information about the integration of RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx for ControlNet,
contact Rockwell Software Technical Support.

Online with Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) usage

To quickly and effectively use RSNetWorx for ControlNet and RSLogix 5 in the online
mode when Allen-Bradley remote I/O (RIO) is a consideration, perform the following
steps:

These steps assume that you have configured a communication driver with RSLinx
Classic for communication to your ControlNet network.

OPEN THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE (*.XC) AND DEFINE THE

NETWORK LAYOUT

1. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the hardware layout of your ControlNet

network. Complete the following:
a. Start RSNetWorx for ControlNet and select Network > Online.
b. On the Browse for Network dialog, select a communication path to your
ControlNet network, and then click OK. Allow the entire browse operation to
complete before proceeding. The entire network configuration is displayed.

If the Online/Offline Mismatch dialog appears, choose the use the offline data
(download) option, and then click OK.

c. Click the Edits Enabled checkbox.

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DEFINE THE LOCAL RACK INFORMATION

2. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the local rack information needed by the

3 • Placeholder
PLC-5C for ControlNet communication. Complete the following:
a. In the network configuration, click a PLC-5C processor and then select Device >
Scanlist Configuration. RSNetWorx for ControlNet launches an instance of the
Scanlist Configuration Tool and displays the scanlist for the selected PLC-5C
processor. The local rack information is automatically obtained for the selected
PLC-5C processor.
The PLC-5C you are currently configuring is highlighted in green. In addition, the
name of the PLC-5C is also displayed in the title bar.
b. Select File > Save to save your work to a ControlNet configuration file (*.xc).
You will associate individual RSLogix 5 project files (*.rsp) to this file in the
following sections.
When complete, close the Scanlist Configuration Tool.
3. Repeat step 2 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network, saving your changes to
the same ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) created in step 2b.
When complete, minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

ASSOCIATE EACH PLC-5C TO THE CONTROLNET CONFIGURATION FILE

(*.XC) AND DEFINE THE REMOTE I/O
4. In RSLogix 5, create a new project for a PLC-5C processor and associate the project
to the ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) generated in step 2. Complete the
following:
a. Start RSLogix 5, and then select Comms > Who ActiveGo Online.
b. In the Communications dialog, select a PLC-5C processor node, and then click
OK.
c. On the Default Program Rename dialog, enter a name for the selected PLC-5C
processor, and then click OK. The processor image is uploaded to the RSLogix 5
project file (*.rsp).

If the PLC-5C already has a name, the Going to Online dialog is displayed. Click
Create New File.

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d. In the Project tree control, select the Controller Properties icon. Click the right
mouse button and select Open. On the Controller Properties dialog, click Browse
to find the directory location where your ControlNet configuration files (*.xc)
reside. On the Open dialog, find the appropriate directory location on your
computer, and then select the name for the ControlNet configuration file created in
step 4.
When complete, click Open.
When you return to the ControlNet Properties dialog, specify the node address
where the specified PLC-5C processor resides on your ControlNet network, and
then click OK.

It is not necessary to enter a value for the ControlNet Source Link ID field. For more
information on the ControlNet Source Link ID field, see the RSLogix 5 online help.

5. Configure the remote I/O data table settings for your ControlNet network. Complete
the following:
a. In the Project tree control, select the Channel Configuration icon. Click the right
mouse button and select Open.
b. Coordinate your remote I/O channel settings for your specific application. When
complete, click Apply, and then close all associated dialogs.
c. When complete, close the Edit Channel Properties dialog.
d. Select File > Save to save your RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp). Specify a name for
your RSLogix 5 project file, and then click Save. You are prompted to upload your
changes; click Yes. At this point, the changes are committed to the specified
RSLogix 5 project file. In addition, all changes will also be associated to the
ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) that you created in step 4.
e. When complete, close the RSLogix 5 project file.
6. Complete steps 4 through 6 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network. Note that
for each PLC-5C on your network, you will associate the same ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc) specified in step 1d. When complete, minimize RSLogix 5.

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3 • ADVANCED CONCEPTS

INSERT CONNECTIONS

7. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, define the connections needed by the PLC-5C for

3 • Placeholder
ControlNet communication. To define these connections, complete the following:
a. Maximize RSNetWorx for ControlNet and click the Edits Enabled checkbox. A
separate instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool will be launched for each
PLC-5C that you are actively editing on your ControlNet network.

When working online, the number of scanners (for example, PLC-5C processors) that
can be scheduled on a ControlNet network are dependent upon the particular
communications device and operating system. For more information, see the capacity
document.

b. In the network configuration, click a PLC-5C processor and then select Device >
Scanlist Configuration. RSNetWorx for ControlNet launches an instance of the
Scanlist Configuration Tool and displays the scanlist for the selected PLC-5C
processor.
The PLC-5C you are currently configuring is highlighted in green. In addition, the
name of the PLC-5C is also displayed in the title bar.
8. Click the device that you want to insert a connection to, then select Connection >
Insert. On the Connection Properties dialog, specify all of the ControlNet
configuration properties associated with that connection.
When complete, click OK.
Repeat for each device that you want to connect to on your ControlNet network.

You can insert default connections to all of the devices on the ControlNet network or a
selected set of devices on the ControlNet network. Select Connection > Auto Insert >
All Devices to search all of the devices in the configuration and insert a pending
connection entry. Select Connection > Auto Address > All Entries to allow the
software to select the next available, unconfigured address and define the ControlNet
specific files (for example, status, configuration, data input, and data output) needed for
each connection.

9. Repeat step 8 for each PLC-5C on your ControlNet network.

Keep in mind that a separate instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool will be
launched for each PLC-5C that you are actively editing on your ControlNet network.

10. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, select File > Save to save your work to the ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc).
When complete, minimize each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool. Then
minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

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SPECIFY MODULE CONFIGURATION INFORMATION

11. Configure each module and store the configuration data in the processor’s data table.
To define these locations in RSLogix 5, complete the following:
a. In RSLogix 5, open a RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp) for a PLC-5C and select
Comms > Go Online.
b. On the Going to Online Programming State dialog, click Upload Logic, Merge
with Existing Files Comments/Symbols Database. The processor image is
uploaded to the RSLogix 5 project file (*rsp).
c. In the Project tree control, select the I/O Configuration icon. Click the right mouse
button and select Open. On the I/O Configuration - Chassis Table dialog, all of the
devices that this processor communicates with and associated I/O mapping
information are displayed.
d. Select the chassis that contains the module that you want to configure on the
ControlNet network. Click the right mouse button and select Display Chassis.
Each of the modules that this PLC-5C communicates with in that chassis are
automatically added by RSNetWorx for ControlNet and displayed.
e. Select the module type in that chassis that you want to configure. Click the right
mouse button and select Display Module. On the Module Configuration dialog
for the selected module, configure the module for your application. When
complete, click Accept Edits, and then click Close. Close all of the associated
dialogs.
Repeat for each module in that chassis (if applicable).

RSNetWorx for ControlNet will be displayed, signifying that changes have been made
in RSLogix 5. Minimize RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

12. Enter the appropriate ladder logic for the PLC-5C processor.
13. Select File > Save to save the RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp) for this PLC-5C
processor.
14. Select Comms > Download. You are prompted to keep existing changes; click Yes.
At this point, the changes are committed to the specified RSLogix 5 project file and all
pending edit information is included in the associated .xc file. Close the RSLogix 5
project file.
15. Repeat steps 11 through 14 for each PLC-5C processor on your ControlNet network.

Be sure to specify a unique ControlNet node number for each PLC-5C processor on
your ControlNet network.

When complete, minimize RSLogix 5.

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3 • ADVANCED CONCEPTS

INTEGRATE RSLOGIX 5 EDITS

16. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet, integrate the changes made in RSLogix 5 to the

3 • Placeholder
ControlNet configuration file (*.xc) created in step 2 for each PLC-5C on the network.
Complete the following:
a. Maximize RSNetWorx for ControlNet and select the Edits Enabled checkbox. All
changes made in RSLogix 5 are automatically included as pending edits.

In each instance of the Scanlist Configuration Tool, you can review the changes
made to the modules in RSLogix 5. These changes appear in blue text (pending
edits).

b. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet (or any instance of the Scanlist Configuration

Tool), select File > Save to incorporate all of the pending RSLogix 5 changes into
the associated ControlNet configuration file (*.xc). On the Save configuration
dialog, select the correct save option and click OK.
c. Close RSNetWorx for ControlNet. Notice that each instance of the Scanlist
Configuration Tool closes automatically.
Your system configuration is now complete.

SYNCHRONIZE THE RSLOGIX 5 PROJECT FILE (*.RSP) WITH THE ONLINE

PLC-5C
17. In RSLogix 5, open each project file (*.rsp) that was created for each PLC-5C node on
your network. Complete the following:
a. Open a RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp).
b. Select Comms > Upload to save the network configuration in the ControlNet
configuration file (*.xc). Your offline network should match your online network.
c. Select Comms > Go Online.
d. Select Remote Run mode.
18. Repeat for each RSLogix 5 project file (*.rsp). When complete, RSLogix 5 and
RSNetWorx for ControlNet are synchronized.
For more information about the integration of RSLogix 5 and RSNetWorx for ControlNet,
contact Rockwell Software Technical Support.

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4 Finding the Information You Need

4 • Placeholder
This chapter describes how to:
 Use the online help
 Access the product manuals
 Complete the product tutorial
 Participate in Rockwell Software training courses
 Contact technical support

Using the online help

RSNetWorx for ControlNet online help provides general overview information,
comprehensive step-by-step procedures, and context-sensitive, dialog box control
definitions for working with all of the features in the software. To view online help while
running RSNetWorx for ControlNet:
 choose Contents from the Help menu on the RSNetWorx for ControlNet main
window
 click Help on any RSNetWorx for ControlNet dialog box or property page
 position the cursor over a control with which you want help and right-click
 press F1
 click the What’s This? icon located in the toolbar or in the upper right corner of
dialog boxes, then click any control

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Accessing help for a control or field

To display a definition for a control or a field, click the What’s This? icon in the upper
right corner of the dialog box, drag the cursor to the selected area, and then click to
display the definition. You can also right-click on a control to display the definition. In
this example, the Current Maximum Scheduled Address was selected.

Accessing help for messages

The Message view, which appears in the bottom portion of the workspace, displays a log
of messages. This view may contain informational, warning, and/or error messages.

To troubleshoot a particular message, you can select the message and press the F1 key or
right-click on the message and select Troubleshoot to access the online help.

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4 • FINDING THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

For example, if you select the CNET:8116 message code shown here and press F1, the
“This network is configured and there is no offline configuration” troubleshooting help

4 • Placeholder
topic displays.

From the message view, you can also select a message and choose View > Messages >
Troubleshoot to display online help for the message. You can also show, clear, and/or
clear and hide messages by making the appropriate selection from the View > Messages
command on the main menu. The copy menu item copies the selected message to the
Windows clipboard so it can be pasted into other applications (for example, an e-mail
message).

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Finding step-by-step procedures

To view a list of tasks related to the task-based topic, move to the What do you want to
do? section at the bottom of the help window and select one of the listed tasks. The
contents pane of the help window is updated, displaying a step by step procedure for
completing the selected task.
For example, from the Define or edit a chassis help topic, if you select Change a device’s
slot position under the What do you want to do? section, the help topic that describes how
to change a device’s slot position replaces the original help topic. Also, in the Change a
device’s slot position help topic, How do I access the dialog? is a drop down navigational
tip.

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4 • FINDING THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

Finding definitions

4 • Placeholder
Within the RSNetWorx for ControlNet help, blue highlighted text with an underline
indicates a pop-up definition or a link to a related topic. For example, in the Configure
network parameters help topic, network update time, maximum scheduled address,
maximum unscheduled address, media redundancy, and network name are pop-up
definitions.

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Accessing the Product Manuals

You can gain immediate access to product documentation through the product manuals
feature in RSNetWorx for DeviceNet. Product manuals include this Getting Results
Guide, as well as many reference guides, in an electronic book format. Select Help >
Product Manuals to access this documentation.

Training
One of the best ways to increase your proficiency at using Rockwell Software products is
to attend a Rockwell Software training program. Our training programs can help you
master the basics and show you how to unleash the full potential of our software.
We offer a wide range of training programs, from regularly scheduled classes conducted at
Rockwell Software facilities, to custom-tailored classes conducted at your enterprise. The
size of each class is kept small intentionally to maximize student engagement.
If you would like more information about our training programs, visit the Rockwell
Software website or contact the Rockwell Software Training Coordinator. Our website
address and telephone numbers appear on the inside front cover of this document.

For more information on Rockwell Software training, go to the Training Services web site:
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/services/training/

Technical support
If you cannot find answers to your questions in the Getting Results with RSNetWorx for
ControlNet guide, the online help, or the Online Books documentation, you can call
Rockwell Software Technical Support at the numbers listed on the inside front cover of
this guide. You can also access the Rockwell Software Online Support Library and receive
information about Autofax Product Information System from the web site listed on the
inside front cover of this guide.

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4 • FINDING THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

When you call

4 • Placeholder
When you call, you should be at your computer and prepared to give the following
information:
 product serial number and product version number
 The product serial numbers and version number can be found in the software by
selecting Help > About RSNetWorx
 hardware you are using
 operating system plus service packs, and version of Internet Explorer (if any) installed
 exact wording of any errors or messages that appeared on your screen
 description of what happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred
 description of how you attempted to solve the problem

For more information on Rockwell Software training, go to the Services & Support web
site: http://www.rockwellautomation.com/services/

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A Activation

A • Placeholder
RSNetWorx for ControlNet only supports FactoryTalk activation. If you are a new user,
you will need to activate your software using FactoryTalk Activation because RSNetWorx
no longer ships with a physical “master disk” for activating software.

Activate RSNetWorx with FactoryTalk Activation

RSNetWorx for ControlNet supports the following types of activation:
Node-locked activation
This type of activation can be either locked to a particular piece of hardware, such as an
EtherNet card or a harddisk of a stand-alone computer, or to a hardware dongle.
Depending upon the kind of device (stand-alone computer or hardware dongle) you want
to activate, you can purchase either
 Local “node-locked” activation: This kind of activation activates software only on a
single computer. If the activation file is copied to another computer, the software will
not run on that other computer, or
 Mobile “node-locked” activation: This kind of activation is locked to hardware
dongle. A dongle is a security or copy protection device that must be connected to the
computer while the program runs. The activation files can be copied to multiple
computers, but the software activates only on the computer where the dongle is
connected.
Concurrent activation
This type of activation allows multiple computers across a network to use Rockwell
Software products at the same time. There are two kinds of concurrent activations:
 Floating activations: activations that “float” from an activation server to any computer
that needs them.
 Borrowed activations: activations that are retrieved from a server for a specific period
of time before expiring and returning automatically to the pool of available activations
on the server.

How to activate RSNetWorx

You can activate your copy of RSNetWorx on the Software Activation dialog box
towards the end of installation. If you skipped the activation during installation, activate
RSNetWorx using the FactoryTalk Activation Manager installed during the installation
process.

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Finding more information about FactoryTalk Activation

For help with FactoryTalk Activation at any point, you can click:
 the Help button in FactoryTalk Activation Manager
 the Help link on the Rockwell Software Activation website:
http://licensing.software.rockwell.com
 View How to Activate Rockwell Software Products on the Required Steps of the
Install program
If you cannot connect to the Internet, call Technical Support for help creating an
activation file from an e-mail or a fax.
Phone: 440-646-3434 in North America. Outside of North America, call your local
support organization.

Grace period
In RSNetWorx for ControlNet v9.00.00 (CPR 9 Service Release 1) and later, the software
supports a seven day activation grace period when a valid activation is not found. During
grace period:
 If RSNetWorx is started and an activation key is not present, the software shall enter
grace period and run with full functionality.
 Once RSNetWorx has entered grace period, the software shall check for an activation
key every four hours. If the activation is not found, a message will be generated to
FactoryTalk Diagnostics.
 RSNetWorx can be started an unlimited number of times while in grace period and be
able to run with full functionality. If the grace period ends and a valid activation has
not been found, RSNetWorx shall run in Demo mode.
 While RSNetWorx is running, the software cannot change modes. RSNetWorx can
only change to Demo mode when the software is restarted and/or grace period has
already expired.

If RSNetWorx is unable to successfully obtain valid activations (for example, a network

failure occurs), the software will attempt run in grace period for up to seven days.

Protecting your activation files

To avoid damaging your activation files, do not perform the following operations with
activation files on the hard drive.
 Restore from backup
 Upgrade the operating system
 Compress or uncompress the hard drive
Defragmentation utilities will not harm activation files.

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A • ACTIVATION

Some common questions

A • Placeholder
Following are some common problems that people encounter with activation and their
solutions.

MY ACTIVATION FILES WERE DAMAGED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you have lost the activation because the activation file is damaged, you need to reset
activation. Follow the Reset Codes instructions on the Rockwell Software Technical
Support web page, or call the technical support telephone number. The web page and
telephone number are both listed on the inside front cover of this guide.

I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED THE SOFTWARE DIRECTORY ON MY HARD DRIVE.

DO I NEED TO CALL ROCKWELL SOFTWARE FOR REPLACEMENT
ACTIVATION FILES?

No. Deleting the program files does not delete your activation. The activation files are not
stored in the program directory; they are located in the root directory. Your activation files
will not be lost unless you format the hard drive, tamper with hidden files in the root
directory, or perform certain other hard drive operations (refer to the “Protecting your
activation files” section in this chapter for more information).
To get the software running again, simply reinstall the software, but do not move the
activation when given the opportunity.

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B Security

B • Placeholder
FactoryTalk® Security™ is intended to improve the security of your automation system
by limiting access to those with a legitimate need. FactoryTalk Security authenticates user
identities and authorizes user requests to access a FactoryTalk-enabled system. These
security services are fully integrated into the FactoryTalk Directory and are included as
part of the FactoryTalk Services Platform that installs with many products.
For more information on how to use security services, refer to FactoryTalk Security’s
Online help.

How do I set up security in RSNetWorx?

RSNetWorx supports FactoryTalk Security. FactoryTalk Security is intended to improve
the security of your automation system by limiting access to those with a legitimate need.
FactoryTalk Security authenticates the identities of users and authorizes user requests to
access a FactoryTalk-enabled system against a set of defined user accounts and access
privileges held in the FactoryTalk Directory. For more information on FactoryTalk
Security, refer to the ‘About FactoryTalk Security’ topic in RSNetWorx for ControlNet
Online Help
Follow the steps below to set up security in RSNetWorx:
1. Install FactoryTalk Services Platform from RSNetWorx Optional Steps Install screen.
(Following the install, open the FactoryTalk Administration Console and configure
the FactoryTalk Directory that you want to use.)
2. Install RSNetWorx from RSNetWorx Required Steps Install screen.

For more information on FactoryTalk, FactoryTalk Automation Platform, FactoryTalk

Administration Console, and FactoryTalk Directory, refer to the Glossary.

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3. While running RSNetWorx’s installation wizard, you will see the Enable Security and
Select a FactoryTalk Directory install screen. On this screen, select the ‘Enable
security’ option. And then select the FactoryTalk directory (Network or Local) that
will be used to authenticate and authorize user access.

4. Click Next, and then click Install to continue the RSNetWorx installation.
5. When the install is complete, click Finish.

What can I secure in RSNetWorx?

RSNetWorx implements FactoryTalk Security through three securable actions: Access,
Modify, and Go Online. These securable actions let you restrict user access to actions,
such as opening a project file, creating a new project file, making changes to a project file,
uploading or downloading to a device, browsing to a device from the network, viewing
the properties of a device, etc., in RSNetWorx.

Securable action Description

Access The Access securable action allows you to perform actions
such as opening an offline project file for viewing, viewing
the properties of a device, etc.
Modify The Modify securable action allows you to perform actions
such as creating a project file, making changes to a project
file, saving any pending edits, etc.

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B • SECURITY

Securable action Description

B • Placeholder
To modify a project file, you need both Access (to open the file) and Modify (to make
changes) securable actions.

Go Online The Go Online securable action allows you to download

information saved in a project file or upload information
into a project file, as well as browse to a device on the
network.
 To download information saved in an existing project file, you need Access (to open the
file), Go Online (to go online to prepare to download), and Modify (to download) securable
actions.
 To upload information into an existing project file, you need Access (to open the file), Go
Online (to go online to prepare to upload), and Modify (to upload) securable actions.
 To upload information into a new project file, you need Go Online (to go online to upload)
securable action.

To allow or deny user access to one or more of the above securable actions, you will need
to:
1. Start FactoryTalk Administration Console from Start > Programs > Rockwell
Software > FactoryTalk Administration Console. You will see the Log On to
FactoryTalk screen, as shown below.

2. Enter your username and password, and select the directory you want to log on to.
(The username and password were set when you set up an account during FactoryTalk
Directory configuration.)
Tips for choosing a directory:
 Click Network to access Network (also called Distributed) applications on the
Network Directory Server.
 Click Local to access Local (also called Stand-alone) applications on the Local
Directory. Local applications are always located on your local computer. You
cannot access local applications remotely.

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 If you cannot log on to a particular directory on your computer, it may be because

it has not yet been configured. For more information, refer to the Right
FactoryTalk Directory is not configured on this computer topic in FactoryTalk
help. You can launch FactoryTalk Help from FactoryTalk Administration Console.
3. In FactoryTalk Administration Console, click on the RSNetWorx folder (located
under System > Policies > Product Policies), to expand it. You will see the Feature
Security file.
4. Double-click the Feature Security file to launch the Feature Security Properties dialog
box.

5. In the Feature Security Properties dialog box, click the securable action you want to
grant the user access to.
6. In the Configure Securable Action dialog box, from the list of users, select the user
you want to grant access to, and click Add.

For more information on FactoryTalk and FactoryTalk Security, refer to RSNetWorx for
ControlNet Online Help.

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C Use unattended installation

C • Placeholder
The unattended installation is an automated installation method that you can use to install
RSNetWorx. You can typically use the unattended installation during large-scale rollouts
when it might be too slow and costly to have administrators or technicians interactively
install the RSNetWorx software on individual computers.
In the unattended installation, you enter a specified command line with multiple
parameters. During the installation process, instead of prompting you for installation and
configuration information interactively, the process follows the parameters you specified
in the command lines.

Perform unattended installation

For detailed description about each parameter, see “Parameters” on page 74. You can also
type Setup /? in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter to view the help
information of all parameters and examples.
To install RSNetWorx in the unattended mode, follow the steps below. The steps may vary
slightly. Follow the on-screen instructions that apply to your operating system.
1. Close all open Windows programs.
2. Open the Command Prompt window.
3. In the Command Prompt window, navigate to D:, where D: is the drive containing
the RSNetWorx installation DVD or installation package, and press Enter.

The User Account Control dialog box may show after you press Enter, click Yes to continue.
The unattended installation requires the administrator permission.

4. Type a command line with the following syntax:

Setup {/Q | /QS}
/IAcceptAllLicenseTerms
[/AutoRestart]
[/SetupLanguage=language]
[/ProductLanguage=product_language]
[/InstallLocation=location]
[/SerialNumber=serial_number]
[/ProductKey=product_key]

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[/Version=product_version]
5. Press Enter. The installation process starts with the parameters you specified.

Parameters
The parameters and values are not case sensitive. If the value includes spaces, you need to
enclose it in quotation marks (" ").
If your installation package is Personalized Edition, the following parameters will be
ignored during installation:
 /SerialNumber
 /ProductKey
/Q
Required if /QS is not specified.
Installs the product in the silent mode without any user interface.
/QS
Required if /Q is not specified.
Installs the product in the unattended mode without user interaction during
installation, and shows the progress, errors, or complete messages on the user
interface.
/IAcceptAllLicenseTerms
Required. Specified that you read and acknowledge all license agreements, and agree
to continue the installation.
/AutoRestart
Optional. If specified, the computer will be restarted automatically after the
installation if a restart is required to complete the installation.
The parameter is ignored if a restart is not required.
/SetupLanguage=setup_language
Optional. Specifies which language will be displayed during the installation process.
The value must be the one of ENU, CHS, DEU, ESP, FRA, ITA, JPN, KOR, or
PTB.
If it is omitted or if the specified language is not available, the default language is the
user or system user interface language.

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C • USE UNATTENDED INSTALLATION

/ProductLanguage=product_language

C • Placeholder
Optional. Specifies which language of components will be installed. The value must
be the one of ENU, CHS, DEU, ESP, FRA, ITA, JPN, KOR, or PTB.
If it is omitted or if the specified language is not available, the default language is the
same as SetupLanguage.
/InstallLocation=location
Optional. Specifies the installation location.
If omitted, the default location is “C:\Program Files (x86)\Rockwell Software” (64-
bit) or “C:\Program Files\Rockwell Software” (32-bit).
/SerialNumber=serial_number
Optional. Specifies the serial number that is required if you want to get activation keys
during installation.
/ProductKey=product_key
Optional. Specifies the product key that is required if you want to get activation keys
during installation.
/Version=product_version
Optional. Specifies the version corresponding to the product version that the
SerialNumber and ProductKey are able to activate if you want to get activation keys
during the installation.
If omitted, the installer uses a default version which is the most recent product version
available when retrieving the activation.

Examples
The following examples show how to use the commands during the unattended
installation.
Example 1:
Setup.exe /Q /IAcceptAllLicenseTerms
means:
 The installation uses the default settings during the installation process.
Example 2:

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Setup.exe /QS /IAcceptAllLicenseTerms /AutoRestart

/SetupLanguage=CHS /SerialNumber=0123456789
/ProductKey=ABCDE-FGHIJ /Version=26.00.00
means:
 During the installation, the displayed language is Chinese.
 The setup will get activation keys for RSNetWorx version 26.00.00 during installation
if the serial number 0123456789 and product key ABCDE-FGHIJ are valid.
 After the installation, if a restart is required, the computer will be restarted
automatically.

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Glossary

D • Welcome
Active keeper — The active keeper is the node responsible for sending a periodic keeper
broadcast on a ControlNet network and responding to requests for scanner signatures from
any other nodes with scheduled connections on that network. The periodic keeper
broadcast sent by the active keeper is a transparent scheduled message containing
information about:
 which keeper should be active
 the overall network signature
 any pending network change operations and network management resources
All networks must have an active keeper to change the ControlNet network or start
scheduled connections. After joining the network, any new node with scheduled
connections will communicate with the active keeper to verify scanner signatures for the
ControlNet configuration. If the scanner signatures are compatible, the node can join the
network and scheduled connections begin.
If more than one keeper capable node exists on the network, only one of those nodes can
be the active keeper. For more information, see single keeper and multi-keeper.
Activation file — A hidden, read-only, system file that “activates” a Rockwell Software
product. The software will run only if your system can find the correct activation file.
Activation key — Activation files contain a database of activation keys. Each key is
particular to a certain product and must be accessible on a local or remote drive for that
product to run.
Actual packet interval — The actual packet interval (API) value is based on the NUI,
and is always less than or equal to the RPI. The API value is the largest binary multiple (1,
2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128) of the NUT, whose value is less than or equal to the RPI.
Average scheduled bandwidth — Displays the percentage of average scheduled
bandwidth, determined by averaging the percent of the NUT used for scheduled
communication over (128) network update intervals for the configuration.

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Configuration file — The configuration file is a user-specified integer data-table file, or

group of contiguous integer data-table files, that are limited only by available memory.
This file stores configuration information for each of the connection entries that allow it,
including all analog entries. If you specify a configuration file for a connection entry, the
contents of the data table address is sent to the device each time a connection is
established. The configuration file is only applicable to the PLC-5C processor.

You can specify and/or change a configuration file in the File Settings view available in the
Scanlist Configuration Tool.

Connection — An open, logically binding communication path between two devices on a

ControlNet network. Connections can be either point to point or multicast connection.
Connection ID — An identifier assigned to a particular connection between producers
and consumers that specifies select application information.
Connection type — The connection type indicates the data ownership of a node. It
defines the rule for how the connection entry controls outputs to the rack, module, or
device. The following are standard connection types:
 Exclusive Owner - specifies an independent connection where a single device controls
the output states in the target device. If you have an existing Exclusive Owner
connection to a target device, you cannot specify another Exclusive Owner or
Redundant connection to that same target device.

For 1771 module connections, an Exclusive Owner rack connection must exist prior to this
connection succeeding. Also, only a PLC-5C processor with an Exclusive Owner
connection to the adapter can have Exclusive Owner module connections.

 Input Only - specifies an independent connection where a device receives inputs from
the target device and sends configuration data to the network. An Input Only
connection does not send outputs; it only receives inputs. You can specify multiple
Input Only connections to the target device from different originators.
 Listen Only - specifies a dependent connection where a device receives inputs from
the target device, but does not send configuration data with the network. A Listen
Only connection only functions properly when another non-Listen Only connection
exists to the same target device. A Listen Only connection does not send outputs; it
only receives inputs. You can specify multiple Listen Only connections to the target
device from different originators.

All Listen Only connections will be terminated when all non-Listen Only connections are
terminated.

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D • GLOSSARY

 Redundant - specifies an independent connection where both a primary and secondary

device share control of outputs and send configuration data to the network. If you have

D • Placeholder
an existing Redundant connection to a target device, you can specify another
Redundant connection to that same target device, but cannot specify an Exclusive
Owner connection.

This connection type is used with a ControlNet PLC-5 Hot Backup system.

Consumer — A node that receives data from a producer on a ControlNet link.

ControlNet network — An industrial automation network sponsored by ControlNet
International.
Data input file (DIF) —
PLC-5C processor
The data input file is a user-specified integer data-table file or group of contiguous integer
data-table files (up to four). PLC-5C processors use this file to share non-discrete input
data and scheduled peer-to-peer input data over the ControlNet network. The maximum
number of words that can exist in the data input file is processor dependent.

Processor Word maximum Files

5/20C 2000 2
5/40C 3000 3
5/60C, 5/80C 4000 4

For example, if you specify a Data Input File of N34 and a Data Input File Size of 4000
words, RSNetWorx for ControlNet will automatically create integer files N34, N35, N36,
and N37, all 1000 words long.
1747 Scanner
The M1 file is a module input file for the 1747 SCNR. M1 files are most appropriately
used for non-critical I/O data transfers. There is no image for these files in the processor
memory.
You can access ControlNet data located in M1 files using the COP(copy) instruction in
your ladder program. The maximum data length you can transfer with the COP instruction
is 128 words. The following explains the addressing format of M1 files:
Mf:e.s
M=module

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f=file type (1)

e=slot (1-30)
s=word (3 to max. supplied by module)
The maximum number of words that can be supplied by the 1747-SCNR is 255.
Data output file (DOF) —
PLC-5C processor
The data output file is a user-specified integer data-table file. PLC-5C processors use this
file to share non-discrete output data and scheduled peer-to-peer output data over the
ControlNet network. The maximum number of words that can exist in the data output file
is processor dependent.

Processor Word maximum Files

5/20C 2000 2
5/40C 3000 3
5/60C, 5/80C 4000 4

For example, if you specify a Data Output File of N30 and a Data Input File Size of 4000
words, RSNetWorx for ControlNet will automatically create integer files N30, N31, N32,
and N33, all 1000 words long.
1747 Scanner
The M0 file is a module output file for the 1747 SCNR. M0 files are most appropriately
used for non-critical I/O data transfers. There is no image for these files in the processor
memory.
During the processor scan, M0 data can be changed by the processor according to ladder
diagram instructions addressing the M0 files. You can access ControlNet data located in
M0 files using the COP(copy) instruction in your ladder program. The maximum data
length you can transfer with the COP instruction is 128 words. The following explains the
addressing format of M0 files:
Mf:e.s
M=module
f=file type (0)
e=slot (1-30)
s=word (3 to max. supplied by module)

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D • GLOSSARY

The maximum number of words that can be supplied by the 1747-SCNR is 255.
Discrete input (output) data — The data coming from a rack (chassis) connection.

D • Placeholder
Typically, it is an array of bits, each one representing a discrete (single) field wiring point.
Diagnostic file — The diagnostic file is a user-specified integer data-table file starting at
word zero. This file stores the PLC-5C processor diagnostic counters for the ControlNet
channel.

If you are using this PLC-5C processor: The diagnostic file can be:

Series F, Revision A or later 63 words

Series E, Revision D or later 63 words
Series D, Revision E or later 63 words
Series C, Revision N or later 63 words
Series E, Revision C or earlier 40 words
Series D, Revision D or earlier 40 words
Series C, Revision M or earlier 40 words

Use of this file is optional. Defining it results in additional traffic on the ControlNet
network. Refer to the ControlNet PLC-5 Programmable Controllers User Manual, Phase
1.5 (publication number 1785-6.5.22) for specification information.

You can specify and/or change a diagnostic file in the File Settings view available in the
Scanlist Configuration Tool.
FactoryTalk is a manufacturing information platform that integrates plant-wide control
systems and connects the enterprise with the production facility.
The FactoryTalk Automation Platform:
 provides common services (such as diagnostic messages and access to real-time data)
and shares plant resources (such as tags and graphic displays) throughout a production
facility
 allows defining plant-floor resources once, and then allows simultaneous access to
those resources across product boundaries
 supports centralized security services
FactoryTalk Administration Console — Part of the FactoryTalk Automation Platform,
FactoryTalk Administration Console is an optional, stand-alone tool that allows you to:
 Create and configure application, area, and data server elements in the FactoryTalk
Directory.

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 Back up and restore an entire directory or an individual application.

 Set up redundancy for OPC data servers.
 Configure client computers to recognize the location of a FactoryTalk Directory
Server computer.
 Configure options for routing and logging diagnostic messages.
 View system-wide diagnostic messages.
 Configure system-wide policy settings.
 Secure your FactoryTalk-enabled system with FactoryTalk Security™ services.
Run FactoryTalk Administration Console from the Windows Start menu: Start >
Programs > Rockwell Software > FactoryTalk Administration Console.
FactoryTalk Directory — FactoryTalk Directory provides a central lookup service for
software products participating in a FactoryTalk-enabled automation system.
The FactoryTalk Automation Platform includes two separate directories: a Local
Directory and a Network Directory. Either directory, or both directories, can be
configured on the same computer. Project information, including security settings, cannot
be shared between a Local Directory and Network Directory, even if both directories are
configured on the same computer. Create and configure application, area, and data server
elements in the FactoryTalk Directory.
 Local Directory — all project information and participating software products are
located on a single computer, and the FactoryTalk-enabled system cannot be shared
across a network or accessed remotely.
 Network Directory — organizes project information from multiple software products
across multiple computers on a network.
Some FactoryTalk-enabled products require a Network directory, others require only a
Local directory, and some require that both directories be configured.
Keeper — Device responsible for distributing link configuration data to all nodes on the
network.
Invalid keeper — An invalid keeper is any keeper capable device that has joined an
existing network but does not share the network signature with the current active keeper.
An invalid keeper will automatically assume the role of the active keeper if there are no
other valid keepers on the network.
Keeper signature — Indicates a unique, hexadecimal value that is stored by each keeper-
capable device to uniquely identify a specific network configuration. During initial start-
up, the keeper capable device determines if:

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• • • • •
D • GLOSSARY

 another keeper-capable device had previously configured the network.

 its internal signature matches the network signature.

D • Placeholder
If the signatures match, the keeper-capable device joins the network as the valid keeper. If
the signatures do not match, the keeper joins the network as an invalid keeper.
Macrocycle — A macrocycle is equal to 128 NUIs (Network Update Intervals). A
macrocycle is the maximum period before scheduled traffic repeats.
Maintenance message — Allows the node with the lowest address to transmit
information to keep the remaining nodes synchronized. This time is automatically
subtracted from the network update time (NUT).
Maximum scheduled node — This is the node with the highest network address that can
use scheduled time on a ControlNet link.
Maximum unscheduled node — This is the node with the highest network address that
can use unscheduled time on a ControlNet link.

Nodes set at addresses higher than the maximum unscheduled node do not communicate
on the network; for example, they will not display in RSLinx Classic.

Multicast connection — A connection made from one node to many nodes. Multi-cast
connections allow multiple consumer nodes the ability to receive data from a single
producer node.
Multi-Keeper device — A keeper device that supports multi-keeper network
capabilities.
Multi-keeper network — Specifies that more than one keeper-capable device on the
network can store the ControlNet network parameters and the ControlNet schedule for all
scheduled connections on the network. The connections may or may not involve the
keeper-capable device itself.
In a multi-keeper network, at least one valid multi-keeper device must be present on the
network for any new scheduled connections to be established.

In a multi-keeper network, it is not required for the device at node 1 to be a valid keeper;
RSNetWorx for ControlNet can be used as long as one multi-keeper device is present on
the network. By default, the keeper-capable device at the lowest node number will be the
only active keeper.

Node — A node is a ControlNet address. When a device is added to the network, it is

assigned a node address from 1 to 99.

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Network update interval — The network update interval (NUI) is one interval on the
network equal to one NUT. Within each NUI, scheduled data, unscheduled data, and
network maintenance information is transmitted.
Network update time — The network update time (NUT) is the repeatable base time at
which the network can transmit data. This is user-configurable (in the range of 2 -100
milliseconds); the default value is 5 milliseconds.
Each NUT is divided into three major components: scheduled messages, unscheduled
messages, and maintenance messages. For more information on the components of the
NUT, see information exchange on a ControlNet network within the online help.
Peak scheduled bandwidth — Displays the percentage of peak scheduled bandwidth
determined over the maximum, or worst case, network update interval in the
configuration.
Point-to-point connection — A connection made between two nodes only.
Process control sample complete (PCSC) — Using a few status bits, PCSC notifies the
PLC-5C processor user when a specific piece of new scheduled data arrives.
Producer — A node that is responsible for transmitting data on a ControlNet link.
Redundancy — Can be used to indicate both of the following:
 an independent connection type where both a primary and secondary device share
control of outputs and send configuration data to the network. If you have an existing
Redundant connection to a target device, you can specify another Redundant
connection to that same target device, but cannot specify an Exclusive Owner
connection. This connection type is used with a ControlNet PLC-5 Hot Backup
system.
 a dual-cable system setting that allows you to receive the optimum signal over a
ControlNet network. In a redundant media system, one cable system uses Channel A
and one cable system uses Channel B.
Requested packet interval — The requested packet interval (RPI) value is determined by
how often you want a particular piece of I/O or scheduled peer-to-peer data to be
transmitted within the scheduled bandwidth of the NUI.
Scanlist Configuration Tool (SCT) — A program that maps processor memory onto the
network and network data into processor memory. SCTs are scanner-specific; therefore, a
unique SCT is required for each type of scanner.
Scanner — A ControlNet device that is a connection originator.
Scanner class device — A device that initiates connections and contains a scanlist. Refer
to the RSNetWorx for ControlNet online tutorial for more information.

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D • GLOSSARY

Scanner signature — Indicates a hexadecimal value, unique to the scanner, that is

assigned to scanner devices that originate scheduled connections; a copy of the scanner

D • Placeholder
signature is held by the active keeper. This value is stored in the scanner and in the offline
configuration, and is used to determine if the offline and online configurations are
synchronized. When a scanner device with scheduled connections joins the network for
the first time, it requests it's scanner signature from the active keeper. If the scanner
signature matches the scanner signature obtained from the active keeper, then that device
is allowed to open its scheduled connections. If the scanner signature does not match, then
the device is not allowed to open its scheduled connections.
Scheduled bandwidth — The amount of scheduled (i.e., time-critical) data, including I/O
data and peer-to-peer interlocking data, that can be transmitted within the network update
interval (NUI). The percent of scheduled bandwidth usage varies depending on the
network configuration.

It is possible for the amount of scheduled data you wish to transmit to exceed the
scheduled bandwidth. In other words, the speed at which you are able to transmit data is
somewhat determined by the limitations of your particular system. You should keep this in
mind when setting up your network. A good guideline to follow when determining your
network update time (NUT) is .5 ms per rack.

Scheduled message — The network allows every scheduled node (on a rotating basis, in
sequential order) a guaranteed opportunity to transmit information.
Information that is time-critical is sent during the scheduled message component of the
network update interval (NUI).
Single-keeper device — Specifies that the keeper-capable device at node 1 must store the
ControlNet network parameters and the ControlNet schedule for all scheduled
connections on the network. The connections may or may not involve the keeper-capable
device itself.
In a single keeper network, a valid single keeper device must be present at node 1 for any
scheduled connection to be opened. After a scheduled connection is established, the
network will continue to function even if the single keeper device at node 1 is removed
from the network.

In a single keeper network, the device at node 1 must be present and a valid keeper to use
RSNetWorx for ControlNet.

Slot time — The time to wait for a skipped network address or missing node from the
network. This value is based on the physical attributes of the network, such as cable
length and number of repeaters.
Status file —

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PLC-5C processors
The status file is a user-specified integer data-table file starting at word zero. This file
stores status information for each individual connection entry in the map table. The length
of this file will vary depending on the number of connection entries; three words are
allocated for each connection entry.
1747 Scanner
The status file is a module input file for the 1747 SCNR. Status files are most
appropriately used for non-critical I/O data transfers. There is no image for these files in
the processor memory.
You can access ControlNet data located in status files using the COP(copy) instruction in
your ladder program. The maximum data length you can transfer with the COP instruction
is 128 words. The following explains the addressing format of Status files:
Mf:e.s/b
M=module
f=file type (1)
e=slot (1-30)
s=word (600 to max. supplied by module)
b=bit (0-14, even #s only)
The maximum number of words that can be supplied by the 1747-SCNR is 607.
Unscheduled bandwidth — The amount of unscheduled (i.e., non-critical-time) data,
including all programming and operator interface data, that can be trasmitted within the
network update interval (NUI).
Unscheduled message — The network allows all nodes (on a rotating basis, in sequential
order) to transmit information. This rotation repeats until the time allotted for this
component is complete.
The amount of time allocated for the unscheduled component is determined by the
information load of the scheduled component. At least one node will have the opportunity
to transmit unscheduled messages every interval.
Information that can be delivered with minimal time constraints is sent during this
component of the network update interval (NUI).

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D • GLOSSARY

Valid keeper — A valid keeper is any keeper capable device that has joined an existing
network and shares the network signature with the current active keeper that established

D • Placeholder
the network. If there is no active keeper when a valid keeper capable device joins the
network, then its network signature must match the network signature that any other
device obtained when it joined the network. A valid keeper will automatically assume the
role of active keeper if the current active keeper were to fail.
When a network consists of valid keepers or both valid and invalid keepers, the valid
keeper located at the lowest node number on the network becomes the active keeper. If
there are no valid keepers on the network, a keeper-capable device acts as a faulted keeper
until a valid keeper becomes part of the network.

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Index

Index
A D
activation 65, 69 data input file 79
file 77 data output file 80
key 77 DCOM 31
active keeper 77 definitions 61
actual packet interval 77 defragmentation utilities 66
adding a device 9 design elements 4
API 77 device
auto insert devices 15 adding 9
auto map entries 15 comparison states 8
autofax information system 62 configuring 33
average scheduled bandwidth 77 diagnostic file 81
diagnostics 8
C diagnostics view 10
DIF 79
Class Instance Editor 34
discrete data 81
classes, training 62
documentation set vii
clearing messages 59
DOF 80
communication service 2
download 2
compressing the hard drive 66
configuration file 78
configuring E
devices 33 EDS
connection 78 devices 33
connection configuration 15 library 33
connection ID 78 Registry Wizard 33
connection settings 16 electronic book format viii, 62
connection status 15 error messages 11
connection type 78 exploring RSNetWorx for ControlNet 4, 12
consumer 79
context-sensitive help 2, 7, 15, 57 F
control definitions 57
FactoryTalk 69, 81
ControlNet concepts 2
FactoryTalk Activation 65
copy protection 69
FactoryTalk Administration Console 71, 81
copying
FactoryTalk Automation Platform 81
devices 7, 14
FactoryTalk Directory 69, 70, 82
messages 59
FactoryTalk Security 69
creating a network configuration 7
FactoryTalk Services Platform 69
cutting devices 7, 14
favorites view 9
features and benefits 1
feedback viii

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file settings 16 information 12, 16

finding available networks 8 view 11
multicast connection 83
G Multi-keeper device 83
multi-keeper device 83
grace period 66
Multi-keeper network 83
graph view 9

H N
network
hardware
opening a configuration 7
view 9
usage 8
hardware devices
Network Directory 82
available 8
network update interval 83
diagnostics 8
network update time 84
favorite 8
node 83
hardware requirements 23
NUI 84
hiding messages 59
NUT 84
HTML reports 2

I O
offline 2
I/O data 2
online 2, 8, 15
informational messages 11
Online Books viii
installation 23, 24
online help vii, 57
intended audience vii
opening a network configuration 7
K P
keeper 82
pasting devices 7, 15
keeper signature 82
PCSC 84
PDF files viii
L peer-to-peer data 2
listing hardware devices point-to-point connection 84
available 8 printing a network configuration 7
favorites 8 producer 84
Local Directory 82 Product Manuals viii
product manuals 62
M
macrocycle 83 Q
maintenance message 83 quick start 17
menu bar 5
message codes 11 R
messages 58
redundant 84
clearing 59
refresh tree and diagram 8
copying 59
reinstalling DOS 66
hiding 59
release notes vii

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INDEX

requested packet interval 84 T

resource usage 15
tasks 60
restoring from backup 66
technical support 62

Index
RPI 84
title bar 5, 13
RSLinx vii
training 62
RSLogix5 2
troubleshooting 59
RSNetWorx icon 5
installation 31
S U
saving a network configuration 7, 14
uncompressing the hard drive 66
scanner 84
unscheduled bandwidth 86
scanner class device 84
unscheduled message 86
scanner signature 85
unscheduled node 83
scheduled bandwidth 84, 85
upgrading the operating system 66
scheduled message 85
upload 2
scheduled node 83
SCT 84
Securable action 70 V
single keeper device 85 valid keeper 87
slot time 85
software compatibility 23, 24 W
software requirements 23
warning messages 11
spreadsheet view 9
What’s This? help 58
status bar 12, 16
status file 85
step-by-step procedures 57 Z
support library 62 zoom selection
symbol legend 8 zoom in 7
system requirements 23 zoom out 8

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