The POWERLINK TCP/IP gateway enables the exchange of all types

of application data (HMI, diagnostics, parameter data, etc.) between

a POWERLINK V2 network and a TCP/IP network. It functions like a

layer 2 switch, with the exception that cyclic POWERLINK packets are

not routed to the ETH port.

With respect to the functionality of layer 2 switches, it should be

mentioned that the gateway uses the store-and-forward principle.

Gateway functionality doesn’t need to be configured separately.

When the gateway receives a frame, it saves the MAC address of the

sender and the corresponding interface in the source address table

(SAT). If the destination address is found in the SAT, the gateway

routes the frame to the corresponding interface. Frames with a

broadcast or multicast address are always routed to all interfaces.

When IP packets are received at the “ETH” port that are larger than

the MTU configured for POWERLINK, they are fragmented, if permitted.

• “ETH” port: Interface for TCP/IP network

• “PLK” port: Interface for POWERLINK network

I/O modules cannot be operated with the X20HB8815.

POWERLINK V1 is not supported.

POWERLINK is a standard protocol for Fast Ethernet equipped with hard

real-time characteristics. The POWERLINK Standardization Group

ensures its openness and continual development.

The bus modules expanded to the left allow connection of up to 2 hub

expansion modules in addition to the gateway.

This means that a basic device provides up to 2 POWERLINK ports.