Communication software editions
The network browser functions vary between communication software editions. The following table lists how the communication software editions execute functions. Review the functions to determine which communication software edition to select.
TIP:
Before selecting a communication software edition, close all open projects and multiple sessions of
Logix Designer
.Function | RSLinx Classic | FactoryTalk Linx |
Driver configuration | Navigate to the RSLinx Classic user interface to modify the configuration. Tip: Log out Logix Designer and then log in to view new driver configurations. | Change the Ethernet configuration in the FactoryTalk Linx edition in the Who Active dialog box. |
Ethernet connectivity | Use EtherNet/IP for local and remote broadcast discovery and Ethernet Devices for a list of IP Addresses. | Configurable for local / remote broadcast and IP Address lists. |
Ethernet IP Address entry | Enter every address in the Ethernet Devices driver or in the downstream network configuration from the RSLinx Classic user interface. An additional driver is needed for each set of 64 IP Addresses. | In the FactoryTalk Linx edition, enter IP Addresses individually or enter a range, such as 192.168.0.1-1.1.1.100. There is no limit to the number of addresses. |
Ethernet DHCP Host name entry | Enter up to 64 DHCP Host names in the Ethernet Devices driver in RSLinx Classic . Additional drivers can be added to incorporate more host names. | Enter as many DHCP host names as needed for a driver in the network browser. |
USB Connectivity | USB is automatically added to the Tree when a USB cable is attached to a CIP capable device. | Listed under the Backplane in the topology. |
Extract or manipulate the IP Address List / DHCP configuration outside of FactoryTalk Linx . | Not supported | Copy and paste from the Ethernet Configuration screen in the FactoryTalk Linx edition to extract the IP Address List to Microsoft Excel or other windows software, manipulate it and paste it into the browser. |
Zoom in and zoom out | Not supported | Zooming from 60% to 200% |
Search function | Not supported | Search using any text. Matching items using user browsing history. Search function works with devices that have browsing history. |
Limit displayed content in tree | Not supported | Anchor function enables the tree view to one branch. |
Detect devices on a bridged Ethernet network. For example, USB to Ethernet, or Ethernet to Ethernet across a ControlLogix chassis. | Manually add all IP addresses for the devices in the RSLinx Classic user interface. | Automatic background discovery is available. Manually configure a list of IP Addresses in the network browser for faster detection. |
Downstream configuration for multiple paths to the network port. | A separate / duplicate configuration is needed for each path to the same network port. | The configuration is linked to the module serial number and port so that a single configuration is used for all paths to the same network port. |
Change the downstream IP Address list | Locate the device in the RSLinx Classic user interface tree.The device must be present and you have to browse via the same path. | Access the configuration from the browser settings, including when the device is not visible in the network browser tree. |
Removing an device from the tree that is no longer detected | The network browser display devices that are not detected. To remove the device, right-click the device and select Remove . | The network browser automatically removes a device that is detected using a broadcast discovery method. For a device configured with a list or range, manually edit the list to remove the device. |
Automatically upload EDS files | On the control bar of the RSWho window, click the EDS file auto-upload button to enable the automatic upload and registration function. It also enables <RSLC> to upload any missing EDs files from the device it detects. | At the top of the FactoryTalk Linx browser, click the EDS file auto-upload button. Expand a node and view the child devices. The system automatically browses the selected node and all its child devices. |
Manually upload EDS files | Not supported in the RSWho window. Tip: Use the RSLinx Classic application to perform a manual upload. | In the FactoryTalk Linx edition, select a device and then click the more arrow and select EDS Upload . |
Adjust discovery algorithms | Not supported | Adjust discovery algorithms on the FactoryTalk Linx browser interface. |
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