Ethernet Port Connectors; Embedded Switch; Figure 9: Diagram Of Embedded Ethernet Switch; Figure 10: System Diagram: Ethernet Routing Using Embedded Switch - GE RX3i User Manual

Chapter 3. Installation and Start-up: Rack-based and RX7i Embedded Interface

Ethernet Port Connectors

3.3
The Ethernet Interface has two Ethernet port connectors, each of which supports both 10Base-T and 100Base-
Tx operation using either full-duplex or half-duplex operation. These 8-pin RJ-45 connectors are used to
connect the Ethernet Interface to a hub, repeater, switch, or other Ethernet device.

Embedded Switch

The two Ethernet port connectors are controlled by an embedded network switch in the module. The module
has only one interface to the network (one Ethernet address and one IP address).
PACSystems
Ethernet Interface
Ethernet
Processor
Ethernet
MAC
10/100 Network
Switch
Port 1A Port 1B

Figure 9: Diagram of Embedded Ethernet Switch

For simple installations, the embedded switch allows devices to be connected without additional components.
Operator Personal
PLC PLC
Interface Computer

Figure 10: System Diagram: Ethernet Routing Using Embedded Switch

It is possible to daisy-chain PLCs together without additional components, but that should be done with great
care. Power loss or reset at an Ethernet interface causes loss of communication to any devices downstream
from that Ethernet interface in the daisy chain. Restarting the Ethernet interface (via the Ethernet Restart
pushbutton, for example) disrupts daisy chain communication.
26 PACSystems* RX7i & RX3i TCP/IP Ethernet Communications User Manual GFK-2224Q