Communication   
3.2 Communication services 
  CPU 31xC and CPU 31x, Technical Data 
3-8  Manual, 01/2006 Edition, A5E00105475-06 
3.2.3  OP communication 
Properties 
OP communication is used to exchange data between operator stations (OP, TP, for 
example) and SIMATIC modules which are capable of communication. This service is 
available for MPI, PROFIBUS and Industrial Ethernet subnets.  
OP communication provides functions you require for monitoring and modifying. These 
functions are integrated in the operating system of SIMATIC S7 modules. A CPU can 
maintain several simultaneous connections to one or several OPs. 
3.2.4  Data exchanged by means of S7 basic communication 
Properties 
S7-based communication is used to exchange data between S7 CPUs and the 
communication-capable SIMATIC modules within an S7 station (acknowledged data 
exchange). Data are exchanged across non-configured S7 connections. The service is 
available via MPI subnet, or within the station to function modules (FM). 
S7-based communication provides the functions you require for data exchange. These 
functions are integrated into the CPU operating system. The user can utilize this service by 
means of "System function" (SFC) user interface. 
Reference 
Further information 
•  on SFCs, refer to 
Instruction list. 
For further information refer to 
STEP 7 Online Help 
or 
System and Standard Functions
 
reference manual. 
•  on communication can be found in the 
Communication with SIMATIC
 manual. 
3.2.5  S7 communication 
Properties 
A CPU can always operate in server or client mode in S7 communication: We distinguish 
between 
•  communication with unilateral configuration (for PUT/GET only) 
•  communication with bilateral configuration (for USEND, URCV, BSEND, BRCV, PUT, 
GET) 
However, the functionality depends on the CPU. A CP is therefore required in certain 
situations.