Description of the device 
  3.4 C-PLUG / KEY-PLUG 
SCALANCE XR-500 
Operating Instructions, 05/2017, A5E03275845-11 
33 
Saving configuration data and enabling layer 3 functionality 
A PLUG is an exchangeable storage medium for storing the configuration data of the device. 
This allows fast and uncomplicated replacement of a device. The PLUG is taken from the 
previous device and inserted in the new device. The first time it is started up, the 
replacement device has the same configuration as the previous device except for the device-
specific MAC address set by the vendor. 
A C-PLUG stores the current information about the configuration of a device. 
In addition to the configuration, a KEY-PLUG also contains a license with which layer 3 
functionality is enabled. 
 
Note 
The device can also be operated without a C
-PLUG/KEY-PLUG. 
How it works 
Operating mode 
In terms of the C-PLUG / KEY-PLUG, there are three modes for the device: 
●  Without C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG 
The device stores the configuration in internal memory. 
This mode is active if no C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG is inserted. 
●  With unwritten C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG 
If an unwritten C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG (factory status or deleted with Clean function) is 
used, the local configuration already existing on the device is automatically stored on the 
inserted C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG during startup. 
This mode is active as soon as an unwritten C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG is inserted. 
●  With written C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG 
A device with a written and accepted C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG ("ACCEPTED" status) 
automatically uses its configuration data during startup. 
Acceptance is only possible if the data was written by a compatible device type. 
This mode is active as soon as a written C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG is inserted. 
Operation with C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG 
The configuration stored on the C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG is displayed via the user interfaces. 
If changes are made to the configuration, the device stores the configuration directly on the 
C-PLUG/KEY-PLUG, if this is in the "ACCEPTED" status. The internal memory is neither 
read nor written.