Functions
5.11 Docking systems
PROFINET with STEP 7 V15
250 Function Manual, 12/2017, A5E03444486-AH
Multiple IO devices as a docking unit ("Alternating partner port")
A docking unit may also consist of several IO devices connected in series. If you use IO
devices connected in series as a docking unit, ensure that the topology of the IO devices is
configured. A docking unit consisting of two IO devices connected in series (Tool_3_1 and
Tool_3_2) is shown at the bottom right in the figure below.
Figure 5-95 Docking system in the topology view of STEP 7
Restriction in the interconnection
The interconnection with a partner port is not possible in the following cases:
● The partner port does not have a suitable type of cable. In this case, a media convertor
from the catalog must be inserted.
● The partner port is blocked (deactivated).
● The two ports that are to be interconnected belong to the same interface (it is only
possible to interconnect the ports from different interfaces in a station).
● The two ports that are to be interconnected belong to different Ethernet subnets.
Deleting interconnections
Select the port of the alternating partner and remove the interconnection with the "Remove"
button.