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Ethernet port in MFM

Ethernet port in MFM
Updated: | 6 min read

Technical Articles

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Introduction

In this digital world, panels are manufactured keeping future connectivity readiness in mind. With higher automation, customers would prefer all communication capable devices on Ethernet port including meters. Ethernet cables are connected from the devices to the switch within 60-70 meters distance as per standard industry practice.


L&T Electrical & Automation (E&A) 5000 series of meter offer Modbus RTU via Ethernet. Modbus TCP/IP is simply the Modbus protocol with a TCP interface that runs on Ethernet. The most basic difference between MODBUS RTU and MODBUS TCP/IP is that MODBUS TCP/IP runs on an Ethernet physical layer, and Modbus RTU is a serial level protocol. In Modbus RTU where nodes are connected in daisy chain manner, integrators and users must deal with wire termination issues from one device to another, RS485 termination issues and more configuration issues than with Ethernet devices.

Modbus TCP IP

With Ethernet, it is a combination of a scalable and worldwide used physical network (Ethernet) with a universal networking standard (TCP/IP) and a vendor-neutral data representation, Modbus. This protocol gives a truly open, accessible network, which allows blocks of binary data to be exchanged between devices. It is simple to implement for any device that supports TCP/IP sockets, with a switch and cable available to each device. It remains fully compatible with the already installed Ethernet infrastructure any customer might have.


For EMS or SCADA requirements, the master can poll multiple meters with Ethernet port at the same time compared to one by one serial communication of meters with RS485 port in daisy loop manner. Secondly, majority of the meters would be in near vicinity which can be connected on RS485. However, there would be few loads that are far away from central location which are required to be brought under the ambit of EMS/SCADA. Meters with Ethernet port can be used to monitor these loads and connected to the nearest LAN point available nearby. Typical architecture would be as follows:

Modbus TCP IP

How to get data from E&A’s 5000 series Ethernet port meter?

  1. Open Network section and select on Ethernet
  2. Select Properties and check the existing IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) address on which the PC / laptop is operating.
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
  1. Modify the address as 192.168.5.xxx (except for 192.168.5.175) and subnet mask as 255.255.252.0 to bring it in the range.
Integrated Prepaid
  1. Check communication with meter through run command - ping ip address - t
Communication with Meter
  1. Open browser and put meter default address as 192.168.5.175
Open Browser
  1. Login with credentials
Login with credentials
  1. Default details are as follows:
Details
  1. Ethernet settings can now be changed to bring it within the required ip range of operation.
Ethernet Settings
  1. Server settings with listening port as 4001
Ethernet Settings
  1. After any change, reboot the firmware from here.
Ethernet Settings
  1. Check data through any 3rd part software like modscan32
modscan32
ModScan32
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About the Author

author

Rajesh R Shirodkar,

DGM-Corporate Communication

Rajesh Shirodkar is a seasoned marketing and business leader with over 20 years of experience in the automation and electrical industry, spanning marketing communications, sales, business development, and software solution selling. He has led successful brand transformation initiatives and high-impact marketing programs, including branding and account-based marketing campaigns, as well as industry events that drive visibility, engagement, and growth. With expertise in brand building, lead generation, solution selling, and sales enablement, Rajesh is known for translating technology and business offerings into compelling value propositions and delivering sustainable growth through strong stakeholder collaboration.