Ewon Flexy 205 router
Ewon Flexy 205 router
An advanced version of the industrial router not only for remote management, but also for collecting, archiving and visualizing PLC data via the Talk2M cloud service. It connects to the Internet via a fixed WAN port, 2.4GHz WiFi or 4G LTE network. Functionality can be extended by up to two FLEXY modules. More
Manufacturer: HMS Industrial Networks Code: Flexy20500_00MA
An advanced version of the industrial router not only for remote management, but also for collecting, archiving and visualizing PLC data via the Talk2M cloud service. It connects to the Internet via a fixed WAN port, 2.4GHz WiFi or 4G LTE network. Functionality can be extended by up to two FLEXY modules. More
Manufacturer: HMS Industrial Networks Code: Flexy20500_00MA
Ewon Flexy 205 is one of the best industrial routers for remote management of PLC control systems and HMI panels that you can give your machines and production lines. Of course, the ability to connect remotely via the Internet to your equipment allows you to make necessary PLC program adjustments, backups or diagnostics. In addition, the Ewon Flexy 205 router has built-in drivers for collecting data from the most well-known PLC control systems (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Omron, Schneider, Mitsubishi, etc.) and will also connect to the device using OPC UA, Modbus TCP or SNMP protocols. These functionalities can be used in a wide range of situations where you need to monitor PLC values, visualize them, store them in the Ewon memory, watch for exceeding set limits, get alarm alerts by SMS or send a graphical progress and table of values of a given variable for the last 24 hours to an email every day at midnight.
Ewon Flexy 205 reads data from PLC
There are many uses for the Ewon Flexy 205 router and regular use will save you a lot of time, trouble and money. There is no doubt that every PLC programmer today uses some kind of remote management of their devices. But today's world demands more. Single-purpose machine manufacturers and production line suppliers should keep their machines under control at all times. Why wait for a customer to call you to tell you that a machine has a problem. You can know about these things much sooner because the Ewon Flexy 205 collects dozens of important process values from the machine, stores them in its memory and sends them to your system via the Internet several times a day. You have a clear visualisation of your machines in your office at your customers and know their current status. If necessary, you can connect remotely to the machine via the same Ewon Flexy 205 device and perform the necessary diagnostics, program adjustments, etc. In addition to reading data from the PLC, the Ewon Flexy 205 can also write / overwrite values, so you can remotely reset bits in the PLC, restart the machine, set new limits, etc. via mobile phone. You can quickly and easily perform the steps that will help to get the line up and running again.
Other unique features include a scripting language that lets you create a variety of operations that the Ewon Flexy 205 will automatically perform for you. The most common functions include various mathematical and logical operations on data it collects from connected PLC systems or Ewon's own IO cards. Ewon will calculate various KPI values and provide them to your mobile or PC. In addition to programming, you can automate a number of operations via the Automatic Task Planner tool, which the Ewon Flexy 205 also features.
Ewon Flexy 205 as OPC UA Server and OPC UA Client
A welcome functionality is the support of the OPC UA protocol in two ways. You can connect Ewon Flexy 205 as an OPC UA Client to an OPC UA Server and read data e.g. from Simatic S7-1500 PLC, Kepware OPC server etc. To do this, the role of the router can be reversed so that it also acts as an OPC UA Server and all data that you collect into it via the built-in PLC drivers or the expansion IO card can be made available to the parent OPC UA clients using the OPC UA protocol. Embedded PLC drivers and support for OPC UA communication make the Ewon Flexy 205 router a really powerful tool for your machines and IoT projects.
Create your dispatch center with DataMailbox
Ewon stores values from PLC tags in its internal database, which can hold up to 1mil records. The router itself can display these values in a graph or table, which the router can also send to your email regularly. But there's a DataMailbox service, which allows the Ewon Flexy 205 to send the data to the cloud, where you'll need to retrieve it and download it to yourself within 10 days. Talk2M's DataMailbox service is an online data store where you can send data from all your Ewon Flexy routers. Using DataMailbox and a simple API call, application developers can easily view historical data from multiple Ewon Flexy routers and prepare a clear dashboard of the status of your customer machines. More information about the DMWeb API service can be found HERE.
Ewon sees the PROFINET network
Do you have Ewon Flexy 205 deployed in a PROFINET line? Then you will appreciate the Profinet Explorer tool, which allows Ewon to find and display PROFINET IO stations on the network. In addition to displaying the PROFINET station, you can even configure the station, i.e. change the name, IP address, mask or gateway. This quickly solves the problem of an incorrect PROFINET station name and gets the link up and running again. You can also make these adjustments from your mobile phone or tablet.
How the Ewon Flexy 205 router works
The diagram shows a typical application of the Ewon Flexy 205 router in operation. We have connected several devices to the Ewon router on the left via Ethernet and USB (PLC, IP camera, HMI panel). The remote user can access these devices and can make program modifications, backups, etc. from his computer. The Ewon Flexy 205 has built-in drivers for the most well-known PLCs and can therefore read data from these devices to the router and even write data.
The Flexy 205 router is connected to the Internet and the Talk2M cloud service either via a fixed Ethernet - WAN port and uses ports 443 (HTTPS) or 1194 (UDP). It can also be connected via a 2.4GHz WiFi network or a mobile operator's LTE network. All communication between the remote user and the Ewon router is over a secure VPN tunnel.
If you want to enable/disable remote connectivity from the Ewon installation site, you can install a switch in the door of the cabinet that you connect to the digital input of the Ewon router. By switching, you enable the internet connection to the Ewon and this allows your contractor to connect to the Ewon and make the necessary adjustments. Once the modifications are complete, you will disable their access again. The Ewon Flexy 205 has a second digital input and this can be used, for example, to control the opening of a switchboard door. In this case, Ewon will send you a text message or email and you will know that the door to the switchboard has been opened. The digital output is used to monitor the VPN connection, i.e. it will switch on e.g. the andon light on the switchboard, which will signal that someone is remotely connected to the PLC.
We can connect devices to the router via Ethernet cable, we have 3 LAN ports available. If this is not enough, connect e.g. an 8-port Ethernet switch to the Ewon, or connect the router directly to an existing LAN. To connect a SIMATIC S7-300/400 PLC with an MPI or PROFIBUS port, we recommend using the ACCON NetLink PRO Compact adapter from Deltalogic. This adapter reliably converts the MPI/PROFIBUS protocol to Ethernet.
A number of PLC drivers are available for data acquisition, including the OPC UA protocol. The module includes a built-in memory for 1 million records in case the connection is lost. When the connection is restored, the data is automatically transferred to the cloud.
If you have a simpler device, you can create a visualization directly in Ewon Flexy 205, which is then available on the Ewon web interface. For more complex applications, access the data by downloading it to your local database and creating custom visualizations, reports, etc. on top of it.
Ewon Flexy 205 and safety
The router creates a remote connection via the Talk2M cloud service and you can connect to your devices remotely over a secure VPN connection from any computer, mobile and tablet connected to the internet. In Talk2M, you set up and enable access to specific IP addresses behind Ewon, or specific Ethernet ports (applies to Talk2M PRO). Connecting the Ewon Flexy 205 router to the production line Ethernet network does not mean you automatically have access to all IP addresses on the network. Everything must be set up in your Talk2M account (access to any IP Address, selected IP Addresses, ports, etc.).
- It actively protects machines from attacks such as Bonet, DDOS, Virus, Worms, etc.
- Option to force a remote user to change their password the first time they log into Talk2M
- Ewon gives a signal via digital output, that someone is remotely connected to Ewon
- For Talk2M PRO users, there is improved firmware management (ability to automatically update connected routers)
- The remotely connected user can only access the LAN, not the WAN
- A remotely connected user can access the entire network, specific IP addresses, specific protocols or specific ports
- Talk2M login can be strengthened via two-factor authentication
- Logging into Talk2M is only possible via specifically configured passwords (minimum length, uppercase, special characters)
- Talk2M login can be set to expire
- Ewon routers can be divided into Groups and Pools in the Talk2M account and different rights, users and roles can be set for these
- Remote access to LAN devices behind Ewon can be enabled for selected users
- Built-in firewall with 5 levels (Standard, High, High+ports, Enforced, Ultra)
- Logging of accesses to the Ewon router, including export to .CSV and .PDF
Ewon Flexy 205 base module
The base of the Flexy 205 router is a plastic DIN rail mounted module with two slots for Flexy expansion cards and four RJ45 Ethernet ports. These Ethernet ports can be freely assigned LAN or WAN functionality, with at least one port always being a LAN.
- LED diodes showing the router's operational status
- RESET button for restoring the router's settings to factory settings
- SD card slot
- Terminal block for power supply and external inputs and outputs
- Two slots for Flexy extension cards
- 4x 10/100 Mb Ethernet ports – LAN and WAN (configurable)
Expansion cards
Using expansion cards, the router can be supplemented with the necessary interfaces for communication with various PLCs (MPI, USB, RS232/485), add inputs and outputs (DI/DO/AI) and choose the method of connection to the Internet and the Talk2M cloud service (3G/4G, WiFi). The range of cards can be found in Accessories.
Secure Data Transfer
The Flexy 205 connects to the Talk2M service via a secure, encrypted VPN tunnel based on the Open VPN technology. Communication between the remote user and the Flexy 205 is fully encrypted using the SSL/TLS protocol. In addition, all users and Flexy 205 units are authenticated using x509 SSL certificates. This kind of secure connection is ideal for remote access to control systems and remote data collection.
Integrated PLC Drivers
The main advantage of the Flexy 205 that sets it apart from the Ewon Cosy and other routers and that makes it stand out is its integrated communication drivers for the most popular control systems and PLCs, such as SIEMENS, Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Schneider and many others. These drivers enable the Flexy 205 to read data from connected control systems and display it through its own visualisation system. The router also has the capability to log data to its on-board memory, interconnect it, monitor it via its built-in alarm system and send it, for example, to a remote control room via the Talk2M service. Apart from read operations, the Flexy 205 can also write data to PLCs. This functionality can be disabled for given tags if the user needs to do so.
Supported Integrated Communication Drivers (IO Servers)
| IO Server's Name | Data Source |
| MEM | Internal memory tags in the Flexy |
| EWON | Integrated inputs / outputs and internal system tags in the Flexy |
| MODBUS | Modbus devices with the Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU interfaces |
| OPC UA | Devices with the OPC UA interface; Flexy 205 can act as OPC UA Server as well as OPC UA Client |
| SNMP | Devices supporting the SNMP v1 protocol |
| DF1 ABLOGIX |
Allen-Bradley PLC |
| FINS | Omron PLC |
| S73&400 S7200 S5-511 NETMPI |
SIEMENS PLC S7-1500 and S7-1200 PLCs are configured through the S73&400 IO Server. |
| HITACHI | HITACHI PLC |
| MELSEC MITSUFX |
Mitsubishi PLC |
| BACNET | Devices supporting BACnet communication |
| UNITE | Schneider PLC (UNITELWAY) |
Program Your Own PLC Driver
Apart from supporting communication with the most popular control systems, the Flexy 205 allows you to program your own communication drivers through JAVA. This functionality makes the Flexy 205 a true IIoT data gateway that enables you to transfer data from your machines all over the world to a single monitoring software system.
On-Board Memory for up to 1 Million Values
The Flexy 205 features integrated memory for up to 1 million tag data values, including timestamps. The memory enables you to log data from connected control systems at a fixed interval (the minimum interval is 1 s) and on value change. Logged data can be visualised through the Flexy 205's own visualisation system, sent to a central database via cloud, retrieved by FTP / HTTP or sent as an email attachment.
Alarm Management and Notification - Email & SMS
The Flexy 205 features a sophisticated alarm system that allows you to assign alarms and events to particular monitored values from connected control systems. When a value threshold has been reached, the Flexy will send a notification email or an SMS, perform an operation, etc.
Dashboard
The Flexy 205 features a built-in web HTML5 dashboard system that provides you with user-friendly display of online data from your machines. Data from the Flexy 205 can be displayed on a computer, a tablet and a mobile phone. The dashboard system is programmed through the free viewON application.
Programmable Using BASIC Scripting or JAVA
One of the most popular Flexy 205 features is the capability to modify the router's behaviour through the integrated BASIC scripting language. Common functionality modifications include:
- Writing a program for performing simple operations based on collected data
- Carrying out actions at a given time or on trigger
- Exchanging data between connected PLC systems
- Modifying email and SMS notifications
- Sending collected data through FTP servers
OPC UA – Ready for Industry 4.0
The OPC UA technology allows Flexy 205 users to transfer data from connected control systems (via IO Servers) to higher systems via the OPC UA protocol. The Flexy can act both as OPC UA Server and OPC UA Client. As OPC UA Client, it can connect to OPC UA Servers (e.g. the SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC), read / write data from / to these systems, monitor it through an alarm system, log it to memory, display it through visualisation or send it to a control room via the Talk2M.
2x expansion slots for FLEXY cards
The Flexy 205 contains two slots for inserting up to 2 Flexy extension cards. Unlike its predecessors, the Flexy 201–203, the Flexy 205 enables you to insert extension cards in either of the two slots (i.e. both slots support all the extension cards).
Cloud Talk2M, secure remote access to Ewon routers
Talk2M is Ewon HMS's cloud service through which you connect remotely to Ewon routers. It is a large-scale data infrastructure based on 30+ servers in secure data centers around the world. For added reliability, the servers are operated by three independent providers. In the event of one provider failing, the Talk2M service will continue to operate.
Normally, Ewon routers are connected to the Talk2M cloud at all times. It is also possible to connect Ewon to the cloud based on our SMS message, or the router connects to the cloud just to perform a task. When it is finished, it will disconnect again. The remote user connects to Talk2M from his computer via the eCatcher.exe program (VPN client). If you cannot install software programs on your computer, then it is also possible to connect via the M2WEB portal.
You get the Talk2M service for free with the purchase of a router, or you get the Talk2M FREE+ service for free, which is sufficient for 90% of users. With the Talk2M FREE+ service, the programmer connects to only one Ewon = PLC router within his account, does the work, disconnects and can log on to another router. If you need to connect multiple users to one router at a time, or within a corporate account multiple users will be connecting to different Ewons at the same time, then choose the paid Talk2M PRO service. This service is suitable for machine builders or large factories where multiple programmers connect remotely to machines and equipment at the same time. The paid version of Talk2M PRO allows you to connect multiple users at the same time, set different user rights, offers better security options for accessing Ethernet stations behind the Ewon router, etc.
Comparing Talk2M Free+ and Talk2M Pro
Talk2M FREE+ (free) provides a connection between one user and one Ewon modem, with the proviso that if a second user wants to log in, the first user must log out. You can, of course, set up multiple Talk2M accounts and assign one Ewon modem to each. At that point, again, one user logs in to one modem and the other user logs in to the other modem. Together, however, you will never be logged in to one modem at a time.
- Talk2M FREE+ = Users can only log in independently to a Talk2M account (at the same time), but only one user can be connected to a modem at a time (i.e. if you have 5 Ewon modems in your Talk2M account, you will only connect to one of them at a time).
- Talk2M PRO = multiple users connect to multiple Ewon modems within one Talk2M account (flat fee).
How to Set up the Flexy 205
When you have connected your computer to the router's LAN port, open a web browser and enter the Ewon's IP address (the default IP address for new Ewons is 10.0.0.53). You will then be asked to set your username and password (the default username and password for new Ewons is adm).
For easy Flexy 205 setup, simply run the Quick Launch Wizard, which will guide you through the whole process step by step. Nevertheless, you can also set up your Flexy 205 without the Quick Launch Wizard – in the top right corner, click on Wizards. What will display is a quick configuration page. In System, you set your Ewon's name and the username and password for its web interface. In Internet, you choose the type of router Internet connection. In VPN, you set up access to the Talk2M cloud service. In Gateway, you set the router's serial port if the router contains it.
A Comprehensive Summary on a Single Page
In the Summary tab, you can see a general summary with such information as Internet connection, the router's IP address, inserted extension cards and VPN connection status.
An Example of PLC Connection Setup
Below you can see how to set the IO Server for connecting the SIMATIC S7-300 PLC via Ethernet port.
An Example of Tag Configuration
In the Values tab, you can configure and monitor tags from connected S7-300 and S7-1500 PLCs (With the S7-1500 PLC, the Flexy 205 communicates via the OPC UA protocol.). This particular page below also provides tags from the Siemens SENTRON power meter via the MODBUS protocol and the router's inputs and outputs (i.e. the router's FLX3402 extension card).
An Example of the Flexy 205's Integrated Web Visualisation
When you have successfully connected your Flexy 205 to a control system, you can display data from this system in the ViewON application. This free visualisation tool allows you to create simple visualisation screens, which support read as well as write operations. Simply import data from your Flexy 205 into the ViewON program and assign values to ready-made graphical objects and controls. You can also make use of graphs with live as well as historical data.
Setting Alarms for Tag Types
The alarm system can be connected to digital (boolean) as well as analogue (0–100%) values. Alarm activation for boolean tags can be set to value 0 or 1. For analogue tags, there are four types of alarm levels – LowLow, Low, High and HighHigh.
Setting Alarms for a Boolean Tag
Setting Alarms for an Analogue Tag
| Routing | Routing capability between LAN and WAN Ethernet interface and Ethernet to serial gateway. |
| Ethernet to Serial Gateways |
MODBUS TCP to MODBUS RTU; XIP to UNITELWAY; EtherNet/IP™ to DF1; FINS TCP to FINS Hostlink; ISO TCP to PPI, MPI (S7) or PROFIBUS (S7); VCOM to ASCII. |
| Data Acquisition Protocols | OPC UA, MODBUS/RTU, MODBUS/TCP, Unitelway, DF1, PPI, MPI (S7), PROFIBUS (S7), FINS Hostlink, FINS TCP, EtherNet/IP™, ISO TCP, Mitsubishi FX, Mitsubishi melsec, Hitachi EH, ASCII, BACnet/IP. Stored in 2500 internal tags. |
| Data Publishing Protocols | OPC UA, Modbus, MQTT, SNMP, HTTPs. |
| Alarms | Alarms notification by email, SMS, FTP put and/or SNMP traps. 4 Thresholds : low, lowlow, high, highhigh + deadband and activation delay. |
| Datalogging |
Internal database for data logging (real-time logging and historical logging up to 1,000,000 timestamps). Historical data can be exported to DataMailbox or transferred by FTP or email. |
| SD card reader |
A/ for easy commissioning (firmware upgrade, backup, Talk2M registration) B/for Extended User Memory. |
| Router |
IP filtering, IP forwarding, NAT, Port forwarding, Proxy, Routing table, DHCP client/server, NAT 1 :1. |
| VPN Tunnelling |
Open VPN either through UDP 1194 or TCP 443 ( HTTPs port). |
| VPN Security | VPN sessions are end-to-end encrypted using SSL/TLS protocol. Communications between the remote user and the eWON are fully encrypted using the SSL/TLS protocol, thereby ensuring data authenticity, integrity & confidentiality. Indeed, all users and eWON units are authenticated using x509 SSL certificates and end-to-end traffic is encrypted using strong symmetric & asymmetric algorithms that are part of the SSL/TLS protocol cipher suite. |
| Programmable |
Script interpreter for Basic language, Java 2 Standard Edition environment. |
| Synchronization |
Embedded real-time clock, manual setup via http or automatic via NTP. |
| File Management | FTP client and server for configuration, firmware update and data transfer. |
| Website |
Embedded web interface with setup wizards for configuration and maintenance (no extra software needed). Authentication with login/password and user management capability. Possibility of uploading custom web GUI. Compatible with viewON web HMI. |
| User Flash Disk | up to 30MB available for user application. |
| Mechanicals | Din Rail or wall screw fixing system. Dimensions: 133 x 122 x 55 mm (H x D x W ). Weight: 280 g without extension card |
| Power supply | 12 - 24VDC +/-20%, LPS. Consumption: depending on the extension card installed (see Installation guide on our website). |
| Input/output | 2x digital input: 0 to 12/24VDC; 1.5kV isolation. 1x digital output: open drain (MOSFET) 200mA; 1.5 kV isolation. |
| Flexy 205 base module interface | 4 x RJ45 Ethernet 10/100 Mb .Configurable LAN/WAN ports, port 1 always LAN |
| Temperature Range | Operating: -25°C to +60°C, 10 to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing). Storage: -30°C to +70°C, 10 to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing). |
| Marking | CE, cURus, FCC, UKCA, RCM |
| Warranty | 36 months |
How to update the firmware on Ewon routers COSY and FLEXY
For Ewon routers, we recommend upgrading to the latest firmware version. Firmware updates are usually released to implement new features, improve security and usability, or fix bugs. There are several ways to upgrade the firmware and each is designed for a different situation.
Highlighted items are mandatory.
Accessories12
Card with 4G EU modem for Ewon Flexy 205
318,23 EUR incl. VAT
Card with 1× MPI Port for Ewon Flexy 205
160,93 EUR incl. VAT
Card with 8xDI, 4xAI and 2xDO for Ewon Flexy 205
220,22 EUR incl. VAT
Card with Ethernet WAN port 100 Mb for Ewon Flexy 205
235,95 EUR incl. VAT
Karta WiFi 2.4GHz for Ewon Flexy 205
158,51 EUR incl. VAT
Card with 3G Modem for Exon Flexy 205
138,55 EUR incl. VAT
Card with 2× Serial Port RS232/485 for Ewon Flexy 205
160,93 EUR incl. VAT
Card with 3× USB Port for Ewon Flexy 205
157,30 EUR incl. VAT
Memory SD EUM Card for Ewon Flexy, 1 GB
95,59 EUR incl. VAT
Supercapacitor NODKA for protection and short-term power backup of 12V and 24V industrial electronics
302,50 EUR incl. VAT
Power supply 12V 10A 120W
21,78 EUR incl. VAT
Power supply 24V 5A 120W
25,41 EUR incl. VAT
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