EtherMIRROR 100M

The EtherMIRROR is a plug & play passive diagnostics device that allows you to establish a measuring point for connecting a TAP adapter. This innovative solution enables you to perform passive diagnostics of PROFINET and Ethernet/IP networks without disconnecting the communication cable, reducing your production line downtime.

Key Features

• Eliminates the need to disconnect the cable before performing passive diagnostics
• Does not interfere with network communication
• Once plugged into the network, it can remain there indefinitely, letting all communication pass through seamlessly
• Does not prolong the time necessary for troubleshooting a communication failure
• Monitors all the 7 OSI layers
• Does not lose any packets
• Is fully compatible with 802.3af and VoIP
• Mirrors all communication, providing data for further analysis
• Isolates the network from the monitoring device

What is the EtherMIRROR and what is it for?

The EtherMIRROR is a permanent measuring point that enables you to connect a PROFINET / Ethernet/IP passive diagnostics device – the TAP adapter. The EtherMIRROR is not the only way to carry out passive diagnostics, but you have to disconnect the communication cable to be able to install the TAP adapter. In most cases, this is a big problem, as disconnecting the cable means production line downtime. Once you have installed the EtherMIRROR on your network, you do not have to disconnect anything. You simply connect the TAP adapter to the EtherMIRROR.

The EtherMIRROR should ideally be installed directly behind the PLC. It features four RJ45 ports – two network ports (A and B) and two monitor ports (also A and B). Using the two network ports, you connect the EtherMIRROR to the PLC and the rest of the network. The two monitor ports remain unoccupied until a technician comes and uses them to perform diagnostics or troubleshoot problems by connecting the TAP adapter to them. The monitor ports can also be used for connecting continuous diagnostics.

Does the EtherMIRROR have a negative impact on network communication?

The EtherMIRROR is unique in that it does not interfere with network communication and acts as a permanent network link. It is supplied with 20–30 V DC, but works even if the power supply has been disconnected, without causing a network failure.

The EtherMIRROR mirrors:

• All the 7 OSI layers
• All types of packets (of various sizes)
• Faults
• VLAN traffic

This is all you need for carrying out comprehensive passive diagnostics. The EtherMIRROR only mirrors network communication. It does not have an IP address and does not interfere with the network.

A permanent measuring point for passive diagnostics is a very important part of every PROFINET / Ethernet/IP network. With troubleshooting problems on these networks being very challenging, their causes can often be identified only with the help of passive diagnostics.

What is and why do you need passive diagnostics?

Passive diagnostics allow you to passively listen to PROFINET communication. The listening is usually carried out directly behind the IO controller. It provides such information as:

• Live List – a live list (matrix) of available devices
• PROFINET alarms
• A record of network communication
• Devices' communication cycle, plus jitter (offline)

How to carry out passive diagnostics?

Passive diagnostics can be performed in two ways – either via a mirror port on a PROFINET switch or via a TAP adapter. At FOXON we prefer the TAP adapter method. Why?

When problems occur on the network, the network's load usually increases. This rapidly reduces the quality of the mirroring functionality of the mirror port on a PROFINET switch. Switches are designed in such a way that with increased network load the communication itself becomes top priority. If you decide to use the mirror port, you may not obtain accurate information about what is really happening on your network.

For passive diagnostics, you have to use a diagnostic tool that enables you to gain a detailed insight into your network (e.g. the Atlas or the Mercury). You also need the TAP adapter, which you connect directly behind the device where you want to monitor the communication (typically a PLC's Ethernet port, a CPU's Ethernet module, a computer, a server, etc.). And ideally, you should also utilise the EtherMIRROR installed on your network, as it eliminates the need to disconnect the communication cable.