When your PLC, HMI, or other hardware runs a VNC server, you can access it without requiring a VPN connection. With your IXON account you can quickly access the VNC server on any mobile and desktop device with an internet connection. The next steps show you how to set up a VNC service.
- Go to [Devices] in the main menu
, select the concerning device
, open its [Services] tab
, and press the [Add service] button
.
- Enter a name
and IP address
for the PLC, HMI, or other hardware, and press [Next]
.
IXagent IP address
Are you using an IXagent and is the IXagent running on the VNC device? Then simply leave the IP address field empty and continue.- Select your service type: [VNC server]
.
- Name the service
. The port number
is pre-filled, based on the default port for VNC traffic (5900), but can be changed if necessary. Enter a password
if one is set at the VNC server.
Read-only mode
- Please use the appropriate settings to ensure your VNC service functions properly.
Appropriate settings
- Using Lenze hardware? Press [Show more] and set the encoding to Hextile.
- Using B&R hardware? Press [Show more] and set the color depth to what is set on your B&R device (default is 8-bit).
- Using VIPA hardware? Press [Show more] and set the color depth to either 8 or 32-bit.
- Using Siemens hardware? First, go to "Runtime Settings" for your HMI in your TIA Portal project, ensure that "Start Sm@rtServer" is checked and apply it by downloading the hardware configuration to the PLC. Then open the Sm@rtServer settings on the HMI by stopping the runtime, opening "Settings", then open "WinCC Internet Settings", go to the "Remote" tab, click on "Change settings", and go to the "Server" tab. There, set a password and uncheck "Encrypt communication".
- Running a VNC server on a computer? Make sure that your VNC server is set to accept unencrypted connections.
- Press [Add].
Temporary disconnect
- Finally, press [Push changes]
in the config tab to complete the setup.
You can use your newly added VNC service once the device is back online.
- Open its [Info] tab
and press the VNC service name you entered
to open the VNC service.
All set up
Now you're all set up to easily access your PLC's/HMI's screen via VNC.