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VNC service, and how to set it up

  • Updated

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 menuHandIcon1.png, select the concerning deviceHandIcon2.png, open its [Services] tabHandIcon3.png, and press the [Add service] button Add_category_icon.pngHandIcon4.png.

  • Enter a nameHandIcon1.pngand IP addressHandIcon2.pngfor the PLC, HMI, or other hardware, and press [Next]HandIcon3.png.

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]HandIcon.png.

  • Name the serviceHandIcon1.png. The port numberHandIcon2.pngis pre-filled, based on the default port for VNC traffic (5900), but can be changed if necessary. Enter a passwordHandIcon3.pngif one is set at the VNC server.

Read-only mode

You can disable all inputs in the VNC service by pressing [Show more] and setting it to 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

After this next step, the config push, the device will temporarily disconnect to reconfigure its network settings and will automatically reconnect. This may take a minute.
  • Finally, press [Push changes]HandIcon.pngin the config tab to complete the setup.

You can use your newly added VNC service once the device is back online.

  • Open its [Info] tabHandIcon1.pngand press the VNC service name you enteredHandIcon2.pngto open the VNC service.

All set up

Now you're all set up to easily access your PLC's/HMI's screen via VNC.