Locating and Using Communication Settings in SIMATIC PCS 7 v8.2 - The Configuration Console Evolution

In SIMATIC PCS 7 v8.2 (operating on 64-bit Windows 7 and Windows Server 2012 R2), the legacy 32-bit 'Configuration Console' utility (s7concfg.exe) was discontinued and replaced by the modern 64-bit 'Communication Settings' management console (s7commsettings.exe). In previous versions (PCS 7 v7.1 and older), engineers used Configuration Console to inspect network adapters, assign IP/MAC addresses, and switch operating modes. In PCS 7 v8.2, all network card parameterizations, CP 1623 diagnostics, and access point configurations are managed through 'Communication Settings' located under Siemens Automation in the Windows Start menu.

Evolution from Configuration Console to Communication Settings

In SIMATIC PCS 7 network management:
* Legacy Configuration Console (s7concfg.exe): A 32-bit utility deployed with SIMATIC NET up to V7.1. It allowed switching network cards between 'PG Mode' and 'Configured Mode'.
* Modern Communication Settings (s7commsettings.exe): Introduced with SIMATIC NET V8.2 and standardized in PCS 7 V8.1/V8.2. Re-engineered as a native 64-bit Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in.
* Unified Access: It integrates functions from the legacy Configuration Console and 'Set PG/PC Interface' into a centralized, modern interface compliant with 64-bit Windows security standards.

Network Adapter Configuration in Modern 64-Bit SIMATIC NET

Inside the Communication Settings console, engineers manage:
1. Modules: Displays all detected physical communications processors (CP 1623, CP 1628) and standard network adapters (Intel, Broadcom). Displays MAC addresses, link speed (1 Gbps Full Duplex), and firmware revisions.
2. Access Points: Manages S7 communication routing endpoints:
* CP_H1_1:: Plant Bus Industrial Ethernet connection point.
* S7ONLINE: General engineering access point for STEP 7 programming and CFC downloads.
3. SIMATIC Shell / Terminal Bus: Configures network adapter priority for WinCC client-server and server-server communication.

Step-by-Step Parameterization Procedure in Communication Settings

Follow this procedure to configure industrial network adapters in PCS 7 v8.2:

[Phase 1: Launch Communication Settings Console]
   │  • Click: Windows Start -> Siemens Automation -> "Communication Settings"
   │  • (Alternative: Press Win + R -> Type "s7commsettings.exe" -> Press Enter)
   │
[Phase 2: Inspect Hardware Modules and Network Properties]
   │  • In the left pane, expand: "Modules"
   │  • Select your communications processor (e.g. "CP 1623"):
   │      - Verify MAC address and Link Status (1000 Mbps Full Duplex)
   │      - Under "Operating Mode":
   │          Ensure mode is set to "Configured Mode" when managed by Station Configurator
   │
[Phase 3: Configure Access Points]
   │  • In the left pane, select: "Access Points"
   │  • Double-click "S7ONLINE":
   │      - Link to: "CP1623(ISO)" or "IE General" matching your hardware
   │  • Double-click "CP_H1_1:":
   │      - Link to: "CP1623(RFC1006)" or "CP1623(ISO)"
   │  • Click "Apply" -> Configuration binds immediately without rebooting!

Tool Comparison - Configuration Console vs Communication Settings

Compare technical capabilities between legacy and modern network utilities:

Feature / AttributeLegacy Configuration Console (s7concfg)Modern Communication Settings (s7commsettings)Supported PCS 7 VersionsPCS 7 v6.0 to v7.1PCS 7 v8.1, v8.2, v9.xArchitecture32-bit standalone executable64-bit Native MMC Snap-InOperating SystemWindows XP / Server 2003Windows 7 / Server 2012 R2 / Win 10Module SupportCP 1613 (PCI)CP 1623 / CP 1628 (PCIe)Access Point MappingSeparate 'Set PG/PC Interface'Integrated inside Communication Settings

Verification

To confirm that communication settings are properly applied:
1. In Communication Settings, navigate to Modules -> [Adapter Name] -> General; verify that status shows 'Operational'.
2. Open Station Configurator on the desktop; verify that the network adapter at Index 3 indicates status 'Ready'.
3. In SIMATIC Manager, select PLC -> View Accessible Nodes; confirm that networked S7-400 controllers are detected.
4. In WinCC Explorer, verify that the SIMATIC S7 Protocol Suite communicates without channel errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never switch an active network card from 'Configured Mode' to 'PG Mode' on a live running OS Server. Doing so detaches the network interface from the PC Station runtime, instantly dropping all WinCC communications to the AS controllers and causing a complete supervisory blackout. Always maintain 'Configured Mode' on operational production stations.

Engineer FAQ

Why is Configuration Console missing from the PCS 7 v8.2 Start menu?

It was phased out in favor of the 64-bit 'Communication Settings' utility (s7commsettings.exe), which provides all previous functions under a modern interface.

Can I still use the classic 'Set PG/PC Interface' tool?

Yes. 'Set PG/PC Interface' remains accessible in the Windows Control Panel, but its settings are fully mirrored inside Communication Settings.

How do I find my network card MAC address in Communication Settings?

Expand Modules, click your network card, and select the General tab to view physical and industrial MAC addresses.

What does 'Configured Mode' mean?

In Configured Mode, the network adapter is governed by the Station Configurator and STEP 7 PC Station configuration, enabling automated Named Connections.