Resolving SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 License Missing Errors for Redundant CP 1623 on S7-400H

In SIMATIC PCS 7, when an Engineering Station or WinCC OS Station equipped with dual CP 1623 communication processors displays a SIMATIC NET license error pop-up while communicating with a redundant S7-400H controller, the fault is caused by having standard HARDNET-IE S7 licenses instead of the required SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT license. Establishing fault-tolerant S7 H-connections across redundant CP 1623 cards mandates the REDCONNECT software license package (or a HARDNET-IE S7 PowerPack to REDCONNECT) on every physical PC station communicating with the H-system. A standard HARDNET-IE S7 license only authorizes non-redundant S7 communication. To resolve, install the SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT license in Automation License Manager on both PC stations. Validate all license part numbers with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Executive Summary

High-availability automation architectures pairing redundant S7-400H controllers with redundant WinCC OS servers or combined ES/OS stations require dual Industrial Ethernet communication processors (CP 1623 or CP 1613) on each PC to ensure bumpless communication failover. Control engineers frequently encounter licensing violations after configuring these stations: a persistent SIMATIC NET licensing pop-up appears in the Windows system tray indicating missing authorization. Many engineers assume that having standard HARDNET-IE S7 licenses installed is sufficient. This technical guide explains the specific licensing requirements for fault-tolerant S7 communication (REDCONNECT), details the role of Automation License Manager, and resolves redundant network licensing faults.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The licensing architecture of SIMATIC NET differentiates standard communication from fault-tolerant communication:
1. Standard vs Fault-Tolerant S7 Communication:
- Standard S7 Communication (HARDNET-IE S7): Authorizes S7 communication between a PC (via CP 1623/CP 1613) and a single, non-redundant automation system (e.g., standard S7-400 or CPU 410 Single Station).
- Fault-Tolerant S7 Communication (HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT): Authorizes the REDCONNECT protocol software driver. REDCONNECT coordinates dual physical CP 1623 cards to maintain redundant logical S7 H-connections with an S7-400H controller pair. If one network path or CPU fails, REDCONNECT executes seamless, bump-free switchover to the redundant path without losing a single process data packet.
2. Licensing Requirements for Dual-CP Configurations:
- In an S7-400H redundant topology where each PC contains two CP 1623 cards, one SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT license is required per PC station.
- If the PC only has the base HARDNET-IE S7 license installed, the REDCONNECT driver detects an unauthorized redundant configuration and generates cyclic licensing violation dialogs.
3. Automation License Manager (ALM) Integration:
- The license key HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT V14/V15/V16 must be present in ALM on the local hard drive of the PC station.
- Unlike floating engineering licenses, communication runtime licenses must reside locally on the executing PC station.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Audit Installed Licenses in Automation License Manager:
a. On the affected ES/OS station, launch Automation License Manager (ALM).
b. Select the local C: drive in the left pane.
c. Inspect installed license keys: locate any HARDNET-IE S7 keys.
d. Verify whether the license name contains REDCONNECT (e.g., SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT V16).
e. If the license is merely SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 (without REDCONNECT), the station is under-licensed for fault-tolerant communication.
Procure and Transfer REDCONNECT License or PowerPack:
a. Procure the appropriate REDCONNECT license package or PowerPack (HARDNET-IE S7 to HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT Upgrade).
b. Insert the Siemens License USB drive or use the Online Software Delivery (OSD) portal.
c. In ALM, drag and drop the HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT license key onto the target PC's C: drive.
Verify NetPro Connection Configuration:
a. Open SIMATIC Manager on the Engineering Station and open NetPro.
b. Click on the PC Station containing the dual CP 1623 cards.
c. In the lower connection table, verify that the connection type is configured as S7 connection (fault-tolerant).
d. Verify that the connection routes across both CP 1623 modules to both S7-400H sub-CPUs.
e. Execute Network -> Save and Compile.
Re-initialize Station Configuration Editor and Communication Driver:
a. On the physical PC station, open Station Configuration Editor.
b. Verify that both CP 1623 cards occupy the exact slot indexes configured in HW Config.
c. Verify that the communication driver state shifts to 'RUN' with green gear icons.
Execute License Check and Verify Pop-Up Clearance:
a. In ALM, select File -> Check License Keys.
b. Confirm that HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT shows status OK and 'In use'.
c. Verify that the SIMATIC NET license warning dialog ceases appearing in the Windows notification area.

Verification

In WinCC Runtime, open the 'Channel Diagnosis' tool: select SIMATIC S7 Protocol Suite -> Named Connections.
Confirm that the fault-tolerant S7 connection to the S7-400H pair reports status 'Connected / Redundant'.
Disconnect one Ethernet cable from CP 1623 #1: verify that WinCC process visualization continues without interruption over CP 1623 #2, and confirm no licensing violation alarms are generated.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

A standard HARDNET-IE S7 license cannot be used for fault-tolerant H-connections. Running REDCONNECT without a valid license in ALM triggers aggressive warning pop-ups and risks communication termination in production environments.

Engineer FAQ

What is the difference between HARDNET-IE S7 and REDCONNECT?

HARDNET-IE S7 supports non-redundant communication with standard controllers. REDCONNECT provides fault-tolerant S7 H-connections across redundant CPs to S7-400H controllers.

How many REDCONNECT licenses are needed per PC with two CP 1623 cards?

One SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT license is required per PC station, covering both physical CP 1623 cards.

Can I upgrade an existing HARDNET-IE S7 license to REDCONNECT?

Yes. Siemens provides a commercial 'PowerPack' upgrade license that converts HARDNET-IE S7 into HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT.

Does the REDCONNECT license need to be on the local PC?

Yes. SIMATIC NET communication runtime licenses must be installed locally on the hard drive of each PC station executing the driver.

What hardware cards are supported by HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT?

The CP 1623 and legacy CP 1613 PCI/PCIe Industrial Ethernet communication processors.

Technical References

Related Tags

SIMATIC NET
HARDNET-IE S7
REDCONNECT
CP 1623
S7-400H
Licensing Error

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Resolving SIMATIC NET HARDNET-IE S7 License Missing Errors for Redundant CP 1623 on S7-400H