Which BCE or SIMATIC NET License Covers PCS 7 OS Connections?
For PCS 7 V9.1, Siemens' virtualization licensing table distinguishes a standard Ethernet adapter from a CP1623 and lists BCE for a single station with up to eight AS connections, SOFTNET-IE S7 for a single station above eight, and SOFTNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT for an H station. A redundant OS server pair therefore needs the license family matched to its exact architecture; two BCE licenses are not shown as a way to cover more than eight connections. An ES needs runtime licensing only if it actually runs the relevant runtime role.
Table of Contents
- Start with the station role and adapter
- PCS 7 V9.1 license matrix
- Do not count two redundant servers as one station
- Does the ES require an additional BCE license?
- Recommended decision procedure
- Interpreting “included with a Siemens PC”
- Verification
- Limitations and Operational Precautions
- Engineer FAQ
- Technical References
- Related Articles
- Related Tags
Start with the station role and adapter
Count the configured AS-to-OS runtime connections on each station and identify whether it is a single OS station, redundant H station, or Engineering Station running OS Runtime. Record the PCS 7 release and installed SIMATIC NET software version. License requirements are not determined by the number of WinCC tag-management entries alone.
PCS 7 V9.1 license matrix
Siemens' PCS 7 Virtualization manual for V9.1 lists this table for communication over a standard Ethernet adapter:
The same manual separately lists HARDNET-IE S7 options for CP1623 configurations. Use the original version-specific license matrix and verify the exact part numbers and licensing terms before purchase; do not extrapolate this V9.1 table to another PCS 7 or SIMATIC NET release.
Do not count two redundant servers as one station
For a redundant OS design, use the H-station/REDCONNECT row in the applicable Siemens license table, not two single-station BCE licenses. The ticket's experts also state that BCE capacity is limited and that redundant station requirements differ. Confirm the architecture and required redundancy license with the exact PCS 7 release documentation and Siemens licensing channel.
Does the ES require an additional BCE license?
The ticket reply says an ES does not require BCE if OS Runtime is not run on the ES. Treat that as role-dependent: licensing follows the functions and communication role executed on the station. If the ES hosts a WinCC OS Runtime or another licensed runtime function, check those specific requirements rather than assuming the engineering license covers them.
Recommended decision procedure
- Draw the actual AS-to-OS topology, marking single and redundant OS stations separately.
- Count configured AS connections for each runtime station.
- Identify each station's network interface type (standard Ethernet adapter or Siemens CP) and any redundancy requirement.
- Open the license matrix matching the installed PCS 7 and SIMATIC NET releases; choose the row for that station type and connection count.
- Verify license entitlements, version upgrades and included licenses by order number with Siemens or the authorized supplier before deployment.
- Confirm required keys are present in Automation License Manager and validate runtime operation under the purchased configuration.
Interpreting “included with a Siemens PC”
A PCS 7 V9.1 virtualization table identifies licenses and order numbers but does not establish that every Siemens-branded PC includes them. The ticket reply says the included BCE/HARDNET item depends on the ordered hardware option. Check the bill of materials and delivery scope for the specific PC; do not infer license entitlement from manufacturer branding.
Verification
Use the license matrix and purchase documentation to verify that the installed license key, release and connection entitlement match each station. Check the WinCC runtime connection configuration and licensing diagnostics after commissioning. Successful communication by itself does not prove license compliance.
Limitations and Operational Precautions
The ticket does not state PCS 7 or SIMATIC NET versions, exact topology, CP model or whether the ES runs Runtime. The cited matrix is for PCS 7 V9.1 virtualization and names SIMATIC NET V16 licenses; licensing catalogs may differ by release and configuration. Confirm current legal entitlement with Siemens before ordering or operating.
Engineer FAQ
How many AS connections are covered by V9.1 BCE? The cited matrix lists BCE for a single station with up to eight AS connections.
Can two BCE licenses cover more than eight connections on one server? The cited table assigns a different license family above eight; it does not show stacking two BCE licenses.
What is listed for a redundant H station? SOFTNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT V16 in the V9.1 virtualization matrix.
Does an ES need BCE if it only engineers and does not run OS Runtime? The ticket's answer says no runtime license is needed for a runtime role it does not perform; verify all station functions against the applicable license matrix.
Are licenses automatically included with a Siemens PC? The ticket says inclusions depend on the ordered network hardware. Verify the exact bill of materials.
Technical References
- Siemens, PCS 7 Virtualization V9.1, section 4.5.5 “Communication with the AS” and license table (08/2021): https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/109801455/109801455_Manual_PCS7V91_Virtualization_en.pdf
- Siemens, Network Licenses for PCS 7 V10.0 (illustrates later version-specific license families; do not substitute for a V9.1 entitlement check): https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/109977269/109977269_NetLicenses_V10_0_EN.pdf