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Secure connecting of Panasonic controllers via RS-232 and OpenVPN using a TSC server

  • Published on Aug 28, 2026
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In this case study, we explain how an existing network comprising a TSC server and distributed Panasonic controllers – which are connected via modems linked via RS-232 to mobile routers – is modernised and made secure using the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN from INSYS icom.

Situation

A company operates a TSC server at its headquarters and uses it to connect to remote stations for the exchange of data. The remote sites are equipped with Panasonic controllers, which are connected via RS-232 to a modem that, in turn, connects to the TSC server via the internet using either a cellular network or a wired connection. Due to increased requirements regarding the security and future-proofing of the transmission path, the technology used for the connection needs to be updated.

Solution

The TSC server at head office and the branch offices are equipped with high-performance routers from INSYS icom. At head office, either a LAN router or a cellular router can be used. In branch offices that are already equipped with an RS-232 LAN gateway (in this example, a Panasonic FP-I4C), a simple cellular router is sufficient; At branch offices where the control system was previously connected directly to the modem or router via RS-232, a cellular router with an RS-232 interface is used.

All routers are interconnected via the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN within an OpenVPN network, which enables the secure and reliable exchange of data between the TSC server and the control systems.

Prerequisites

In our example solution, we have based our approach on a typical installation with the following initial conditions:

  • IP address of the TSC server: 192.168.10.100/24

  • IP address of the INSYS router at the TSC server: 192.168.10.1/24

  • IP address of the INSYS routers at the RS-232-LAN gateway behind the controller: 192.168.20.1/24

  • IP address of the INSYS router at the controller: 192.168.30.1/24

  • IP address of the RS-232-LAN gateway: 192.168.30.100/24

Necessary steps

Adding the devices to the icom Connectivity Suite - VPN

If you do not yet have an account for the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN, please register for the service first, as described in this Configuration Guide.

Adding the configuration PC

Add the configuration PC in the icom Connectivity Suite - VPN as described in this Configuration Guide and connect it as described in this Configuration Guide.

Adding the router at the TSC server

Add the router in the icom Connectivity Suite - VPN as described in this Configuration Guide. Assign it it’s IP address (in this example the 192.168.10.1).

Commission the router using the Startup wizard as described in this Configuration Guide.

If the router is connected to the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN, you will be able to see this in the router’s dashboard and in the VPN → Devices menu of the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN.

Adding the router at the RS-232-LAN gateway

Add the router in the icom Connectivity Suite - VPN as described above and assign it it’s IP address (in this example the 192.168.20.1).

Commission the router as described above.

Adding the router at the controller

Add the router in the icom Connectivity Suite - VPN as described above and assign it it’s IP address (in this example the 192.168.30.1).

Commission the router as described above.

If the router is connected via the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN, it still needs to be configured for the RS-232 connection to the controller.

To do this, add a serial Ethernet gateway in the Ports → Serial Ethernet gateway menu.

Configuring the Panasonic devices

TSC server

No settings need to be made on the TSC server.

RS-232-LAN gateway

Make the following settings on the Panasonic Industrial Communicator FP-I4C used here. Please consult the device’s user manual thoroughly beforehand.

Open the configuration page under https://192.168.0.1/machine_config and change the IP address to the desired address on the target system, in this case 192.168.20.100.

Once this basic configuration is complete, access the settings page under https://192.168.20.100/fp_config.

There are various operating modes. For this example, we will use the polling mode. In this mode, a serial interface handles communication with the controller, enabling remote access and TSC communication via a single interface.

Under COM Interface, launch the wizard and, in Simple Mode, set the desired interface – usually COM 1 RS232 – with a baud rate of 57600, 8 data bits, odd parity and 1 stop bit.

The parameters relevant to TSC communication are located in the TSC LinkManager section.

Enable the service and enter the connection parameters for the telecontrol head. Set the destination address to Server 1 192.168.10.100 (for this example).

Controller

This retrofit requires the latest TC_LinkManager_Library for FPWIN Pro7. This is available from the Panasonic Download Center.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the function blocks are included in the library.

Result checking

You can check that the controllers have been successfully connected via the user interface of the controllers or the telecontrol unit.