--- title: "Panasonic – How to connect your PLC to a TSC server via RS-232 and OpenVPN" slug: "secure-connecting-panasonic-controllers-via-rs-232-and-openvpn-using-tsc-server" status: "update" updated: 2026-09-11T09:40:27Z published: 2026-09-11T09:40:27Z canonical: "docs.insys-icom.com/secure-connecting-panasonic-controllers-via-rs-232-and-openvpn-using-tsc-server" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.insys-icom.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Panasonic – How to connect your PLC to a TSC server via RS-232 and OpenVPN [Embedded content](https://identity.document360.io/connect/checksession) [Embedded content](https://headway-widget.net/widgets/7zweKJ) In this case study, we explain how Panasonic controllers, which are connected to a central telecontrol unit via a serial interface (RS-232), can be connected in a future-proof manner using cellular routers and the **icom Connectivity Suite – VPN** from **INSYS icom**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/c690fe99-a3eb-474c-a449-c2c75e5df119/Images/Documentation/image(632).png) ## Situation Infrastructure companies (e.g. water management) typically operate SCADA systems for data exchange: often, the field stations with control units (e.g. Panasonic FP-X series) are connected via RS-232 modems to a remote control headstation at a central control centre; so-called TSC servers are also used. 2G (GPRS, EDGE) modems are still frequently in use. Due to the imminent permanent switch-off of 2G (by Telekom, for example, on June 30, 2028), there is an urgent need for action. Furthermore, due to increased IT security requirements, the transmission technology needs to be updated. Ideally, the on-site control system should not be replaced. ## 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 ![](https://cdn.document360.io/c690fe99-a3eb-474c-a449-c2c75e5df119/Images/Documentation/image(634).png) ## 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](/kb/docs/registration-with-the-icom-connectivity-suite-en). #### Adding the configuration PC Add the configuration PC in the **icom Connectivity Suite - VPN** as described in this [Configuration Guide](/kb/docs/adding-a-third-party-device-pc-to-the-icom-connectivity-suite-vpn-en) and connect it as described in this [Configuration Guide](/kb/docs/configuring-a-windows-pc-for-a-connection-to-the-icom-connectivity-suite-vpn-en). #### Adding the router at the TSC server Add the router in the **icom Connectivity Suite - VPN** as described in this [Configuration Guide](/kb/docs/adding-an-insys-router-with-icom-os-to-the-icom-connectivity-suite-vpn-en). Assign it it’s IP address (in this example the **192.168.10.1**). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/c690fe99-a3eb-474c-a449-c2c75e5df119/Images/Documentation/image(679).png) Commission the router using the [Startup wizard](/kb/docs/quickstart-wizard-en) as described in this [Configuration Guide](/kb/docs/configuring-an-insys-router-with-icom-os-for-a-connection-to-the-icom-connectivity-suite-vpn-en). 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. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/c690fe99-a3eb-474c-a449-c2c75e5df119/Images/Documentation/image(680).png) ### 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](https://industry.panasonic.eu/storage/custom-upload/Factory%20%26%20Automation/PLC/Manuals/mn_fpi4c_user_pieu_de.pdf) 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. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/c690fe99-a3eb-474c-a449-c2c75e5df119/Images/Documentation/image(636).png) 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). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/c690fe99-a3eb-474c-a449-c2c75e5df119/Images/Documentation/image(637).png) #### Controller This retrofit requires the latest **TC_LinkManager_Library for FPWIN Pro7**. This is available from the [Panasonic Download Center](https://industry.panasonic.eu/products/automation-devices-solutions/programmable-logic-controllers-plc/plc-software/programming-software-control-fpwin-pro). 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.