--- 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" updated: 2026-09-25T09:44:10Z published: 2026-09-25T09:44:10Z 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 ([for example Deutsche Telekom on June 30, 2028](https://www.insys-icom.com/en/2g-shutdown/)), 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**](https://industry.panasonic.eu/storage/download-files/import/sw_SetupFPWINProTCGPRSLibrary3250.zip). 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.