# PLC - Edge communication

**Standard Automation Protocols**

MAT Edge devices interface with PLCs using a suite of standard automation protocols. The usage of these protocols is designed to ensure seamless data exchange across diverse hardware and software platforms. By leveraging these protocols, MAT Edge can efficiently read data from PLCs, facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis of production processes. The list of supported protocols is the following:

<table><thead><tr><th width="145">Protocol</th><th width="186">Vendor Compatibility</th><th width="144">Communication Channel</th><th>Commonly used port</th><th>Key Features</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>S7 (Absolute Mode Only)</td><td>Siemens</td><td>TCP/IP </td><td>102</td><td>Used primarily for monitoring and data acquisition from Siemens PLCs.</td></tr><tr><td>Ethernet/IP (Rockwell)</td><td>Rockwell Automation and others supporting Ethernet/IP</td><td>TCP/IP</td><td>44818</td><td>Utilizes CIP (Common Industrial Protocol); ideal for device control, data collection, and monitoring from Rockwell Automation</td></tr><tr><td>Ethernet/IP (Omron)</td><td>Omron and others supporting Ethernet/IP</td><td>TCP/IP </td><td>44818</td><td>Similar to Rockwell but with specific integrations for Omron devices; used in factory automation and device monitoring.</td></tr><tr><td>OPC-UA</td><td>Wide cross-vendor compatibility</td><td>TCP/IP </td><td>4840</td><td>Open protocol ensuring secure data exchange with advanced security features such as certificates, user and password etc. Supports complex data types and structures. </td></tr><tr><td>Modbus TCP</td><td>Broad industry adoption</td><td>TCP/IP </td><td>502</td><td>Known for its simplicity and ease of implementation; commonly used for controlling and monitoring industrial devices.</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Unidirectional Communication: The Foundation**

The foundation of MAT Edge and PLC communication is predominantly unidirectional. This approach primarily focuses on reading data from PLCs to MAT Edge devices. The significance of read-only communication lies in its ability to minimize the risks of unintended disruptions to the PLCs' operations.

**Bidirectional Communication: Advanced Integration**

While unidirectional communication is essential for monitoring and analysis, certain scenarios require MAT Edge to engage in bidirectional communication with PLCs. This advanced integration allows not only for data collection but also for the issuance of commands. A critical application of bidirectional communication is the management of production orders.&#x20;

*This functionality is available only if the module "job executor" is present in a MAT installation*.
