1. Introduction

In order to have an easy firmware update, the new firmware version will be available through the Balluff Update Platform. Either use the Balluff Engineering Tool (BET) or the integrated WebUI of your Network Block.

2. New Features

2.1. General

Autodetect
To further simplify the commissioning of multiprotocol Networking Modules, the new default setting will be "Autodetect" mode.
In this mode, the Networking Module will monitor the current network and, upon successful detection, will automatically switch to the identified fieldbus.
This functionality is compatible with all fieldbuses supported by the Networking Module. While "Autodetect" mode is active, users can still access the WebUI, from which they can manually set the fieldbus. Additionally, the WebUI allows users to revert the device to "Autodetect" mode at any time.
HTTPS is now the default
For enhancing the security of the module HTTPs is now the default communication protocol for the WebUI and the REST API.
MQTTs
MQTT traffic is now encrypted with TLS. Users can enable or disable this encryption independently of HTTPs settings via the WebUI and REST API.
NTP support
The Networking Module now supports time synchronization via NTP. Users can configure a custom NTP server through the WebUI or REST API.
Hardware current limits for BNI XG5-5x8-xB5-x067
All Networking Modules within the XG5 family (Advanced Line) now have the capability to configure distinct current limits for Pin 2 and Pin 4 of each I/O port, provided the pins are designated as outputs.
This setting can be applied through the WebUI or REST API.

2.2. WebUI

Swagger Viewer
Users can now view OpenAPI specifications directly in the WebUI, with the ability to use the "Try It Out" feature.
Show state of DI/DO in Port-View
The WebUI now displays the state of DI/DO in the port view, allowing users to control and read back the real state of pins.
Write raw process data
Users can write raw process data to any device, even without an uploaded IODD, with byte count validation.
Enhancements to IP settings
Depending of the current fieldbus the user has now several more options to set the IP parameters directly from the WebUI.
For example while the device is in Profinet a user can now set an IP address volatile/ temporary.
For Ethernet/IP BOOTP was added directly to the WebUI.
For Ethernet/IP, BOOTP has been added directly to the WebUI.
Condition Monitoring for BNI XG5-5x8-xB5-x067
The XG5 family (Advanced Line) now features Condition Monitoring, which aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of your operations. This feature offers real-time insights into the health of the Networking Module and the connected devcies, facilitating proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.

2.3. Profinet

Diagnosis Modules
Several new diagnosis modules have been added, including Pin 1 Short Circuit Detection, Pin 4/2 Actor Warning Detection, and more.
Also "Port Event Pending Module" and "Device Event Pending" Module is added to monitor that a device or port event is pending in the process data.

2.4. Ethernet/IP

Adjustable Process Data
The user can now select from several predefined exclusive connections the one that is best suited to their application.
The length of the process data is adjusted according to the selected connection to minimize the overhead.

2.5. EtherCAT

ESI for BNI XG5-5x8-xB5-x067
The ESI files for the XG5 Networking Modules (Advanced Line) have been combined into one to make commissioning of multiple Networking Modules even easier.

2.6. Modbus/TCP

Initial release of Modbus/TCP
Beside EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP and Profinet all the Networking Modules now also support the Modbus/TCP protocol.

3. Bugfixes

3.1. General

Document links
The links for the downloadable documents where incorrectly generated. All documents are now downloadable via the WebUI.
Numerous smaller Bugfixes and stability Enhancements