Remote Access to MITSUBISHI PLC

Mitsubishi PLC Remote Connection Guide

Hubbox Connect series devices provide secure worldwide access to Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R, iQ-F, Q, and L series PLCs. This guide explains how to establish a secure connection and perform remote programming using GX Works2 or GX Works3 software.

GX Works2 / 3
Engineering PC
 
Hubbox VPN
Tunnel
 
Mitsubishi PLC
(MELSEC)
 
Field Network
(CC-Link IE)

Connection and Configuration Steps

  • VPN Activation: Launch the Hubbox Desktop Client and establish a connection to the site. Verify that your computer has received a virtual IP address and can reach (ping) the Mitsubishi PLC's local IP address.
  • Transfer Setup Configuration: In the GX Works software, open the "Transfer Setup" window under the "Online" menu.
  • Selecting Connection Method: Select "Ethernet Board" on the PC side. Continue by selecting "Ethernet Board" or "Built-in Ethernet Port" on the PLC side.
  • Entering IP Address: Instead of "Hub Setting" or "IP Address Search," manually enter the PLC's local IP address at the site.
    Note: UDP broadcast transmissions may not always be delivered over VPN tunnels, so manual IP entry is the most stable method.
  • Communication Test: Click the "Connection Test" button to confirm the connection is established. After receiving the success notification, click "OK" to close the window. You can now perform "Online" operations.
Technical Tip: A "Default Gateway" setting is mandatory for remote access on Mitsubishi PLCs. In the PLC Ethernet parameters, the Hubbox device's LAN IP address must be defined as the Gateway address. Otherwise, the PLC cannot respond to packets coming over the VPN.

Supported Mitsubishi Software and Models

System Group Supported Models Software / Port
iQ-R / iQ-F Series R04, R08, FX5U, FX5UC GX Works3 (TCP 5562)
Q / L Series Q03UDE, Q06UDEH, L02, L26 GX Works2 (TCP 5551)
HMI / Operator Panel GOT2000, GOT1000 Series GT Designer 3 (TCP 5001)
Remote Desktop / VNC iQ-R / GOT VNC Server VNC (TCP 5900)

Common Issues and Solutions

If you receive the "ES:0180840b" (Cannot communicate with PLC) error, ensure that your computer's Firewall allows the GX Works software to send data outbound. If the connection is established but drops, increase the "Timeout" duration in the "Packet Monitoring" settings.

Warning: A Power Cycle (turning the power off and on) may be required for IP or Gateway changes made in the PLC parameters to take effect. Simply performing a Reset might not always be sufficient to restart the Ethernet module.