I am new to PLC. A machine I am working on is controlled by a MicroLogix 1500 and has an ethernet port for data extraction. I want to extract data from the PLC to a computer but am not sure how to do it. I asked some poeple and their response was "you need an IP address" but no further explaination. My questions are:

1) What software and hardware do I need to connect the computer to the PLC through the ethernet port?

2) Where do I get an IP address? On the PLC or the computer?

Any help would be greatly appriciated.

I not rure if the conection is an ethernet conection or is a conection to see the program on the PLC.

software to see and program PLC is RSLogix500 and RXLinx

if you have RSLinx OEM you can create DDE/OPC data links to programs such as an Excel speadsheet [cost $$]

with RSLinx Lite, all you can do is program the processor and monitor it online [comes with RSLogix]