Changing the host name

This step shows how to change the host name of the industrial PC. Note that in doing so you will also change the unique name of the industrial PC in a network.

Host names for Beckhoff Industrial PCs on delivery

With older industrial PCs, the host name is automatically generated from the prefix CX, CP or BK_IPC and the last 3 bytes of the MAC address. The MAC address is 6 bytes long, where the first 3 bytes are the Beckhoff manufacturer ID 00 01 05.

In contrast, the host name of current devices is formed from the Beckhoff Traceability Number (BTN), which is used on all new devices and printed on the name plate as the serial number. The BTN is a unique, eight-character serial number that will replace all other serial number systems at Beckhoff in the long term and will be introduced gradually for the purpose of standardization.

The information on the name plate of the industrial PC is decisive. If no BTN number is available, the host name is formed from the MAC address. If a BTN number exists, the BTN number is used to form the host name instead. Examples of host names for industrial PCs that are formed from the MAC address or BTN number:

Embedded PC with MAC address "00-01-05-12-24-A3" receives the host name CX-1224A3.
Industrial PC with BTN number "000fgyeg" receives the host name BTN-000fgyeg.

These settings are alternatively possible via the web interface of the Beckhoff Device Manager (see: Beckhoff Device Manager: web interface).

Proceed as follows:

1. Enter the doas ee /etc/rc.conf command in the console.
The rc.conf file opens.

zfs_enable="YES"
# network services and TwinCAT settings
pf_enable="YES"
sshd_enable="YES"
TcSystemService_enable=YES
# custom settings
hostname="CX-1D7BD4"
ifconfig_igb0="DHCP"
ifconfig_igb1="DHCP"
allscreens_kbdflags="-b quiet.off"
# Debugging settings
syslogd_flags="-ss"
#keymap="de.noacc.kbd"

2. Change the host name under the entry hostname="CX-112233".
Press [Esc] and save the changes.

The new host name will only be adopted after a restart by the command shutdown -r now.