Typical usage is for troubleshooting. However, in the case of IP address mis-configuration, you can use the serial system shell to regain access to the unit.

Also, depending on your preference, you may use the serial shell to set a controller’s IP address, as an alternative to reconfiguring your PC’s IP address in Windows (to initially connect to a new controller). If done as the first step, afterwards you could connect normally (using Ethernet/IP) and perform all other software installation and platform configuration functions using Workbench and the Commissioning Wizard. This method would save you from having to re-configure your PC’s IP address settings in Windows: first to connect to the controller as shipped from the factory, and then back again to its original settings.