Networks
Network CommunicationsSeparate communication interfaces are available for different networks. Each controller supports as many as two communication cards, in addition to its built-in port that can be configured for RS-232 serial (DF1 protocol) or DH-485 communications.
NetLinx Open Network Architecture
NetLinx Open Network Architecture is the Rockwell Automation strategy of using open networking technology for seamless, top-floor to shop-floor integration. The NetLinx-based networks – DeviceNet, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP – all use the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), so they speak a common language and share a universal set of communication services. NetLinx architecture, part of the Integrated Architecture, seamlessly integrates all the components in an automation system from a few devices on one network to multiple devices on multiple networks including access to the Internet – helping you to improve flexibility, reduce installation costs, and increase productivity.
- The EtherNet/IP network is an open industrial-networking standard that supports implicit and explicit messaging and uses commercial, off-the-shelf Ethernet equipment and physical media.
- The ControlNet network allows intelligent, high-speed control devices to share the information required for supervisory control, work-cell coordination, operator interface, remote device configuration, programming, and troubleshooting.
- The DeviceNet network offers low-cost, high-speed access to plant-floor data from a broad range of plant-floor devices and a significant reduction in wiring.
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Available Networks
You can configure your system for information exchange between a range of devices and computing platforms and operating systems.
| If your application requires | Use this network | Select |
| EtherNet/IP network | 1788-ENBT scanner | |
| ControlNet network | 1788-CNC, -CNCR scanner 1788-CNF, -CNFR scanner |
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| DeviceNet network | 1788-DNBO scanner | |
| Serial network | Built-in serial port | |
| DH-485 network | Built-in serial port with a 1761-NET-AIC | |
EtherNet/IP Network
The Ethernet Industrial (EtherNet/IP) network protocol is an open industrial-networking standard that supports both real-time I/O messaging and message exchange. The EtherNet/IP network uses off-the-shelf Ethernet communication chips and physical media.
EtherNet/IP Communication Modules
Specifications [PDF]
| Cat. No. | Description | Communication Rate | TCP/IP Connections | Logix Connections |
| 1756-EN2F | EtherNet/IP communication bridge module, fiber | 100 Mbps | 128 | 256 |
| 1756-EN2T | EtherNet/IP communication bridge module, copper | 10/100 Mbps | 128 | 256 |
| 1756-EN2TR | 3-port EtherNet/IP communication bridge module, copper, with embedded switch technology | 10/100 Mbps | 128 | 256 |
| 1756-ENBT | EtherNet/IP communication bridge module, copper | 10/100 Mbps | 64 | 128 |
| 1756-EWEB | Ethernet web server module | 10/100 Mbps | 64 | 128 |
| 1756-EN2TXT | ControlLogix-XT, EtherNet/IP communication bridge module, copper | 10/100 Mbps | 64 | 256 |
Example Configurations—EtherNet/IP Network
Star Topology
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Ring Topology
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Linear Topology
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Accessories—Ethernet Network
| Cat. No. | Description | Specifications |
| 1585J-M8PBJM-x | Ethernet RJ45 patchcord x = 2 (2 m), 5 (5 m) or 10 (10 m) |
8-Conductor, Teal Riser PVC Cable (Flex Rated cable also available) |
| 1585J-M8CC-H | RJ45 insulation displacement connector (IDC) | 0.128...0.325 mm2 (26…22 AWG), Cat. 6, IDC, no tool required |
| 1585J-M8CC-C | RJ45 crimp connector with boot, qty = 50 pieces | 0.128...0.205 mm2 (26…24 AWG), Cat. 5e, requires crimp tool for assembly |
| 1585A-Jcrimp | Crimp tool | — |
| 9300-RADES | Remote access dial-in kit | 56 Kbps modem connection to devices on an Ethernet network, includes: • pre-configured modem • communication module • DIN rail mounting hardware • associated cables |
Switches
For real-time control and information flow throughout the manufacturing and IT enterprise, Rockwell Automation offers a full portfolio of industrial Ethernet switches and media, featuring a line of managed switches integrated with Cisco technology. The portfolio contains many popular features that are in use today by IT and Controls organizations that deploy standard, unmodified Ethernet, with settings optimized for use in EtherNet/IP applications.
Stratix switch products include Stratix 8000 Modular Managed Switches, Stratix 6000 Fixed Managed Switches, and Stratix 2000 Unmanaged Switches. Embedded Switch Technology is available in various Rockwell Automation products to enable ring and linear topologies.
Select an EtherNet/IP Interface
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| Cat. No. | Communication Rate | Connections | EtherNet/IP Cable | Power Dissipation, Max. | Backplane Current @ 5.1V |
| 1788-ENBT | 10/100 Mbps | 32 connections per card (any mix of I/O and messaging) |
Twisted pair RJ-45 |
2.4 W | 465 mAT |
| Certifications: UL, CSA (Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C, D), CE, C-Tick. | |||||
| ¬ To comply with UL restrictions, this equipment must be powered from a source compliant with Class 2 or Limited Voltage/Current, as defined in UL 508 Seventeenth Edition Section 32. | |||||
Typical EtherNet/IP Configuration
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ControlNet Network
The ControlNet network is an open, control network for real-time, high-throughput applications. The ControlNet network uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to combine the functionality of an I/O network and a peer-to-peer network providing high-speed performance for both functions. The ControlNet network gives you deterministic, repeatable transfers of all mission-critical control data in addition to supporting transfers of non-time-critical data. I/O updates and controller-to-controller interlocking always take precedence over program uploads and downloads and messaging.
ControlNet Communication Modules
Specifications [PDF]
| Cat. No. | Description | Communication Rate | Logix Connections | Number of Nodes |
| 1756-CN2 | ControlNet communication bridge module, standard media | 5 Mbps | 100 | 99 |
| 1756-CN2R | ControlNet communication bridge module, redundant media | 5 Mbps | 100 | 99 |
| 1756-CNB | ControlNet communication bridge module, standard media | 5 Mbps | 40...48 | 99 |
| 1756-CNBR | ControlNet communication bridge module, redundant media | 5 Mbps | 40...48 | 99 |
| 1756-CN2RXT | ControlLogix-XT, ControlNet communication bridge module, redundant media | 5 Mbps | 100 | 99 |
Example Configuration—ControlNet Network
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Example Configuration—Redundant ControlNet Media
Redundant ControlNet media requires these components:
- 1756-CN2R or 1756-CNBR ControlNet module
- Two identical ControlNet links
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Accessories—ControlNet Network
| Cat. No. | Description |
| Taps | |
| 1786-TPR | T-tap right angle |
| 1786-TPS | T-tap straight |
| 1786-TPYR | Y-tap right angle |
| 1786-TPYS | Y-tap straight |
| Cables | |
| 1786-CP | Programming cable to ControlNet RJ45 port |
| 1786-RG6 | ControlNet network, shield high flex cable |
| 1756-RG6F | ControlNet network, quad shield high flex coax cable |
| Other | |
| 1786-XT | ControlNet termination resistor |
| Repeaters | |
| 1786-RPA | ControlNet modular repeater adapter |
| 1786-RPCD | ControlNet coaxial hub repeater |
| 1786-RPFRL | ControlNet fiber ring repeater, long |
| 1786-RPFRXL | ControlNet fiber ring repeater, extra long |
| 1786-RPFS | ControlNet fiber ring repeater, short |
| 1786-RPFM | ControlNet fiber ring repeater, medium |
ControlNet Interface Specifications
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| Cat. No. | Communication Rate | Connections | Cable | Power Dissipation, Max. | Backplane Current @ 5.1V |
| 1788-CNC | 5 Mbps | 32 connections (depending on the RPI, as many as 22 connections can be scheduled) The remaining connections (or all 32, if you have no scheduled connections) can be used for unscheduled connections. |
RG-6 coaxial cable 1786-RG6 (quad shield cable) 1786-RG6F (quad shield high flex coax cable) |
2.25 W | 450 mA |
| 1788-CNCR (redundant media) |
2.38 W | 475 mA | |||
| 1788-CNF | 200/300 micron HCS (hard-clad silica) fiber optic cable Versalink V-system Fiber media requires 1786-RPA and 1786-RPFS to convert fiber media back to coax. |
2.20 W | 440 mA | ||
| 1788-CNFR (redundant media) |
2.25 W | 450 mA | |||
| Certifications: UL, CSA (Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C, D), UR, CE, C-Tick. | |||||
Typical ControlNet Configuration
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DeviceNet Network
The DeviceNet network is an open, low-level network that provides connections between simple industrial devices (such as sensors and actuators) and higher-level devices (such as controllers and computers). The DeviceNet network uses the proven Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to provide the control, configure, and data collection capabilities for industrial devices.
DeviceNet Communication Module
Specifications [PDF]
| Cat. No. | Description | Communication Rate | Number of Nodes |
| 1756-DNB | DeviceNet communication bridge module | 125 Kbps (500 m max) 250 Kbps (250 m max) 500 Kbps (100 m max) |
64 |
Example Configuration—DeviceNet Network
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Accessories—DeviceNet Network
For more information on selecting DeviceNet media, see the NetLinx Selection Guide, publication NETS-SG001.
| Cat. No. | Description |
| KwikLink Lite flat media | KwikLink Lite flat media is a newer, ODVA-approved solution for wiring DeviceNet networks. Drop-lines for connecting nodes are added by using the KwikLink Lite two-piece connectors. This cable system supports the intermixing of DeviceNet cable types (thin-round with flat). All of the KwikLink Lite connectors provide insulation displacement technology with reduced assembly time. |
| KwikLink flat media | The KwikLink flat media system provides a modular cabling method with its flat 4-wire cable and Insulation Displacement Connectors (IDCs). The KwikLink system allows nodes to be added to the network without severing the trunkline. Cutting or stripping of the trunkline is eliminated, as is the need for predetermined cable lengths. |
| Round media | Round trunk cable is available in bulk spools or as pre-molded cordsets or patchcords in varying lengths. A wide variety of rugged, durable DeviceNet components is available for use in round trunk systems. Stainless steel versions of round cable system components are also available. • Thick trunk round media systems use thick cable for maximum DeviceNet trunk line length. • Round media thin trunk systems use thin cable to reduce maximum trunk line distances with a more compact and cost-effective installation for some applications. Thin cable outer jacket material is TPE for additional chemical resistance. |
DeviceNet Interface Specifications
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| Cat. No. | Communication Rate | Connections | Cable | Power Dissipation, Max. | Backplane Current @ 5.1V |
| 1788-DNBO | Requires 2 connections to a dedicated controller (for status and I/O) | 5-pin DeviceNet cable provided with the card | 1.3 W | 450 mA | |
| Certifications: UL, CSA (Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C, D), CE, FM, C-Tick. | |||||
Typical DeviceNet Configuration
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Backup Systems via a DeviceNet Network
FlexLogix backup relies on the ability to have shared DeviceNet mastership of slave I/O devices. The heartbeat communications between the primary and secondary controllers determines which 1788-DNBO scanner is the master and which scanner is in standby.
Requires:
- RSLogix 5000 software must be at version 10 or later and FlexLogix firmware must be at revision 10 or later.
- The primary controller and the secondary controller each need their own 1788-DNBO scanner. The 178-DNBO firmware must be at revision 2.x or later.
- The DeviceNet network should be set up with both the primary and secondary 1788-DNBO node addresses set to 0.
- All the I/O and operator interface devices that require backup must be on the DeviceNet network.
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Serial Communication
The controller serial port is compatible with RS-232 serial communication. The serial port supports the DF1 protocol to communicate with other devices on the serial link.
Specifications [PDF]
Example Configuration—Serial Communication
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Modbus Support
To use Logix5000 controllers on Modbus, you connect through the serial port and execute a specific ladder logic routine. The controller project is available with RSLogix 5000 Enterprise programming software. For more information, see Using Logix5000 Controllers as Masters or Slaves on Modbus Application Solution, publication CIG-AP129.
Accessories—Serial Communication
| 1756-CP3 | 1747-CP3 | |
| Connector type | Female 9-pin D-shell | |
| Connector angle | Right angle connector to controller, straight to serial port | |
| Length | 3 m (118 in.) | |
Typical Serial Configuration
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Optical Isolator
The FlexLogix controller is grounded through its DIN rail and its grounding stud. An isolator is recommended between the controller and the workstation.
| Application | Example Configuration |
| If you connect the controller to a modem or an ASCII device, install the optical isolator between the controller and end device. |
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| An optical isolator is recommended if you use the serial port to directly connect a programming workstation to the controller. |
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DH-485 Network
The controller serial port is compatible with DH-485 communication. The DH-485 connection does support remote programming and monitoring via RSLogix 5000 software.
DH-485 Communication Module
Specifications [PDF]
| Cat. No. | Description | Communication Rate |
| 1756-DH485 | DH-485 communication bridge module | 19.2 Kbps 9600 Kbps |
Example Configuration—DH-485 Network
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Accessories—DH-485 Network
| Cat. No. | Description | Specifications |
| 1747-CP3 | 9-pin D-shell, straight ; 9-pin D-shell, right angle | 3 m (9.8 ft) |
| 1761-CBL-AC00 | 9-pin D-shell, right angle; 9-pin D-shell, right angle | 45 cm (17.7 in.) |
| 1761-CBL-AP00 | 9-pin D-shell, right angle; 8-pin mini-DIN | 45 cm (17.7 in.) |
| 1761-CBL-PM02 | 9-pin D-shell, straight; 8-pin mini-DIN | 2 m (6.5 ft) |
| 1761-NET-AIC | Advanced Interface Converter (AIC+) connects each channel on the 1756-DH485 module to the DH-485 network | • 20.4…28.8V DC power source required • typical 120 mA 24V DC current draw |
| 9300-RADKIT | Remote access dial-in kit | 56 Kbps modem connection to devices on a DH+ network, includes: • pre-configured modem • communication module • DIN rail mounting hardware • associated cables |
Typical DH-485 Configuration
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