Rockwell Automation: Enhanced Communication Module Provides Additional Resiliency
May 25, 2020
Industrial producers can now improve their network resiliency by using primary and backup adapters for the 1756-EN4TR ControlLogix EtherNet/IP communications module. This new redundant-adapter functionality is provided through a recent firmware update to the communication module.
In addition to helping users improve network redundancy, the module’s firmware enhancement also offers more advantages:
- – No single point of failure: When used with ControlLogix controllers and redundant switches, the communication module is no longer a single point of failure. This can improve uptime and productivity in continuous process applications like oil and gas.
- – Architecture options: The firmware enhancement can be used with a single ControlLogix controller or redundant controllers. It can also be used with star or Device Level Ring (DLR) architectures. This gives users design flexibility.
- – Ease of modification: An existing 1756 I/O chassis can be modified for redundant adapters. Slots 0 and 1 are used for the redundant adapters.
The 1756-EN4TR communication module implements network-based access control for users, devices and networks in a 1756 ControlLogix chassis. The module can increase performance in networked operations, with 1-gigabit-per-second communications speeds and the ability to support future network or infrastructure expansions.
