1734-AENTR Dual-Port EtherNet/IP Remote I/O Adapter with DLR Support

The 1734-AENTR is a dual-port EtherNet/IP adapter designed to connect a modular 1734 remote I/O station to an industrial Ethernet control network.

It transfers real-time input data, output commands, module configuration and diagnostic information between the network controller and the locally installed digital, analog and specialty I/O modules.

The main difference of the 1734-AENTR is its two integrated RJ45 Ethernet ports. The ports operate through an embedded switch, allowing the adapter to participate directly in linear and Device Level Ring network architectures without requiring a separate Ethernet switch at every remote I/O station.

A single adapter node can support up to 63 local I/O modules when backplane-current, field-power and module-compatibility requirements are satisfied.

Key Features

• Two 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet ports
• EtherNet/IP remote I/O communication
• Device Level Ring network support
• Linear, star and tree topology compatibility
• Embedded two-port Ethernet switch
• Supports up to 63 local I/O modules
• 24 V DC adapter power
• DIN-rail modular installation

Typical Applications

• DLR remote I/O stations
• Conveyor control systems
• Packaging machinery
• Distributed machine panels
• Multi-station production lines

Dual RJ45 Ethernet Ports

The 1734-AENTR includes two copper Ethernet ports connected through an embedded switch.

This enables:

• Device-to-device Ethernet connections
• Linear network installation
• Device Level Ring construction
• Reduced external-switch requirements
• Simplified cabling between remote I/O stations

Both ports belong to the same adapter network interface.

They do not create two independently routed Ethernet networks.

Device Level Ring Support

Device Level Ring provides two possible communication paths around the network.

In a correctly configured DLR network:

• Each device connects to two neighboring devices
• One device functions as the ring supervisor
• The supervisor monitors ring integrity
• Communication can use the alternate path after a single cable interruption
• Network status can be diagnosed through compatible tools

DLR improves network-path availability, but it does not provide redundancy for the adapter power supply, I/O modules or controller.

Linear Network Capability

The dual-port adapter can also be connected in a linear chain.

A linear architecture can reduce:

• Ethernet switch quantity
• Control-panel space
• Network cable length
• Installation cost

However, failure of a cable or device in the middle of a linear chain can disconnect downstream stations.

Use a DLR topology when alternate-path communication is required.

EtherNet/IP-to-I/O Backplane Bridge

The adapter transfers data between:

EtherNet/IP Network

Controllers, programming stations and compatible industrial Ethernet devices

Local I/O Backplane

Digital input, digital output, analog and specialty I/O modules

The adapter does not execute the machine-control program and does not provide sensor or actuator channels by itself.

Up to 63 Local I/O Modules

One adapter node can support a maximum of 63 local I/O modules.

The practical number depends on:

• Backplane-current consumption
• Field-power requirements
• Expansion power-supply placement
• Module compatibility
• Controller connection capacity
• Physical installation design

The maximum module count cannot normally be reached using only the adapter’s initial backplane-power output.

Backplane Power Capacity

The adapter supplies the initial local I/O backplane segment.

Maximum Backplane Output

5 V DC at 1.0 A

The current required by every installed module must be added together.

A compatible expansion power module is required when:

• Total backplane demand exceeds the available current
• A new field-power segment is required
• The physical I/O assembly extends beyond the permitted power distance
• Different field voltages must be separated

Communication Speed

The Ethernet interface supports:

• 10 Mbps
• 100 Mbps
• Half-duplex operation
• Full-duplex operation

The negotiated speed and duplex mode depend on the connected device, switch configuration and cable condition.

Chassis Size Configuration

The configured chassis size must match the physical adapter and I/O assembly.

The chassis size includes:

• One slot for the adapter
• One slot for each installed I/O module

For example:

One Adapter

Plus Eight I/O Modules

Configured Chassis Size

9

An incorrect chassis-size setting can prevent the adapter from establishing normal I/O communication.

Embedded Switch Function

The two Ethernet ports pass network traffic through the adapter’s embedded switch.

This allows other compatible Ethernet devices to be connected downstream.

The embedded switch supports network forwarding, but it should not be treated as:

• A managed plant switch
• An Ethernet router
• A firewall
• An independent network-security appliance

Network segmentation and security must be handled by the wider control-system architecture.

Status Indicators

Front indicators provide information about:

• Adapter status
• Network status
• Ethernet link activity
• Local I/O backplane condition
• System power
• Field power

These indicators help distinguish among:

• Network faults
• Adapter faults
• I/O backplane faults
• Power-supply problems
• Incorrect chassis configuration

1734-AENTR vs 1734-AENT

1734-AENTR

Two RJ45 Ethernet ports

Embedded switch function

Supports linear networks

Supports Device Level Ring

1734-AENT

One RJ45 Ethernet port

Designed mainly for star or tree networks

Requires an external switch for network branching

Does not directly support a DLR connection

The dual-port topology capability is the main difference.

1734-AENTR vs 1734-AENTRK

1734-AENTR

Standard industrial coating configuration

1734-AENTRK

Conformal-coated version

Additional protection for compatible harsh-environment installations

The coated version should be selected only when the entire installation requires the corresponding environmental protection.

1734-AENTR vs Expansion Power Module

1734-AENTR

Provides Ethernet communication

Starts the local I/O backplane

Supplies initial backplane power

Expansion Power Module

Extends backplane-power capacity

Creates an additional power segment

Does not provide Ethernet communication

Both may be required in a large remote I/O assembly.

1734-AENTR vs Individual I/O Module

1734-AENTR

Network adapter

No field input or output channels

Digital or Analog I/O Module

Reads sensors or controls actuators

Requires a compatible adapter and terminal base

The adapter alone is not a complete remote I/O station.

Network Planning

Before selecting the adapter, confirm:

• Required network topology
• Need for DLR recovery
• Number of local I/O modules
• Total backplane current
• Field-power requirements
• Controller connection capacity
• Requested packet intervals
• Network switch settings
• Firmware compatibility
• Available panel space

Selecting the adapter only because it has two Ethernet ports may overlook power and controller limitations.

Replacement Compatibility

Before replacing an existing adapter, record:

• Complete model number
• Hardware series
• Firmware revision
• Existing IP address
• Subnet mask and gateway
• Chassis-size setting
• Local module order
• Connection configuration
• DLR supervisor settings
• Expansion power arrangement
• Controller project version

A replacement adapter may require firmware alignment and network configuration before I/O communication resumes.

Installation Notes

• Back up the active controller project
• Record the adapter IP configuration
• Record the physical module order
• Record the configured chassis size
• Place the machine in a safe state
• Disconnect network and field power
• Mount the adapter securely on DIN rail
• Calculate total backplane current
• Install expansion power where required
• Connect both Ethernet ports correctly
• Avoid accidentally closing an unmanaged loop
• Configure the DLR supervisor where applicable
• Confirm all status indicators
• Test each I/O channel before production

FAQ

Q1: What is the main function of 1734-AENTR?

A1: It connects a modular 1734 remote I/O assembly to an EtherNet/IP network.

Q2: How many Ethernet ports does it provide?

A2: It provides two RJ45 Ethernet ports through an embedded switch.

Q3: Does it support Device Level Ring?

A3: Yes. It can participate directly in a compatible DLR network.

Q4: What network speed does it support?

A4: It supports 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps Ethernet communication.

Q5: How many local I/O modules can it support?

A5: One adapter node can support up to 63 modules when power, connection and compatibility requirements are met.

Q6: Does it contain digital or analog I/O channels?

A6: No. Separate local I/O modules must be installed beside the adapter.

Q7: What distinguishes it from 1734-AENT?

A7: AENTR has two Ethernet ports and supports linear and DLR topologies, while AENT has one port and is intended mainly for star or tree networks.

Q8: Does DLR make the entire I/O station redundant?

A8: No. DLR provides an alternate network path but does not duplicate the adapter, power supply or I/O modules.