1734-AENT Single-Port EtherNet/IP Remote I/O Adapter for up to 63 Modules

The 1734-AENT is a single-port EtherNet/IP adapter designed to connect a modular 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 local POINTBus backplane. Separate digital, analog and specialty I/O modules are installed beside the adapter to build the required remote I/O station.

The main difference of the 1734-AENT is its single RJ45 Ethernet port. It is intended primarily for switched star or tree network architectures where each remote I/O station connects to an external Ethernet switch.

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

Key Features

• Single 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port
• EtherNet/IP remote I/O communication
• Supports up to 63 local I/O modules
• Half- or full-duplex operation
• Star and tree network compatibility
• POINTBus backplane communication
• Rotary network-address switches
• DIN-rail modular installation

Typical Applications

• Remote machine I/O panels
• Packaging equipment
• Conveyor control stations
• Distributed sensor systems
• Existing Ethernet I/O expansion

Single-Port Remote I/O Architecture

The 1734-AENT provides one Ethernet connection for the complete local I/O station.

This design is suitable for:

• Switched star networks
• Tree network structures
• Individual remote I/O drops
• Panels with an external Ethernet switch
• Existing single-cable Ethernet installations

Because it has only one RJ45 port, it cannot directly connect two adjacent Ethernet devices in a linear chain.

EtherNet/IP-to-POINTBus Bridge

The adapter operates as a communication bridge between two parts of the control architecture.

EtherNet/IP Network Side

Connects to controllers, engineering workstations and other compatible Ethernet devices.

POINTBus Side

Connects to the locally installed digital, analog and specialty I/O modules.

The adapter does not execute the machine program and does not provide field input or output channels by itself.

Up to 63 Local I/O Modules

A single network node can support up to 63 local I/O modules.

The practical module quantity depends on:

• POINTBus current consumption
• Field-power demand
• Expansion power-supply placement
• Module compatibility
• Connection configuration
• Physical installation limits

The 63-module figure is a maximum architecture limit, not a guarantee that all modules can be powered directly by the adapter.

POINTBus Power Capacity

The adapter provides up to:

POINTBus Output

5 V DC at 1.0 A

When the total installed module demand exceeds this capacity, compatible expansion power-supply modules must be added.

Power calculations should include:

• Current required by every I/O module
• Field-device load
• Expansion power segmentation
• Voltage-drop conditions
• Available external supply capacity

Network Communication Speed

The Ethernet interface supports:

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

The selected operating mode depends on the connected network switch, cabling and negotiation settings.

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, an adapter with eight local I/O modules requires a configured chassis size of nine.

An incorrect chassis-size value can prevent normal I/O communication.

Connection Options

Depending on the installed modules and controller configuration, the adapter can support:

• Direct module connections
• Rack-optimized connections
• Enhanced rack-optimized connections

Direct connections provide dedicated communication to individual modules.

Rack optimization can reduce connection usage by combining compatible module data through the adapter.

Status and Diagnostic Indicators

Front indicators help identify:

• Adapter operating condition
• Ethernet network status
• Ethernet activity
• Local POINTBus condition
• System power status
• Field-power status

These indicators help maintenance personnel separate network faults from local bus or power problems.

1734-AENT vs 1734-AENTR

1734-AENT

One RJ45 Ethernet port

Star and tree networks

Requires an external switch for network branching

Does not provide direct linear or DLR connectivity

1734-AENTR

Two RJ45 Ethernet ports

Star, tree, linear and ring networks

Supports direct device-to-device connection

Supports Device Level Ring architecture

The Ethernet port quantity and supported topology are the principal differences.

1734-AENT vs Expansion Power Module

1734-AENT

Provides EtherNet/IP communication

Starts the local POINTBus assembly

Supplies initial backplane power

Expansion Power Module

Extends local bus and field-power capacity

Creates a new power segment

Does not provide Ethernet communication

Both components may be required in larger remote I/O assemblies.

1734-AENT vs Individual I/O Module

1734-AENT

Network and backplane adapter

No field signal 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 I/O station.

Network Address Configuration

The adapter address can be configured using supported methods such as:

• Front rotary switches
• Network configuration utilities
• DHCP or BOOTP configuration
• Stored nonvolatile network settings

Available procedures can vary by hardware series and firmware revision.

Replacement Compatibility

Before replacing an existing adapter, verify:

• Complete model number
• Hardware series
• Firmware revision
• Existing IP address
• Subnet and gateway settings
• Configured chassis size
• Local module order
• Controller software compatibility
• Connection type
• Expansion power arrangement

A replacement adapter may require firmware alignment and network reconfiguration before the local I/O becomes operational.

Installation Notes

• Back up the controller project
• Record the current IP address
• Record the chassis-size setting
• Disconnect network and field power
• Mount the adapter securely on DIN rail
• Install modules in the original order
• Calculate POINTBus current demand
• Add expansion power where required
• Connect the 24 V DC supply
• Connect the RJ45 Ethernet cable
• Configure the network address
• Confirm all status indicators
• Test every I/O channel before production

FAQ

Q1: What does the 1734-AENT do?

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

Q2: How many Ethernet ports does it have?

A2: It has one RJ45 Ethernet port.

Q3: What communication speed does it support?

A3: It supports 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps Ethernet communication.

Q4: How many local I/O modules can be installed?

A4: One node can support up to 63 modules when power and compatibility requirements are satisfied.

Q5: Does the adapter contain digital or analog I/O?

A5: No. Separate I/O modules must be installed beside the adapter.

Q6: Does it support Device Level Ring?

A6: No. A dual-port adapter such as 1734-AENTR is required for direct DLR connections.

Q7: Which network topologies are appropriate?

A7: It is primarily intended for star and tree network architectures.

Q8: Why is POINTBus power calculation important?

A8: The adapter supplies limited backplane current, so expansion power modules may be required as the I/O assembly grows.