Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP is a 10-port managed industrial Ethernet switch belonging to the ArmorStratix 5700 family. It is used in industrial automation networks where controllers, distributed I/O stations, and Ethernet-connected field devices need to communicate through a managed switching platform.

The switch combines four 10/100 Mbps M12 D-code Fast Ethernet ports, two 10/100/1000 Mbps M12 X-code Gigabit Ethernet ports, and four PoE-capable Fast Ethernet ports. This arrangement is particularly useful in machine installations where conventional automation devices and network-powered equipment share the same Ethernet infrastructure.

A typical installation may involve a ControlLogix or CompactLogix controller communicating with distributed I/O, operator interfaces, and other network equipment. The four PoE ports also allow compatible powered devices to connect without requiring an independent power connection at each endpoint.

The 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP supports full managed firmware, Device Level Ring (DLR), and CIP Sync based on IEEE 1588. Unlike the closely related 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGN, this version does not include Network Address Translation (NAT). This distinction matters when selecting a switch for machine-level network integration.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

Mixed Ethernet Connectivity

The switch combines Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. Four M12 D-code ports support 10/100 Mbps communication, while two M12 X-code ports support speeds up to 1000 Mbps.

Integrated PoE Functionality

Four Fast Ethernet ports support IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet. Compatible network devices can receive electrical power and exchange data through the same Ethernet connection. The maximum combined PoE capacity is 62 W.

Industrial Network Management

Full firmware supports managed switching functions for industrial Ethernet installations. Network administrators can configure and monitor the switch according to the requirements of the connected automation equipment.

Device Level Ring Support

DLR functionality supports compatible EtherNet/IP ring networks. This is useful in distributed machine installations where an alternative communication path is required following a network link interruption.

CIP Sync Time Synchronization

The switch supports CIP Sync based on IEEE 1588, allowing compatible industrial devices to synchronize their clocks across the network.

Industrial M12 Connections

M12 D-code and X-code connectors provide industrial Ethernet interfaces for field-level connections. Their mechanical design suits installations where conventional RJ45 connections may not be appropriate.

Full Firmware Configuration

The full firmware configuration supports the managed functionality associated with this ArmorStratix 5700 model.

Working Principle

The 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP operates as a managed Ethernet switching device between connected automation equipment. When a controller, I/O station, or network-enabled field device transmits data, the switch receives the Ethernet frames and forwards them through the appropriate interface according to its switching configuration.

The four M12 D-code ports handle conventional 10/100 Mbps Ethernet communication. These interfaces are suitable for distributed I/O stations, machine controllers, and other compatible devices that do not require Gigabit bandwidth.

The two M12 X-code ports support 10/100/1000 Mbps communication. They can be used for higher-speed connections within the industrial network, depending on the requirements of the connected equipment.

The PoE interfaces perform an additional function. They transmit Ethernet data while supplying power to compatible powered devices. This is particularly useful for network-connected equipment installed away from local power outlets. The total PoE load must remain within the specified 62 W capacity.

For installations using DLR, the switch participates in a compatible ring network. If a communication link is interrupted, the ring recovery mechanism can restore network communication through the remaining path, subject to the configured topology and recovery conditions.

CIP Sync provides synchronized time information through IEEE 1588. Compatible controllers and field devices can use this timing information in applications where consistent timestamps and coordinated communication are required.

The TGP configuration does not include NAT. Machine network addressing and communication with higher-level plant networks therefore need to be handled through the overall network design.

Typical Communication Path:

PLC / Controller → 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP → Distributed I/O / PoE Devices → Industrial Ethernet Network

Role in Product-Specific Control Architecture

Within an ArmorStratix 5700 installation, the 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP serves as the managed Ethernet connection point for controllers and distributed automation equipment.

Its ten-port arrangement accommodates different communication requirements within one machine network. Fast Ethernet connections handle conventional field devices, while Gigabit interfaces provide higher-speed communication for compatible network equipment.

The PoE interfaces are useful when integrating network-powered equipment into the same architecture. Instead of arranging separate power and communication connections for every compatible endpoint, both functions can be handled through the PoE connection.

DLR and CIP Sync add network capabilities for installations requiring ring communication and synchronized device timing.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the model number: Confirm that the installed switch is 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP. Pay particular attention to the TGP suffix because the TGN version has a different NAT configuration.
2. Check the mounting position: Select an appropriate industrial installation location with sufficient clearance for ventilation, cable connections, and maintenance access.
3. Inspect DIN rail installation: Check the mounting arrangement and ensure that the switch is securely attached before connecting electrical and network cables.
4. Verify the power supply: Confirm that the non-PoE DC supply operates within the specified 9.6–60 V DC input range.
5. Check power requirements: Calculate the expected power demand of the switch and connected equipment before commissioning the installation.
6. Inspect Ethernet connectors: Examine the M12 D-code and X-code connections for contamination, damaged contacts, and mechanical wear.
7. Confirm port assignments: Match connected devices to the appropriate Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and PoE interfaces.
8. Check PoE compatibility: Verify that powered devices support IEEE 802.3af and that the combined PoE demand does not exceed 62 W.
9. Configure network settings: Assign appropriate IP addresses and check the communication settings of connected controllers and field devices. Do not assume NAT functionality is available on this model.
10. Verify DLR operation: When using a ring topology, check the ring supervisor configuration and confirm that connected devices support DLR.
11. Check CIP Sync communication: Verify time synchronization between compatible controllers and network devices when the application requires coordinated timestamps.
12. Maintain configuration records: Document port assignments, power connections, IP settings, network topology, and maintenance activities for future troubleshooting.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Ten managed Ethernet ports in one industrial switching platform.
• Four M12 D-code Fast Ethernet connections.
• Two M12 X-code Gigabit Ethernet connections.
• Four IEEE 802.3af PoE ports with a combined 62 W capacity.
• DLR support for compatible EtherNet/IP ring networks.
• IEEE 1588 CIP Sync functionality.
• IP67-rated M12 Ethernet connections.
• Full firmware configuration for managed industrial networking.

Technical FAQs

Can the 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP be used in a machine network without NAT?

Yes. The switch can manage Ethernet communication between connected devices without NAT. However, when connecting multiple machine networks to a plant network, IP addressing and network segmentation must be planned separately because this model does not provide address translation.

What is the difference between its four D-code ports and two X-code ports?

The four M12 D-code ports support 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, while the two M12 X-code ports support 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet. The interfaces should be selected according to the communication speed and connector requirements of the connected equipment.

How should the PoE capacity be calculated when connecting multiple devices?

The combined power consumption of all connected PoE devices must remain within the switch’s 62 W maximum PoE capacity. Check the power requirements of each device before assigning the PoE ports, allowing sufficient capacity for the complete installation.

Is the 1783-ZMS4T4E2TGP suitable for a DLR-based EtherNet/IP network?

Yes. The model supports Device Level Ring functionality. Its role in the ring, including supervisor configuration and recovery behavior, must be coordinated with the other DLR-compatible devices in the network.