Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN is an 18-port managed industrial Ethernet switch in the ArmorStratix 5700 family. It is intended for industrial installations where a larger number of Ethernet-connected devices must communicate through a managed network, particularly in distributed machinery, production equipment, and outdoor or washdown-prone industrial environments.

The switch combines eight M12 D-code Fast Ethernet ports, two M12 X-code Gigabit Ethernet ports, and eight PoE-capable Fast Ethernet ports. This configuration allows a machine network to accommodate conventional automation devices, higher-speed network connections, and compatible powered Ethernet equipment.

For example, a production installation may use the eight D-code ports for distributed control devices, the two Gigabit interfaces for higher-speed network connections, and the eight PoE ports for compatible network-powered equipment. This arrangement reduces the need to install separate switching equipment for different connection requirements.

The TGN version includes Network Address Translation (NAT), Device Level Ring (DLR), and CIP Sync based on IEEE 1588. NAT is particularly relevant when machine-level networks need to communicate with a plant network while maintaining separate IP addressing arrangements. Compared with the 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGP, the TGN variant adds NAT functionality while retaining the same basic 18-port configuration.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

18-Port Industrial Ethernet Configuration

The switch combines eight Fast Ethernet ports, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and eight PoE-capable ports. This arrangement supports a larger number of connected devices within a single machine network.

Network Address Translation

The integrated NAT functionality allows compatible machine-level network configurations to communicate with higher-level networks while maintaining separate addressing arrangements. This is useful when multiple machines use overlapping IP address ranges.

Power over Ethernet

Eight Fast Ethernet ports support IEEE 802.3af PoE. Compatible devices can receive electrical power and network communication through the same connection, with a maximum combined PoE capacity of 120 W.

Gigabit Ethernet Interfaces

Two M12 X-code interfaces support 10/100/1000 Mbps communication. These ports accommodate compatible high-speed network connections within the industrial Ethernet architecture.

Device Level Ring Support

DLR functionality supports ring-based EtherNet/IP networks. This allows compatible network devices to use ring recovery mechanisms when a communication link is interrupted.

CIP Sync Time Synchronization

The switch supports IEEE 1588-based CIP Sync for compatible industrial devices that require synchronized clock information.

Full Managed Firmware

The full firmware configuration supports managed switching functionality for industrial Ethernet network administration and diagnostics.

Industrial M12 Connections

M12 D-code and X-code connectors support industrial Ethernet cabling and are suitable for installations requiring secure field connections.

Working Principle

The 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN manages Ethernet traffic between connected automation devices through its 18 network interfaces. When a PLC, distributed I/O station, or network-enabled field device sends data, the switch receives the Ethernet frames and forwards them according to the configured switching and routing-related functions.

The eight M12 D-code ports handle 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet communication. They can connect conventional machine-level equipment such as controllers, remote I/O devices, and other compatible industrial Ethernet endpoints. The two M12 X-code ports support Gigabit Ethernet communication for higher-bandwidth connections.

The eight PoE interfaces add power delivery to the network connection. Compatible powered devices receive electrical power and exchange data through the same Ethernet connection. The total PoE demand must remain within the 120 W capacity.

NAT is particularly useful in installations where several machines operate as separate network segments. For example, different machine networks may use overlapping private IP addresses. The switch’s NAT functionality supports communication between these network environments without requiring every machine device to be assigned a unique plant-wide address.

DLR supports compatible ring network arrangements. If a link within the ring is interrupted, the ring recovery mechanism can restore communication through an alternative path, depending on the network configuration.

CIP Sync uses IEEE 1588 to synchronize time information between compatible EtherNet/IP devices. This is relevant in applications where controllers and distributed equipment require consistent timestamps.

Typical Communication Path:

PLC / Machine Network → 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN → NAT / Managed Ethernet Network → Plant Network / Supervisory System

Role in Product-Specific Control Architecture

Within an ArmorStratix 5700 installation, the 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN serves as a managed communication point between machine-level Ethernet networks and higher-level industrial infrastructure.

Its NAT functionality is particularly useful in multi-machine installations. Each machine can maintain its own IP addressing arrangement while the switch handles the required network address translation for communication with the wider plant network.

The eight Fast Ethernet ports and eight PoE interfaces provide connections for distributed automation devices and compatible powered equipment. The two Gigabit interfaces accommodate higher-speed network connections.

DLR and CIP Sync support additional network requirements, including ring recovery and synchronized communication between compatible devices.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the model number: Confirm that the required unit is 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN. Do not confuse it with the 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGP, which does not include NAT functionality.
2. Check the installation location: Select an appropriate industrial mounting position with sufficient clearance for electrical connections, Ethernet cabling, and maintenance access.
3. Inspect DIN rail mounting: Ensure that the mounting arrangement is secure and suitable for the switch before connecting power or network cables.
4. Verify DC power requirements: Confirm that the non-PoE power supply operates within the specified 9.6–60 V DC input range and can support the required current.
5. Check PoE power supply: Verify the PoE input voltage and ensure that the available power can support the connected powered devices.
6. Inspect M12 connectors: Check all D-code and X-code connectors for contamination, damaged contacts, or mechanical wear before making network connections.
7. Assign network connections: Identify the eight D-code ports, two X-code Gigabit ports, and eight PoE interfaces before connecting the automation equipment.
8. Calculate PoE consumption: Check the power requirements of each connected device and ensure that the combined demand does not exceed the 120 W PoE capacity.
9. Configure NAT settings: Define the appropriate machine-side and plant-side network addressing arrangements. Verify that translated addresses do not conflict with other devices on the network.
10. Verify DLR configuration: When using a ring topology, check the ring supervisor settings and confirm that all participating devices support the required DLR functionality.
11. Check CIP Sync operation: Verify the synchronization configuration and confirm that compatible controllers and field devices receive the expected time information.
12. Record network configuration: Document port assignments, IP addresses, NAT settings, PoE connections, and DLR topology to simplify future troubleshooting and maintenance.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• 18-port managed industrial Ethernet configuration.
• Eight M12 D-code Fast Ethernet ports.
• Two M12 X-code Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• Eight IEEE 802.3af PoE ports.
• Maximum combined PoE capacity of 120 W.
• Integrated NAT functionality for machine network integration.
• DLR support for compatible EtherNet/IP ring networks.
• IEEE 1588 CIP Sync time synchronization.
• Full firmware for managed industrial networking.

Technical FAQs

How does NAT benefit installations using the 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN?

NAT allows compatible machine networks to maintain separate IP addressing arrangements while communicating with a higher-level plant network. This is particularly useful when multiple machines use the same private IP address ranges and need to be integrated into a common industrial network.

Can all eight PoE ports be used simultaneously?

The switch has eight PoE-capable Fast Ethernet ports. They can be used for compatible powered devices, provided that the combined power demand remains within the maximum 120 W PoE capacity. The power requirements of each connected device should be checked before commissioning.

What is the difference between the 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGN and 1783-ZMS8T8E2TGP?

Both models have an 18-port configuration with eight M12 D-code Fast Ethernet ports, two M12 X-code Gigabit ports, and eight PoE ports. The main difference is that the TGN version supports NAT, while the TGP version does not. Both support DLR and CIP Sync.

Can the switch support both DLR and NAT in the same industrial network?

Yes. The model supports both functions. NAT can be used for machine network address translation, while DLR supports ring-based network recovery. Their configurations should be planned according to the network topology and communication requirements of the connected automation devices.