Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2TSC – High-Performance Single-Port EtherNet/IP VPN Bridge | ControlLogix 1756 Platform
Engineering Background
The 1756-EN2TSC is a high-performance EtherNet/IP communication bridge module designed for Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix 1756 platform. It provides secure, encrypted network connectivity between ControlLogix backplanes and EtherNet/IP networks, incorporating integrated VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunneling to meet the stringent cybersecurity requirements of modern industrial control environments. This module is the preferred choice for engineers who must comply with IEC 62443, NERC CIP, or internal OT security policies without sacrificing real-time determinism.
Product Positioning
Positioned as a cybersecurity-hardened communication bridge within the ControlLogix ecosystem, the 1756-EN2TSC replaces standard EN2T/EN2TR modules in applications where encrypted remote access, secure device-level ring (DLR) integration, or VPN-protected SCADA connectivity is mandatory. It is widely deployed in power utilities, oil & gas, water treatment, and critical manufacturing infrastructure.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 1756-EN2TSC |
| Platform | Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1756 |
| Network Protocol | EtherNet/IP (CIP over TCP/IP) |
| Port Configuration | Single Port, RJ-45 |
| Data Rate | 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Security Feature | Integrated VPN Bridge (IPsec/SSL) |
| CIP Connections | Up to 256 CIP connections |
| Backplane Current Draw | 1.0 A @ 5 VDC; 3.0 mA @ 24 VDC |
| Power Dissipation | 5.0 W (max) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Vibration | 2 g @ 10–500 Hz (IEC 60068-2-6) |
| Shock | 30 g operational; 50 g non-operational |
| Certifications | UL, CE, cUL, RCM, ATEX (Zone 2) |
| Enclosure Rating | Open type (IP20) |
| Module Weight | Approx. 240 g |
| Firmware | Upgradeable via ControlFLASH |
| Studio 5000 Support | v21.00 and later |
| RSLogix 5000 Support | v20.00 and later |
Proven Application Environments
- Power Generation & Utilities — Secure SCADA-to-DCS communication over encrypted WAN links; NERC CIP compliant architectures
- Oil & Gas (Upstream/Midstream) — Remote wellhead and pipeline monitoring with VPN-protected EtherNet/IP tunnels
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — Multi-site SCADA integration with encrypted backhaul to central control rooms
- Automotive Manufacturing — High-speed robot cell integration requiring deterministic EtherNet/IP with cybersecurity segmentation
- Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences — 21 CFR Part 11 and ISA/IEC 62443 compliant control network architectures
- Critical Infrastructure — Air-gapped or VPN-isolated OT networks requiring secure remote access without compromising real-time control
Engineering Advantages
- Integrated VPN Bridge — Eliminates the need for external VPN appliances; reduces panel footprint and single points of failure
- High-Performance CIP Engine — Supports up to 256 simultaneous CIP connections with sub-millisecond latency for time-critical I/O
- Gigabit Ethernet Backbone — 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-negotiation ensures compatibility with modern managed switch infrastructure
- Cybersecurity Hardening — Supports role-based access control (RBAC), encrypted communications, and audit logging per IEC 62443-3-3
- Seamless ControlLogix Integration — Drop-in replacement for 1756-EN2T in existing chassis; no backplane rewiring required
- ControlFLASH Firmware Updates — Field-upgradeable firmware ensures long-term security patch compliance without hardware replacement
- Redundancy Ready — Compatible with ControlLogix redundancy systems (1756-RM2/A) for high-availability architectures
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 1756-EN2TSC occupies a standard ControlLogix 1756 chassis slot and communicates with the controller (e.g., 1756-L8x series) via the high-speed ControlLogix backplane. On the network side, the single RJ-45 port connects to a managed Ethernet switch or directly to a WAN router. The integrated VPN engine encrypts all outbound EtherNet/IP traffic before it traverses untrusted network segments, then decrypts and forwards it to the target device or remote HMI/SCADA system. Inbound CIP I/O and explicit messaging traffic follows the reverse path with full packet inspection and authentication.
Typical Signal Flow: ControlLogix Controller ↔ 1756 Backplane ↔ 1756-EN2TSC ↔ Managed Switch ↔ VPN Tunnel (IPsec/SSL) ↔ Remote SCADA / HMI / Engineering Workstation
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- OEM Traceability — All units sourced through authorized Rockwell Automation distribution channels or verified surplus with full documentation
- Pre-Shipment Inspection — Each module undergoes visual inspection, firmware version verification, and functional power-on test before dispatch
- Authenticity Guarantee — Holographic OEM labels, date codes, and serial numbers verified against Rockwell Automation’s product authentication database
- Packaging Integrity — Shipped in original or equivalent ESD-safe packaging with desiccant; anti-static bags sealed and labeled
- Warranty — 12-month Konmask operational warranty covering manufacturing defects; DOA replacement within 72 hours
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ — Contact support@konmask.com or call +0086 19859288691 with your required quantity, delivery timeline, and destination
- Receive Quotation — Formal quotation issued within 4 business hours including unit price, lead time, and shipping options (DHL / FedEx / sea freight)
- Order Confirmation — Purchase order accepted; proforma invoice issued for payment processing (T/T, L/C, or PayPal for small orders)
- Quality Inspection & Dispatch — Pre-shipment inspection completed; tracking number and inspection report provided within 24 hours of dispatch
- After-Sales Support — Dedicated technical support for installation, firmware configuration, and Studio 5000 integration queries
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the 1756-EN2TSC a direct replacement for the 1756-EN2T?
A: Yes, it is mechanically and electrically compatible with the 1756-EN2T and occupies the same chassis slot. The EN2TSC adds integrated VPN/security features; no backplane modifications are required.
Q: What VPN protocols does the 1756-EN2TSC support?
A: The module supports IPsec and SSL/TLS-based VPN tunneling. Specific protocol support depends on firmware version; consult Rockwell Automation Publication 1756-UM004 for the latest details.
Q: Can this module be used in a ControlLogix redundancy system?
A: Yes, the 1756-EN2TSC is compatible with ControlLogix redundancy (1756-RM2/A). Both primary and secondary chassis should be equipped with EN2TSC modules for full redundancy.
Q: What Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000 version is required?
A: Studio 5000 v21.00 or later is required. For legacy RSLogix 5000 environments, v20.00 is the minimum supported version.
Q: Do you provide firmware upgrade support?
A: Yes. Konmask technical support can assist with ControlFLASH firmware upgrade procedures and provide the appropriate firmware files upon request.
Q: What is the lead time for this module?
A: Standard in-stock orders ship within 1–3 business days. For large-volume or project-specific orders, lead time is confirmed at quotation stage.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
