ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO Alternative: EtherNet/IP to Data Highway Plus (DH+) Bridge

The ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO is a multi-mode industrial communication gateway manufactured by ProSoft Technology designed to interface EtherNet/IP networks with legacy Rockwell Automation Data Highway Plus (DH+) and Remote I/O (RIO) systems.

While the AN-X2 family is widely recognized for specialized Remote I/O rack migrations and drive replacements, plants looking strictly for an Ethernet-to-DH+ bridge to connect modern HMI, SCADA, or RSLogix software to existing PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 controllers often find the AN-X2 unnecessarily complex and expensive, with distributor pricing ranging from $2,200 to $3,500+ USD.

The ANC-100e provides a streamlined, cost-effective drop-in alternative engineered specifically for high-speed Ethernet-to-DH+ bridging without the overhead of unused RIO migration modes.

Understanding the Operating Modes: ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO vs. ANC-100e

The AN-X2 gateway operates across several distinct operating modes, requiring mode-specific firmware loads and manual configuration depending on the target application:

• Remote I/O Migration Modes: Designed to replace legacy 1771 Remote I/O adapter racks and obsolete 1336 drives while keeping existing I/O wiring intact. (ProSoft’s core strength).
• DH+ Bridging Mode: Used to bridge EtherNet/IP to DH+ networks for programming and HMI communication.

When to choose which gateway: If your plant requires complex Remote I/O rack scanning and legacy drive emulation, ProSoft is the appropriate migration tool. However, if your goal is simply to bridge Ethernet SCADA, HMIs, and programming workstations to existing DH+ PLCs, the ANC-100e is faster to commission, pocket-sized, and saves over 50% in hardware costs.

Technical Specification Comparison: ANC-100e vs. ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO vs. RTA 460ETCDHM

Key Advantages of the ANC-100e Over the ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO

For standard Ethernet-to-Data Highway Plus integration, the ANC-100e delivers several distinct operational advantages over legacy AN-X2 hardware:

• Direct PanelView Plus to SLC 5/04 Messaging: While AN-X2 documentation notes special restrictions when communicating between Ethernet PanelView Plus HMIs and SLC 5/04 processors over DH+, the ANC-100e natively supports EtherNet/IP messaging directly to both SLC 5/04 and PLC-5 controllers.
• True Auto-Commissioning in the Field: Maintenance engineers do not need to pre-determine network baud rate, Blue/Clear polarity, or identify an unused node. The ANC-100e automatically scans the DH+ network, matches baud rate, corrects polarity, and grabs an available node.
• Transparent ControlLogix Driver Architecture: Requires no custom software tools for bridging. RSLinx Classic, FactoryTalk Linx, and Ignition communicate directly through the ANC-100e using standard Allen-Bradley Ethernet drivers.
• Immediate Availability & Transparent Pricing: Available directly online for $1,195 USD with same-day shipping, avoiding multi-week distributor quoting cycles.

Modern Alternative for ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO and Obsolete Rockwell Cards

In addition to fixed cabinet installations, the ANC-100e serves as a modern replacement for legacy ProSoft gateways and discontinued Allen-Bradley hardware interfaces, including the 1784-U2DHP, 1784-PKTX, 1784-PCMK, and 1756-DHRIO (without requiring a ControlLogix chassis).