Rslinx Classic and Enterprise Software
Rockwell Automation provides industrial plant connectivity through RSLinx Classic and Enterprise software, establishing reliable communication between Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory HMI/SCADA applications. While FactoryTalk Linx has replaced the original Enterprise edition for ControlLogix architectures, understanding RSLinx Classic and Enterprise software remains essential for maintaining legacy PLC-5 and SLC 500 hardware across operating plants.
Modern 64-bit operating systems do not support obsolete PCI/PCMCIA interface cards like the 1784-PKTX or 1784-PCMK, nor discontinued USB cables like the 1784-U2DHP. Engineers configuring RSLinx Classic and Enterprise software require native Ethernet/IP drivers paired with modern hardware interfaces (ANC-100e and ANC-120e) to eliminate legacy driver instability.
1. RSLinx Classic and Enterprise Software Architectural Differences
Understanding the distinct role of each communication server determines the proper driver setup and software licensing required on the plant floor:
- RSLinx Classic: Designed for standalone PLC programming, configuration, and DDE/OPC DA connectivity. It connects RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, and Studio 5000 to serial DF1, Data Highway Plus (DH+), DH-485, and Ethernet networks. (Looking for offline testing? Read our guide on how to download RSLogix 500 and RSLinx Classic Lite free).
- FactoryTalk Linx (formerly Enterprise): Embedded within the FactoryTalk Services Platform, optimized for high-throughput distributed SCADA applications like FactoryTalk View Site Edition without third-party OPC server overhead.
2. Configuring Communication Drivers for DH+ Networks
Rather than attempting to install obsolete 1784-U2DHP drivers that cause system crashes on 64-bit platforms, Automation Networks converters communicate using the native ControlLogix EtherNet/IP driver built directly into RSLinx Classic:
- ControlLogix Gateway Emulation: Both the ANC-120e USB cable and the ANC-100e gateway emulate a virtual 1756-ENBT to 1756-DHRIO bridge, allowing standard EtherNet/IP Devices (AB_ETHIP) or Ethernet Devices (AB_ETH) drivers to route DH+ traffic seamlessly.
- Transparent Node Browsing: Once pointed to the device IP address, RSWho expands the virtual backplane, browses the DH+ channel, and discovers all legacy PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 nodes automatically via built-in Auto-Baud detection.
3. Hardware Solutions for RSLinx Classic and Enterprise Software
Bridging modern engineering workstations to legacy DH+ architectures requires physical interface hardware with native 64-bit driver compatibility:
- ANC-120e USB Interface ($995 USD): Plug-and-play USB programming cable replacing the discontinued 1784-U2DHP and 1784-PCMK with full Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit) support.
- ANC-100e Ethernet Gateway ($1,195 USD): Permanent DIN-rail converter bridging DH+ racks directly to modern plant-wide EtherNet/IP networks, Kepware, and FactoryTalk View.
Direct USB alternative to 1784-U2DHP. Connects modern laptops to PLC-5 & SLC 5/04 via RSLinx Classic and RSLogix 5/500.
- Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit) native support
- Standard EtherNet/IP Driver integration
- Auto Baud & Auto Polarity detection
Permanent DIN-rail gateway connecting legacy DH+ networks to modern SCADA, FactoryTalk View, and RSLinx Classic.
- Standalone DH+ gateway architecture
- Ignition, Kepware & FactoryTalk compatible
- Lifetime Warranty & 30-Day Evaluation
4. Feature Comparison Matrix: RSLinx Classic vs. FactoryTalk Linx
| Feature / Capability | Rockwell RSLinx Classic | FactoryTalk Linx (Enterprise) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | PLC Programming & General OPC DA Bridging | Integrated FactoryTalk View SCADA / Live Data |
| Legacy Protocol Support | Data Highway Plus (DH+), DH-485, DF1 Serial | Primarily EtherNet/IP & ControlNet architectures |
| Programming Software Support | RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, Studio 5000 (Logix Designer) | Studio 5000 & FactoryTalk View Studio |
| OPC Server Type | OPC DA (Data Access) 2.05 & DDE Server | FactoryTalk Live Data & OPC UA Connector |
| Modern DH+ Hardware Solution | ANC-120e (USB Cable) & ANC-100e (Ethernet Gateway) | ANC-100e (EtherNet/IP to DH+ Gateway Bridge) |
Whether programming legacy PLC-5 / SLC 5/04 processors via RSLinx Classic or modernizing SCADA communications, Automation Networks hardware is in stock with same-day dispatch from Houston, TX.
Independent evaluations: See the ANC-120e review (The Automation Blog #58) and the ANC-100e setup video (#2).