ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO Gateway: Technical Overview, Modes & Alternatives
The ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO gateway and its current successor, the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO, are multi-mode gateways engineered to provide multi-mode communication bridging across legacy Allen-Bradley architectures. Specifically, by configuring selectable firmware operating modes, these modules allow automation engineers to connect modern EtherNet/IP networks to legacy Data Highway Plus (DH+), Remote I/O (RIO), and obsolete drive systems.
Dedicated Hardware Alternative for EtherNet/IP to DH+ Bridging
While the ProSoft AN-X platform requires downloading and swapping separate firmware configuration files for each network function, the Automation Networks ANC-100e provides a dedicated, standalone gateway engineered exclusively for DH+ to EtherNet/IP communication. As a result, it enables straightforward SCADA, HMI, and PLC bridging for legacy PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 systems without requiring unused Remote I/O drive functions or external configuration utilities.
Legacy (Discontinued 2023)
Active Alternative (In Stock)
ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO Gateway vs. ANC-100e Comparison
Compare hardware architecture, configuration methods, and lifecycle support between multi-mode gateways and dedicated hardware:
| Specification / Feature | Automation Networks ANC-100e | ProSoft AN-X2 / AN-X4 | Rockwell 1756-DHRIO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Network Scope | Dedicated DH+ to EtherNet/IP | Multi-mode (DH+, RIO, Drive, HMI) | Dual-channel (DH+ / RIO) |
| DH+ Auto Baud & Polarity | ✅ Automatic (57.6k, 115.2k, 230.4k) | ⚠️ Manual web config per mode | ❌ Manual rotary switch configuration |
| Node Address Discovery | ✅ Smart Free Node Auto-Selection | ⚠️ Manual octal entry (0–77) | ❌ Manual software mapping in RSLogix |
| Configuration Method | ✅ Standard Web Browser | Web browser & configuration files | Requires RSLogix 5000 / RSLinx routing |
| Hardware Requirement | ✅ Compact DIN-Rail Gateway | Standalone DIN-Rail Module | ❌ Requires ControlLogix chassis & power supply |
| Included Connectors | ✅ 3-Pin Phoenix + 8-Pin Mini-DIN | Phoenix connector only | Front connectors only (No cables included) |
| Lifecycle & Warranty | Active Production / Lifetime Warranty ($1,195 USD) | AN-X2: Discontinued (April 2023) AN-X4: Active, approx. $3,400–$4,800 USD new (varies by distributor) |
Discontinued (December 2024) |
Understanding Multi-Protocol Gateway Operating Modes
The ProSoft AN-X platform uses downloadable firmware operating modes to accommodate varied migration projects:
For comprehensive architecture comparisons and wiring schematics, read our complete 1756-DHRIO & ProSoft Alternative Guide.
AN-X4-AB-DHRIO: The Current ProSoft Model
ProSoft now offers the AN-X4-AB-DHRIO as the replacement for the discontinued AN-X2-AB-DHRIO. It keeps the same multi-mode approach: you select one operating mode during setup (DH+ bridge, PanelView upgrade, Remote I/O scanner or adapter, drive or Flex I/O migration) and manage it through a built-in web server. It has one 10/100 Ethernet port, mounts on a DIN rail and is rated for 0 °C to 50 °C.
If your project only needs DH+ to EtherNet/IP, for SCADA, HMI or RSLogix access to PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 processors, the ANC-100e does that one job with automatic baud rate, polarity and node detection, an operating range of -40 °C to +85 °C, and a list price of $1,195 USD.
Transparent Bridge vs. Tag-Mapping Gateway (RTA 460ETCDHM)
Some DH+ gateways work as data brokers. The Real Time Automation 460ETCDHM, for example, maps PLC file locations such as N7:200 or F9:1 to tags in a Logix processor, with up to 150 read and 150 write tags per PLC, and lists at $1,495–$1,510 USD on RTA's website. Every new data point means updating the map.
The ANC-100e works as a transparent bridge instead. RSLinx, FactoryTalk, Kepware and Ignition reach your DH+ processors directly through standard ControlLogix Ethernet/IP drivers, with no tag-mapping tables to build or maintain, and you keep full online programming access from RSLogix 5 and RSLogix 500.
Dedicated alternative to discontinued ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO modules. Connects legacy PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 systems to modern plant Ethernet.
- • Standalone DIN-Rail architecture
- • Ignition, Kepware & FactoryTalk compatible
- • 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee & Lifetime warranty
Field programming cable for PLC-5 and SLC 5/04 via RSLogix 500 and RSLinx Classic on Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit).
- • Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit) native support
- • Auto Baud & Auto Polarity detection
- • Includes Phoenix & mini-DIN cables
Replace discontinued ProSoft AN-X2-AB-DHRIO modules and costly ControlLogix 1756 bridging chassis. Automation Networks provides factory-warrantied gateways ready to ship from the USA, backed by a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.