The Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN​ is a DeviceNet-to-EtherNet/IP Linking Device manufactured by Rockwell Automation under the Allen-Bradley brand, designed to bridge legacy DeviceNet networks with modern EtherNet/IP-based control architectures such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix systems. The Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN​ functions as a transparent protocol gateway: it houses a DeviceNet scanner (or listens as an adapter, depending on configuration) on one side and presents itself as an EtherNet/IP adapter (or explicit message client/server) on the other, allowing a Logix controller that has no native DeviceNet port to communicate with DeviceNet slaves—VFDs, smart sensors, valve manifolds, and legacy 1771- or 1769-DeviceNet scanners—over the plant’s standard Ethernet infrastructure.

The Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN​ is part of the 1788 series of “Linking Devices” introduced by Rockwell to ease the transition from DeviceNet-centric legacy cells to EtherNet/IP-dominant modern architectures without ripping out perfectly functional DeviceNet I/O drops. It provides two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports (Auto-MDI/MDIX) arranged as an embedded two-port switch for daisy-chaining or ring topologies, a 5-pin DeviceNet (CAN-based) round connector supplying up to 500 mA at 24 V DC to the attached DeviceNet trunk (when externally powered), and a web-server-based configuration interface accessible through a standard browser. The Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN​ is DIN-rail mountable, draws its operating power from a standard 24 V DC supply, and is configured using Rockwell’s RSNetWorx for EtherNet/IP and RSNetWorx for DeviceNet tools to map I/O assemblies and explicit-message routing between the two networks.

By deploying the Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN, system integrators can retain existing DeviceNet field devices—often representing significant capital investment—while standardizing the supervisory control layer on EtherNet/IP ControlLogix or CompactLogix processors. It supports both I/O messaging (cyclic data exchange) and explicit messaging (unsolicited/unconnected message – UCMM), enabling not only real-time I/O status but also parameter reads/writes to DeviceNet slave devices from the Logix controller via the linking device. This makes the Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN​ an essential enabler for phased migration projects, remote DeviceNet access over wide-area Ethernet, and consolidation of multiple DeviceNet segments behind a single EtherNet/IP node.

Product Model | 1788-EN2DN

Manufacturer | Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley

Product Type | DeviceNet to EtherNet/IP Linking Device (Gateway / Bridge Module)

Ethernet Ports | 2 × 10/100Base-TX (RJ45), Auto-MDI/MDIX, embedded 2-port switch

Ethernet Protocol | EtherNet/IP Adapter (Implicit I/O & Explicit Message), HTTP (web config), BOOTP/DHCP client

DeviceNet Port | 1 × 5-pin DeviceNet (Phoenix-style or round M12/Open-style per variant), CAN 125/250/500 kbps

DeviceNet Role | DeviceNet Scanner (Master) or Listen-Only Adapter (configurable)

DeviceNet Power Output | Provides up to 500 mA @ 24 V DC to DeviceNet network (when externally powered @ 24 V DC)

Input Power Requirement | 24 V DC nominal (18–31.2 V DC), typical draw ≈ 200–300 mA (excl. DeviceNet load)

EtherNet/IP I/O Packet Interval | Configurable, typically 5 ms – 250 ms (dependent on application & scan time)

Max DeviceNet Nodes per Link | Up to 63 DeviceNet nodes (subject to bus timing & message buffer limits)

Supported Message Types | Implicit I/O (Class 1), Explicit Messaging (Class 3 / UCMM), Unconnected Message Manager

Configuration Method | Web browser (embedded HTTP server), RSNetWorx for EtherNet/IP & DeviceNet

LED Indicators | PWR, NET OK (EtherNet/IP), MOD (DeviceNet status), I/O Active, MS (Module Status), NS (Network Status)

Mounting | 35 mm DIN Rail (EN 60715) or panel mount with screws

Enclosure Rating | IP20 (for installation inside enclosed control panel/cabinet)

Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (+32 °F to +140 °F)

Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C

Humidity | 5 %–95 % RH, non-condensing

Dimensions (H×W×D) | Approx. 120 × 50 × 110 mm (4.72 × 1.97 × 4.33 in.)

Certifications | UL 508, cULus, CE, C-Tick, KC, Ex rated options (some variants Class I Div 2)

Replacement / Related | 1788-EN2FF (ControlNet↔EtherNet/IP), 1788-CN2DN (ControlNet↔DeviceNet)

Transparent DeviceNet-to-EtherNet/IP Bridging:

The Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2DN​ maps DeviceNet I/O assemblies (Input/Output data sizes configurable up to typical 64–244 bytes per direction depending on firmware revision) into EtherNet/IP adapter tags within a ControlLogix or CompactLogix controller. This allows the Logix processor to treat the entire DeviceNet segment as a single EtherNet/IP node, reading sensor states and writing actuator commands without any custom middleware or protocol translation coding by the end user.