Industrial networking and communication parts are what let a PLC, a drive and a remote I/O rack talk to each other: fieldbus and Ethernet adapters, scanners, taps, redundancy modules and managed switches. When one of them drops off the network, the machine may still be powered but the line is blind and the PLC faults. MT.parts keeps 260+ communication and networking parts in stock from the leading industrial brands, including modules the manufacturer has discontinued.
Where these parts are used
- Drives and starters on a PLC network, connected with EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET or PROFIBUS DP adapters.
- DeviceNet lines still in production, where a DeviceNet scanner in the PLC rack talks to DeviceNet adapters at the machine.
- Ring and redundant Ethernet topologies, built with 2-port EtherNet/IP adapters with DLR and generation 2 redundancy modules.
- On-machine and washdown installations, where IP67 managed switches (8-port and 18-port) replace a panel-mounted switch.
- Legacy drive retrofits, using DDCS communication modules and R generation adapters on ACS550 and ACS800 drives.
- Distributed and remote I/O, where an Ethernet adapter carries a full I/O rack onto the plant network for SCADA and historian data.
How to choose a replacement communication module
Two modules can share a protocol and still not work in the same slot. Check these before ordering:
- Part number first. The exact catalog number on the module is the safest match. Search it in our catalog.
- Protocol and profile, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS DP, Modbus TCP or DeviceNet, and the device profile the controller expects to see on the network.
- Host device and slot. Adapter cards are specific to a drive or controller family, for example R generation modules built for ACS550 and ACS800 drives.
- Port count and media, single port versus 2-port for a ring or daisy chain, copper RJ45 versus fiber, and M12 connectors versus RJ45 on IP67 units.
- Managed versus unmanaged, plus the ring and switching features actually in use: DLR, MRP, VLANs, IGMP snooping and QoS.
- Power and enclosure rating, backplane-powered versus external 24 V DC, and IP20 panel mounting versus IP67 on the machine, along with the firmware revision your controller expects.
If you are unsure which code replaces yours, send us the nameplate data and our team identifies the correct module.
New, refurbished and obsolete modules
We supply three conditions, and the condition is always stated on the product page. New modules are factory-sealed. Refurbished modules are inspected, repaired where needed and functionally tested before shipping, including a check that the ports link up. Obsolete and hard-to-find modules are models the manufacturer has discontinued, which is often the only way to keep a DeviceNet or PROFIBUS segment alive without migrating the whole network. Every module we ship carries a 12-month warranty.
Networking brands and series we stock
- Allen-Bradley: DeviceNet adapters, DeviceNet scanners, 2-port EtherNet/IP adapters with DLR, EtherNet/IP taps, generation 2 redundancy modules
- ABB: DDCS communication modules (ACS800), Ethernet adapters (R generation, ACS550 and ACS800), PROFIBUS DP adapters (R generation)
- Schneider Electric: Ethernet and fieldbus communication modules, identified by the part number on the module
- Omron: communication units and network adapters, identified by the part number on the module
- Siemens: communication processors and network interfaces, identified by the part number on the module
- WAGO: fieldbus and Ethernet couplers, identified by the part number on the module
- Mitsubishi Electric: network and communication modules, identified by the part number on the module
We also stock 2-port Ethernet adapters that support EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and PROFINET, and IP67 managed switches in 8-port and 18-port versions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a communication adapter and an I/O module?
A communication adapter carries data: it puts a drive, a rack or a machine onto a fieldbus or Ethernet network and exchanges the data with the controller. An I/O module carries signals: it reads sensors and drives outputs. A remote rack usually needs both, one adapter as the network head plus the I/O cards behind it.
Can I replace a discontinued communication module with a newer one?
Sometimes, but the newer module may need different firmware in the host, a different configuration file (EDS or GSD) and a different slot or footprint, which means reconfiguring the controller. Replacing with the same discontinued catalog number keeps the network configuration untouched. We stock obsolete modules for that reason.
Do refurbished communication modules come with a warranty?
Yes. New, refurbished and obsolete modules all ship with a 12-month warranty.
How fast can I get a quote?
We reply to quote requests within 24 hours, including part identification when you only have nameplate data.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide, including to plants outside the United States.
Can't find your part number?
If the module you need is not listed, we source it. Send us the manufacturer, part number and quantity, and our team locates the unit, including discontinued models. Request a quote.
