The Allen-Bradley 2711P-RN16 is an optional communication adapter. This adapter is installed on top of an existing Logic module, enabling Data Highway Plus (DH+), Remote I/O (RIO) and DH-485 network connectivity. It is compatible for use with PanelView Plus / PanelView Plus CE and PanelView Plus 6 graphic operator terminals. Specifically, it may only be installed with operator terminals having screen size of 7-inch to 15-inch or 700 to 1500 range. When used with PanelView Plus 6, only Data Highway Plus (DH+) and DH485 is supported as the PanelView Plus 6 does not support native Remote I/O communications, even with a 2711P-RN6 communication module. Additionally, the 2711P-RN6 is not compatible with PanelView Plus 7 graphic operator terminals.

The 2711P-RN6 comes with One (1) DH485 port and One (1) DH+ / RIO communication ports. Both ports are phoenix connectors with the DH485 having 6 pins and DH+ / RIO having 3 connection pins. Additionally, this communication adapter has Two (2) LED status indicators that indicate Channel is not online when OFF, Device is only node on the network when Blinking green, Device is online and receiving token when Solid green, DH-485: Duplicate node / DH+: Parity error when Blinking red and Failed self-test when Solid red.

The DH+ and RIO network supports multi-node communication and may cover long distances. These communication protocol supports daisy-chain topology and fast data transmission rate. It requires use of the 1770-CD or the Belden Blue Hose cable. For DH-485 communication, it also support daisy chain topology and requires use of Belden #3106A or #9842.

This module has indicators that show the status of the DH-485 or the DH+ network connections. On the DH-485 network, the controller can send and receive messages to and from other controllers on the network. The Allen-Bradley 2711P-RN6 does support remote programming and monitoring. Keep in mind that excessive traffic through a DH-485 connection may affect performance and result in loss of time and efficiency. The Allen-Bradley 2711P-RN6 network sends information from 1 device to another. This module monitors process status and device status. It supports data acquisition and monitoring, program uploading and downloading, and supervisory controls. The maximum network length for this module is 4000 feet. This module can connect with up to 32 devices at a time. This module can also add and remove nodes without disrupting the network. The protocol that controls the transfer of messages on the DH-485 network supports 2 classes of devices: initiators and responders. The maximum number of addresses that the initiators will seek before wrapping to zero is the value at the maximum configurable node address. The default value for is 31 for all the initiators and responders. The 2711P-RN6 must have at least 1 initiator on its network. The shipping weight of the 2711P-RN6 is 3 pounds and the shipping dimensions are 11 x 8 x 6 inches.