What does DeviceNet work with?

It works with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Allen-Bradley PLC-5, FANUC R-30iB, Remote I/O blocks.

What should I watch for with DeviceNet?

Trunk line length and termination resistors affect signal integrity. Node addressing conflicts are a common troubleshooting issue. Spare parts and support are increasingly limited for new builds.

Fieldbus & networking

DeviceNet

Legacy CAN-based fieldbus still found on older robot cells for linking simple I/O devices, grippers, and photoeyes to a PLC.

DeviceNet predates modern industrial Ethernet and runs on a twisted-pair trunk line carrying both data and 24V power to field devices. It was the default fieldbus on many Allen-Bradley PLC installations through the 2000s and remains common on robot cells installed during that era.

A typical DeviceNet segment mixes sensors, grippers, and remote I/O blocks on the same trunk, addressed by node number rather than IP address. Robot controllers connect as a scanner or adapter node depending on which side initiates communication.

Most new installations favor EtherNet/IP or PROFINET, so DeviceNet work today is mostly maintenance and expansion of existing cells rather than new design.

Related integrations

ethernet ip allen bradley controllogix

Common questions

What does DeviceNet do?: Legacy CAN-based fieldbus still found on older robot cells for linking simple I/O devices, grippers, and photoeyes to a PLC.
What does DeviceNet work with?: It works with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Allen-Bradley PLC-5, FANUC R-30iB, Remote I/O blocks.
What should I watch for with DeviceNet?: Trunk line length and termination resistors affect signal integrity. Node addressing conflicts are a common troubleshooting issue. Spare parts and support are increasingly limited for new builds.