yes i have the program. I keep trying to configure the driver through rslinx but while on the RSwho tab the module never shows up
Lets back up a step. Your original post stated that you were able to get online with the 5000 series controller and the 500 series controller. If the controller does not show up in RSLinx you would not have been able to connect to both.
At the most basic level, you need to figure out what your network is.
What is your ultimate goal?
What is the model/brand of your ethernet switch?
In reference to one of your questions, generally you will not have IP addresses for your switches.
You should also find out if the switch is managed or unmanaged.
What is the purpose of the connection between the two PLCs?
Is your switch connected to your company's intranet?
What CPU do you have in the 5000 rack?
Look at the IP setting for you ethernet card on your PC.
What are your settings?
What are the settings in the config of the RSLogix500 program?
What are the settings in the config of the RSLogix5000 program?
Do the subnets match?
Is their a gateway defined?
Have you ever "pinged" before?
This can be done through a Dos window or invoked from the run line in your windows start bar.
You can also try just opening a web browser and typing in the IP address of the device.
Can you confirm that you have an ENBT module in your 5000 rack so that we can rule out that you have some other sort of gateway to some other sort of fieldbus connecting the two.
The more specific information you can provide the better we will be able to help.