ControlNet to Ethernet.

[sparkie]

Thanks for everyone's input. I agree with everyone's attitude on the "if it's not broke, dont fix it". We still have have 14 racks of PLC5 system that connects to the ControlLogix and it does just fine.

What also made me ask these questions about switch was that the AB rep told me that in order to program a ControlNet setup, I would need to go to school for it. He said it wasnt just something that I could read and figure out. HE said it required specialized training.

This is a bunch of ****. I learned how to set up a ControlNet network on my own. I learned how to use the data structures. You can easily look at examples as they are your best friend. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you "can't do something." I would have called him on it too.

I had a very rudimentary PLC programming class at a community college and I took it there using spare parts and a test bench and taught myself how to do that stuff. Now, I have had help (especially on these forums) and have been able to ask questions, and finally got my company to spend 5K a year on phone support and software updates to help me when we got stuck.

There is a TON more to that story, but don't EVER let someone tell you you can't teach yourself something.

Know what you know (be confident)
Know what you don't know (be cautious if you aren't sure)
Find out what you don't know
Spread and Apply that knowledge

Good luck on learning, I was in your EXACT situation a few years ago and excelled. You can do the same with some intelligence, tenacity and pure stubbornness.