Yes, do that, but not for connectivity between RSLogix and the SLC 5/04. We hang Digi's off our Micros and SLCs where possible, and they run until the case completely melts off of them, tucked in an overheated wet pounding plate former.
The G3 should replace any PV+ application...so I am not disagreeing about doing that too. It is pretty easy to add PLC status monitoring to a G3 and view it via browser on the local LAN, and you can use their pass through driver or buy a license for a trusted one and be able to pause the HMI to allow serial redirection to your RSLogix500 workstation.
Yes, string ethernet and 24vdc to a local 4 port switch, and plug in a Digi (to SLC CH0) and a G3.
