News

Softing Industrial has officially launched the usbLink CN, a specialized interface adapter designed to provide a reliable migration path for engineers tasked with maintaining Rockwell Automation legacy infrastructure. As the industry moves toward modern Ethernet-based protocols, many critical manufacturing facilities continue to rely on ControlNet networks for time-critical I/O communications. With the discontinuation of the original Allen-Bradley 1784-U2CN adapter, the usbLink CN serves as a vital replacement, ensuring that technicians can continue to configure, troubleshoot, and monitor device status in older control architectures.

This new interface adapter enables seamless connectivity between standard laptops and ControlNet systems. By acting as a bridge between the PC’s USB 2.0 port and the network's RJ45 connection, the device replicates the functionality of the legacy hardware it replaces. Because Softing is an active member of the Rockwell Technology Partner program, the usbLink CN is engineered to meet rigorous performance standards, ensuring full compatibility with essential software suites such as RSLinx and RSNetWorx. This interoperability is paramount for maintenance teams who depend on these platforms for network mapping and device configuration. For engineers looking to maintain or source legacy system parts for their Rockwell-based setups, additional resources can be explored through theseRockwell Automation components.

Functionality has been prioritized to assist field engineers working in complex or dimly lit plant environments. The usbLink CN incorporates intuitive physical features, such as rotary switches for rapid node addressing and a series of status LEDs that allow for immediate diagnosis of USB or network connectivity issues. By reducing the complexity of physical layer troubleshooting, the adapter minimizes system downtime and simplifies the management of legacy assets. For those managing critical infrastructure wherepower supply modulesand other legacy components must remain operational, this adapter provides the necessary bridge to integrate older hardware into modern diagnostic workflows.

While the modern automation landscape is defined by streamlined Ethernet/IP protocols, the reality of brownfield site management often requires support for older communication standards. The requirement to carry specialized dongles and interface cards remains a standard practice for many control engineers tasked with facility upgrades or long-term operational support. Softing’s introduction of the usbLink CN addresses this persistent need, providing a durable and modern tool that protects existing capital investments in automation technology while ensuring ongoing visibility into the production process.

Written by: Thomas Sterling, a controls integration specialist with 16 years of experience in industrial network design, focused on the lifecycle management and modernization of legacy PLC architectures.