Prosoft PLX35-NB2 Remote Network Bridge Module

Description

1. Overview

The Prosoft PLX35-NB2 is an industrial-grade dual-port network bridge and security isolation gateway, specially designed for remote commissioning, fault diagnosis, program upload/download and cross-segment isolated communication of industrial automation systems. Compatible with full-range Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI, industrial servers and standard Ethernet automation devices, it realizes physical isolation between industrial control intranet and external network, secure remote access and transparent data transmission. It serves as the core hardware for unmanned factory operation, remote technical support and equipment after-sales maintenance.

Adopting dual independent 10/100Mbps Ethernet architecture, the module supports network isolation, port mapping, data transparent transmission and encrypted remote access. Equipped with an SD card local storage slot and intelligent firmware auto-recovery mechanism, it features power-on self-test, fault self-recovery, offline log caching and anti-broken upgrade protection. With standard DIN rail mounting and wide-temperature industrial design, it stably operates in harsh workshop cabinets and on-site field boxes, widely used in intelligent manufacturing, water treatment, energy equipment and industrial network upgrading projects.

2. Technical Features

2.1 Dual-Port Independent Isolation & Secure Network Partitioning

Equipped with two fully independent 10/100Mbps adaptive Ethernet ports, divided into intranet and extranet isolated architecture. It physically and logically isolates the industrial control intranet from office network and remote operation network, effectively preventing external network viruses, illegal access and network storms from invading the control system. It fully meets industrial network security partition and layered management specifications to ensure stable and safe operation of automation systems.

2.2 Full-Scenario Remote Operation & Maintenance

It supports remote program upload/download, online monitoring, variable viewing, fault diagnosis, system configuration and parameter modification, fully compatible with AB PLC series including PLC2, PLC5, SLC, CLX and Micro800. It enables remote debugging and after-sales maintenance without on-site attendance, greatly reducing travel costs and equipment downtime, perfectly matching the remote service requirements of equipment manufacturers.

2.3 Intelligent Fault Self-Recovery & High Operation Stability

Built-in intelligent firmware self-inspection and automatic recovery mechanism. If the device fails to boot continuously for multiple times, it will automatically roll back to the previous stable firmware and configuration, avoiding system paralysis caused by upgrade failure or configuration error. It supports power-off restart recovery, automatic network reconnection and parameter self-verification, realizing unattended fault repair for industrial sites.

2.4 Flexible Data Transmission Without On-Site Configuration Modification

It supports transparent transmission, port mapping, cross-segment routing and IP address conversion. Deployment requires no modification of original IP addresses and program configurations of on-site PLCs and HMIs. The plug-and-play design simplifies on-site reconstruction processes and avoids equipment abnormality and process disturbance caused by parameter changes.

2.5 Local Storage Backup & Dual Protection for Firmware and Configuration

Comes with an external SD card slot supporting up to 32GB industrial SD card for local storage of firmware, configuration files, operation logs and fault records. It realizes one-click backup and quick restoration of system configurations, and caches offline operation logs automatically after network recovery, facilitating equipment operation traceability and fault analysis.

2.6 Industrial Wide-Temperature Design for Harsh Long-Term Operation

Adopts industrial-grade components and anti-interference enclosure structure, with ultra-wide operating temperature range, moisture and vibration resistance. Compliant with industrial EMC standards, it effectively resists electromagnetic interference from inverters and high-frequency equipment, supporting 7×24-hour uninterrupted stable operation in complex industrial environments.

2.7 Compact DIN Rail Installation & Strong Compatibility

Standard DIN rail buckle mounting with compact size and stable installation, suitable for most industrial standard cabinets and on-site electrical boxes. Matched with dedicated configuration software, it supports local Ethernet and remote online debugging with flexible configuration. It is highly compatible with new and legacy industrial automation systems for renovation and new projects.

3. Detailed Specifications

3.1 Basic Hardware Parameters

Model: PLX35-NB2
Manufacturer: ProSoft Technology (USA)
Device Type: Industrial Remote Network Bridge / Security Isolation Gateway
Ethernet Ports: 2× Independent 10/100 Base-T Adaptive RJ45 Ports
Storage: External SD Card Slot, Max 32GB Local Storage
Mounting Method: Standard Industrial DIN Rail Mounting
Core Functions: Industrial Network Isolation, Cross-Segment Data Transmission, Remote Equipment Maintenance, Firmware Auto-Recovery, Configuration Backup & Restoration, Network Security Protection, Operation Log Recording
Compatible Devices: Full-Range AB PLC, Industrial HMI, IPC, Ethernet Servo and Intelligent Industrial Equipment

3.2 Network Communication Parameters

Transmission Rate: 10/100Mbps Adaptive, Full/Half-Duplex Auto-Negotiation
Network Architecture: Dual-Port Physical Isolation, Independent Intranet/Extranet Management
Network Modes: Transparent Transmission, Port Mapping, Static Routing, IP Conversion, Cross-Segment Pass-Through
Remote Connection: Encrypted Multi-Client Remote Access, Supports 5 Types of Server Connections
Protocol Compatibility: EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, Modbus TCP and Other Mainstream Industrial Ethernet Protocols
Transmission Performance: Low-Latency Data Forwarding, Zero Packet Loss and Protocol Parsing Error, Stable Communication

3.3 Electrical Parameters

Power Supply: Industrial Wide Voltage DC 10～30VDC
Power Consumption: Low Power Design, No Overheating During Long-Term Operation
Built-In Protection: Reverse Polarity Protection, Over-Voltage & Over-Load Protection, Port Short-Circuit Protection, ESD Protection
Electrical Isolation: Mutual Isolation of Dual Ports, Blocking Cross-Network Interference and Illegal Access
Power Fault Tolerance: Stable Operation Under Slight Industrial Voltage Fluctuation

3.4 Environmental & Mechanical Parameters

Operating Temperature: -30℃～+70℃, Ultra-Wide Industrial Temperature Range
Storage & Transit Temperature: -40℃～+85℃, Qualified for Long-Distance Transportation and Storage
Operating Humidity: 5%～95% RH (Non-Condensing), Moisture & Corrosion Resistant
Mechanical Performance: Compact Modular Structure, Vibration-Proof and Anti-Loose
Protection Grade: Industrial Dustproof & Moisture-Proof for Workshop and Outdoor Cabinet Operation
EMC Compliance: Comply with IEC 60068 Industrial Standards, Anti-RF, Anti-Harmonic and Anti-Surge Interference

3.5 Diagnosis & Maintenance Parameters

Self-Diagnosis: Power-On Self-Test, Link Status Detection, Firmware Verification, Configuration Self-Check, Operation Fault Alarm
Self-Recovery: Automatic Rollback of Backup Firmware and Configuration After Continuous Boot Failure
Maintenance Features: Local/Remote Online Configuration, Firmware Upgrade, One-Click Backup & Restoration
Log Function: Local SD Card Storage of Operation Logs, Communication Records, Fault Events and Configuration Changes

4. Operating Principle

After power-on, the Prosoft PLX35-NB2 completes hardware initialization, port self-test, firmware verification and configuration loading, and enters bridge operation mode after passing inspection. It builds an isolated network architecture through two independent Ethernet ports: the intranet port connects on-site industrial control equipment such as PLCs and HMIs, while the extranet port connects remote operation network, realizing physical isolation between internal control network and external network to prevent external security risks from invading the industrial system.

During operation, the module completes cross-segment transparent transmission, port mapping and route forwarding according to preset rules. It allows remote computers to connect, read/write programs, monitor variables and debug parameters of on-site industrial equipment without modifying local device IP or programs. The module real-timely monitors link status, firmware operation and configuration integrity. Once abnormal startup, firmware damage or configuration disorder is detected, it automatically triggers self-recovery and restores backup firmware and configuration from the SD card to resume normal operation quickly.

The device stores operation logs, communication events and fault information in the local SD card for subsequent traceability and analysis. It supports remote online configuration modification, firmware upgrade and operation management, realizing unmanned, remote and intelligent maintenance of industrial equipment.