PLC Network Topology Viewer
Visualize Controllers, I/O, and Networks
Visualize your controller, I/O modules, and network connections. Upload your ACD or L5X file and see the complete hardware topology of your PLC system.
What Does Topology Visualization Show?
Every Allen-Bradley PLC project includes an I/O configuration that defines the physical hardware: which controller is in which slot, what I/O modules are installed, how remote racks are connected, and which network addresses are assigned.
The topology viewer extracts and displays:
- Local chassis layout with controller and module positions
- Remote I/O racks with all installed modules
- EtherNet/IP network connections and IP addresses
- ControlNet and DeviceNet network configurations
- Produced and consumed tag relationships between controllers
- Module catalog numbers, firmware versions, and connection types
Troubleshooting I/O Faults
Quickly identify which module is in which slot and rack when a fault occurs
Planning System Modifications
See available slots and network capacity before ordering hardware
Documentation for Audits
Generate accurate hardware documentation without being on-site
Verifying Spare Parts
Confirm exact catalog numbers and firmware versions for replacement modules
See Your System Your Way
Choose the visualization that best fits your task
Rack View
See a visual representation of each chassis with modules in their physical slot positions. Quickly identify empty slots, module types, and catalog numbers at a glance.
Tree View
Navigate the I/O configuration hierarchy as a tree: controller, local chassis, remote racks, and individual modules. Expand and collapse sections to focus on specific areas.
Communications View
Visualize network connections between controllers and devices. See EtherNet/IP connections, IP addresses, produced/consumed tag mappings, and communication paths.
Automatic Module Type Identification
Every module in your I/O configuration is classified and displayed with its full specifications
Digital I/O Modules
Identify digital input (1756-IB16, 1756-IB32) and output modules (1756-OB16, 1756-OB32) with point counts and wiring configurations.
Analog I/O Modules
View analog input (1756-IF8, 1756-IF16) and output modules (1756-OF8) with channel ranges, signal types, and scaling parameters.
Communication Modules
Detect EtherNet/IP (1756-EN2T, 1756-EN3TR), ControlNet (1756-CNB), and DeviceNet (1756-DNB) modules with network addresses.
Motion Modules
Identify servo drive modules (1756-M08SE, Kinetix connections) with axis configurations, feedback types, and motion group assignments.
Safety Modules
Detect GuardLogix safety I/O modules (1756-IB16S, 1756-OB16S) and safety network connections with SIL rating information.
Produced/Consumed Tags
Map tag connections between controllers. See which controller produces each tag and which controllers consume it across the network.
View Topology From Any Allen-Bradley File
Upload files from ControlLogix, CompactLogix, or SLC 500 systems
View Your Network Topology
Upload your file and see the complete I/O architecture
Drop your PLC file here
or browse to select
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLC network topology?
PLC network topology refers to the physical and logical arrangement of controllers, I/O modules, communication networks, and connected devices in an automation system. For Allen-Bradley systems, this includes the controller chassis with its backplane, remote I/O racks connected via EtherNet/IP or ControlNet, and produced/consumed tag connections between controllers. Understanding the topology is essential for troubleshooting communication issues and planning system modifications.
How does the topology viewer extract network information?
The topology viewer parses your ACD or L5X file to extract the complete I/O configuration tree. This includes the local controller chassis, all modules in each slot (with catalog numbers and firmware versions), remote I/O racks and their modules, EtherNet/IP connections with IP addresses, produced and consumed tag relationships, and communication paths. The information is presented in an interactive visual layout.
What I/O module information can I see?
For each I/O module in your configuration, the viewer displays: catalog number (e.g., 1756-IB16), slot position, module description, firmware version, connection type (rack-optimized, direct), module-defined tags, and channel configuration. You can see which modules are digital input, digital output, analog input, analog output, communication, motion, or specialty modules.
Can I view topology without Studio 5000?
Yes. PLC Company extracts and displays the complete I/O configuration and network topology from your ACD or L5X file without requiring Studio 5000. This is particularly useful for maintenance teams who need to verify module configurations, check IP addresses, or understand the I/O architecture of a system without having a Rockwell license available.