The Buying Problem
Putting together an industrial network sometimes comes down to one split: pay for a new sealed module or reuse a used switch and spend the saved budget elsewhere. The choices in this industrial networking fieldbus comparison cover both sides of that split. The Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T is the only new unit, at the top of the stated range. The Cisco IE-3000-8TC managed switch carries a larger feature set, and the second Cisco IE-3000-8TC plus the N-TRON 708TX fill the lower end. Before you choose, decide whether you need a communication module or an Ethernet switch, whether managed-switch features matter to you, and how used condition fits into your plan.
Quick Take
For a new communication module with the 1756-EN2T model number, the Allen-Bradley option is the only new pick. For a managed industrial switch with a big port count and dual DC power, the Cisco IE-3000-8TC managed switch is the one with those details. For the same Cisco model family at a lower cost, the Cisco IE-3000-8TC module is the lower-priced follow-up. For a direct Ethernet switch focused on PLC/HMI links, the N-TRON 708TX is the least expensive way in.
Price Comparison
Listed prices range from USD 34.99 to USD 930.00, a spread of roughly USD 895.00. Condition splits this group: the Allen-Bradley is new, while the three Cisco and N-Tron units are used.
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | What Stands Out |
| New Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T Industrial Equipment Network Communication Module | USD 930.00 | | New condition; 1756-EN2T model and MPN |
| Cisco IE-3000-8TC Industrial Ethernet Switch Managed Network Equipment | USD 250.00 | | 16 Ethernet ports; managed switch; dual DC power |
| Cisco IE-3000-8TC Industrial Ethernet Switch Module IE 3000 8TC | USD 54.99 | | Same IE 3000 8TC model family; used unit |
| N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch | USD 34.99 | | Lowest listed price; Ethernet switch for PLC/HMI links |
Decision Matrix
- A new communication module is the priority: the New Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T is the only new unit here.
- Managed switching with a higher port count matters: the Cisco IE-3000-8TC managed switch is the unit carrying managed-switch and 16-port wording.
- The Cisco model number matters but the larger price does not: the Cisco IE-3000-8TC module keeps the same model family at a lower price point.
- A basic Ethernet switch is all you need: the N-TRON 708TX is the lowest-priced item in the set.
Product Notes
New Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T Communication Module
The Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T is a new Industrial Equipment Network Communication Module with a 1756-EN2T model and MPN. Choose it when your automation setup calls for this exact communication module and you want the only new-condition unit in the comparison. It is listed at USD 930.00, the top of the range, which reflects both its part number and its new status. The limitation is the price itself: if the task is simply Ethernet switching, a lower-priced unit can handle that role for far less. This module is for buyers who need the 1756-EN2T identity and are willing to accept the highest listed cost.
Cisco IE-3000-8TC Managed Switch (16 Port)
The Cisco IE-3000-8TC Industrial Ethernet Switch Managed Network Equipment at USD 250.00 brings the most complete switch specification to this set. It has 16 Ethernet ports, managed-switch wording, dual DC power inputs, an alarm relay, a console port, and an operating temperature range of -40°C to +60°C. Choose it when you need an industrial managed switch with a high port count and the rugged temperature range spelled out in the details. The limitation is condition: this is a used unit in Grade B condition, with slight scratches and no accessories included. If the accessory situation or wear matters, the new Allen-Bradley is the only unit in this group that avoids the used-condition caveat.
Cisco IE-3000-8TC Switch Module
The Cisco IE-3000-8TC Industrial Ethernet Switch Module IE 3000 8TC is listed at USD 54.99 and shares the IE 3000 8TC / IE-3000-8TC model and MPN with the higher-priced Cisco switch. Choose it when the Cisco model family matters and you want a lower price than the higher-specified Cisco switch. The trade-off is condition and detail: this is a used switch with visible wear, pulled from a working environment, and the profile focuses on the model and Ethernet switch type rather than the managed-switch and 16-port feature list. That makes it a sensible choice when you already know the model and do not need the broader feature recap.
N-TRON 708TX Ethernet Switch
The N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch is listed at USD 34.99, the lowest price in this set. Its role is an Ethernet switch for industrial automation and motion-control systems, aimed at PLC and HMI communication. Choose it when you need an Ethernet connection point at the least expensive listed cost and you are comfortable using a used unit. The limitation is scope: the details stay on the Ethernet switch role, while the managed-switch, 16-port, and dual-power wording appears on the Cisco IE-3000-8TC managed switch. If you need those capabilities, the N-TRON is not represented as a managed switch.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For a new network communication module: the Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T is the only new-condition item and carries the exact 1756-EN2T model number.
- For a managed industrial switch: the Cisco IE-3000-8TC managed switch is the one with the managed-switch and DC-power details.
- For the same Cisco model family at a lower price: the Cisco IE-3000-8TC module covers that space.
- For a basic Ethernet switch at the lowest listed price: the N-TRON 708TX is the entry point.
