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Schneider BMENOC0301 Specs: Modicon M580 Ethernet Communication Module Guide
The Schneider Electric BMENOC0301 is a three-port Ethernet communication module designed for the Modicon M580 automation platform. It connects an M580 PLC to industrial Ethernet devices through Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP, supporting 10/100 Mbps communication, RSTP ring topology, SNMP network management, and FDR configuration recovery. The module occupies one slot in the main Ethernet + X-bus rack and receives power directly from the backplane. For replacement projects, engineers should pay particular attention to hardware revision, firmware compatibility, and the manufacturer’s announced BMENOC0302 successor.
Schneider BMENOC0301 Technical Specifications
The BMENOC0301 is a standard-format Ethernet communication module for industrial automation networks. Its three RJ45 ports support connections between the M580 controller and external Ethernet equipment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Schneider Electric |
| Product family | Modicon M580 |
| Model number | BMENOC0301 |
| Product type | Ethernet communication module |
| Physical Ethernet ports | 3 × RJ45 |
| Transmission speed | 10/100 Mbps |
| Ethernet standards | 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX |
| Communication protocols | Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP |
| Communication services | I/O Scanner, messaging, SNMP, FDR, RSTP, port mirroring, bandwidth management |
| Embedded switch | Yes |
| Web server | Basic web server |
| Backplane compatibility | BMEXBP Ethernet + X-bus racks |
| Power supply | Internal power through rack backplane |
| Current consumption | 555 mA at 3.3 V DC |
| Module format | Standard, single-slot installation |
| Net weight | Approximately 0.2 kg |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Relative humidity | 10–95% |
| Protection rating | IP20 |
| Marking | CE |
Source: Schneider Electric BMENOC0301 official datasheet and the BMENOC03.1 installation and configuration guide. Always verify the applicable product revision and installation documentation.
How Does the BMENOC0301 Work in an M580 Network?
The BMENOC0301 acts as an Ethernet communication interface between a Modicon M580 PLC and connected industrial network devices. It allows the controller to exchange process data, send commands, and communicate with equipment using supported industrial Ethernet protocols.
Its three RJ45 ports provide network connection options for different parts of an automation architecture. The module also uses the M580 Ethernet backplane to communicate with the controller and the rack system.
Typical connected equipment includes:
- Remote I/O stations and distributed automation equipment.
- Variable frequency drives and motor control devices.
- HMIs and industrial operator interfaces.
- SCADA systems and supervisory computers.
- Other PLCs and EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP devices.
The actual number of supported devices and communication connections depends on the firmware, network configuration, and system resource limits.
Three Ethernet Ports and Their Network Functions
One of the defining features of the BMENOC0301 is its three-port Ethernet interface. The ports support different network connection arrangements, but they should not be treated as three identical independent communication controllers.
RJ45 Ethernet connections
All three physical ports support 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX communication. Each connector has link and activity indicators that help technicians identify physical connectivity and network traffic.
RSTP ring topology
The bottom two Ethernet ports support ring topology using Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). This allows the module to participate in a network design that provides an alternative communication path when a network link fails.
However, RSTP protection does not apply identically to every connection. Schneider documentation distinguishes the two ring-capable Ethernet ports from the Ethernet backplane connection.
Important backplane connection warning
When the Ethernet backplane port is enabled, the BMENOC0301 is directly connected to the M580 CPU through the rack. Do not create an additional external Ethernet cable connection between the NOC module and CPU under this configuration.
Such wiring can create an unmanaged network loop because the backplane connection is not protected by RSTP in the same way as the two ring-capable ports. Follow Schneider’s official BMENOC0301 network cabling guidance when designing or modifying the network.
Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP and Other Communication Services
The BMENOC0301 supports Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP simultaneously. This is useful in plants where different devices use different industrial Ethernet protocols.
| Function | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Modbus TCP I/O Scanner | Exchanges cyclic I/O data with supported Modbus TCP devices. |
| EtherNet/IP I/O Scanner | Supports cyclic communication with configured EtherNet/IP devices. |
| Messaging | Enables supported communication and data exchange services. |
| SNMP | Provides network management information. |
| FDR | Supports configuration recovery for compatible devices. |
| RSTP | Supports ring network topology on the designated Ethernet ports. |
| Port mirroring | Helps capture network traffic for diagnostics. |
| Basic web server | Provides module monitoring and diagnostic information. |
For Modbus TCP server connections, Schneider documents support for up to 64 simultaneous connections with firmware version 2.08 and later. Earlier firmware versions supported up to 32 connections. This is a server-path connection limit, not a universal limit for all devices connected to the module.
See Schneider’s BMENOC0301 Modbus TCP connection guidance for the firmware-dependent details.
Firmware Compatibility: Why Hardware Revision Matters
BMENOC0301 hardware revisions can affect the minimum recommended firmware version. Schneider identifies a hardware revision change associated with PV13.
| Hardware revision | Firmware guidance |
|---|---|
| PV12 or earlier | Accepts the documented firmware versions. |
| PV13 or later | Minimum recommended firmware version is 2.15. |
Schneider warns that installing firmware earlier than 2.15 on PV13 or later hardware can disable the Ethernet backplane port regardless of its configured parameter. Reinstalling firmware 2.15 or later allows the port to be enabled or disabled again.
This distinction is important when replacing an older BMENOC0301 with a different hardware revision. Before downloading firmware, identify the module’s PV number and check the applicable firmware history.
Official reference: Schneider BMENOC0301 firmware compatibility rule.
BMENOC0301 vs BMENOC0311 vs BMENOC0302
These three references belong to the Modicon M580 Ethernet communication product range, but their positioning and lifecycle status differ.
| Model | Main function | Selection consideration |
|---|---|---|
| BMENOC0301 | Three-port Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication | Standard Ethernet communication and I/O scanning. |
| BMENOC0311 | BMENOC0301 capabilities plus FactoryCast services | Suitable when additional web visualization and diagnostic services are required. |
| BMENOC0302 | Performance Ethernet IP/Modbus TCP communication module | Schneider’s designated successor to BMENOC0301. |
The BMENOC0311 is not simply a newer hardware revision of BMENOC0301. Its FactoryCast functionality provides additional web-based visualization and diagnostic capabilities.
Schneider Electric identifies BMENOC0302 as the recommended replacement for BMENOC0301. However, a successor designation does not automatically establish drop-in compatibility with every existing M580 project.
Before migration, review the processor, rack, firmware, Control Expert configuration, network topology, and application requirements. Consult the official BMENOC0301 lifecycle and replacement information.
Product Lifecycle and Replacement Planning
Schneider Electric currently lists BMENOC0301 with a scheduled discontinuation date of December 1, 2027, and an end-of-standard-service date of December 31, 2035.
This makes lifecycle planning important for industrial users maintaining existing M580 installations. Buyers should distinguish between the manufacturer’s sales discontinuation date and the end of after-sales service.
For ongoing maintenance, the original BMENOC0301 may still be required to preserve an existing configuration. For new projects or planned modernization, the BMENOC0302 should be evaluated alongside the system migration requirements.
What to Check Before Ordering or Replacing BMENOC0301
Before purchasing this communication module, confirm the following information:
- Complete model number: Verify BMENOC0301 from the module label.
- Hardware revision: Record the PV number to avoid firmware compatibility problems.
- Firmware version: Check the installed software version and minimum supported revision.
- Rack compatibility: Confirm the existing M580 Ethernet + X-bus backplane.
- Network configuration: Document Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, RSTP, and backplane port settings.
- Replacement requirements: Evaluate whether the original module or BMENOC0302 is more appropriate.
For related Schneider Electric automation components, you can browse the Siesource industrial automation product catalogue. If you need BMENOC0301 for an existing installation, provide the full reference, hardware revision, required quantity, and destination through the Siesource contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Schneider BMENOC0301 used for?
BMENOC0301 is a three-port Ethernet communication module for the Modicon M580 platform. It connects the PLC with industrial Ethernet devices using Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP.
How many Ethernet ports does BMENOC0301 have?
It has three RJ45 Ethernet ports supporting 10/100 Mbps communication. The two bottom ports support RSTP ring topology.
Does BMENOC0301 support Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP simultaneously?
Yes. Schneider documentation specifies simultaneous support for Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication services.
What is the difference between BMENOC0301 and BMENOC0311?
BMENOC0311 provides the BMENOC0301 communication capabilities plus FactoryCast web-based visualization and diagnostic services.
What replaces Schneider BMENOC0301?
Schneider Electric identifies BMENOC0302 as the recommended replacement. Actual migration suitability must be checked against the installed M580 hardware, firmware, software, and network configuration.
Conclusion
The Schneider BMENOC0301 is a three-port Ethernet communication module for Modicon M580 systems, supporting Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, RSTP, FDR, SNMP, and network diagnostics. Its three-port architecture and backplane integration make it useful for industrial network communication, but hardware revision and firmware compatibility require careful attention. With BMENOC0302 identified as its successor, existing users should evaluate both immediate replacement needs and longer-term modernization plans.