Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Model | NE870 |
| Order Code | 3BSE080239R1 |
| Brand | ABB |
| Product Type | Industrial RNRP router and firewall |
| Ethernet Ports | Multiple Gigabit and Fast Ethernet RJ-45 ports |
| Network Protocol | RNRP (Redundant Network Routing Protocol) |
| Routing Layer | Layer-3 routing with firewall functions |
| Power Supply | Redundant wide-range DC input |
| Digital I/O | Alarm contact outputs for fault signaling |
| Management | Console port (USB Micro-B) for CLI configuration |
| Mounting | DIN-rail mount with cast metal clip |
| Enclosure | Reinforced metal housing, industrial IP rating |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial wide temperature range |
| Safety Standard | Aligns with IEC 62443 network segmentation concepts |
| Supply Status | Surplus/refurbished availability |
Product Introduction
Network segmentation in a live DCS is not something you improvise during a shutdown. The NE870 (3BSE080239R1) is ABB’s dedicated industrial router/firewall built specifically for the 800xA ecosystem. It sits at the boundary between control networks and enterprise zones, enforcing security partitions while maintaining the redundant communication paths that 800xA depends on.What makes this unit different from a generic industrial switch is the native RNRP support. In an 800xA system, losing one network path should not mean losing visibility or control. The NE870 creates RNRP tunnel zones between redundant networks, so a single link failure does not cascade into a system-wide communication loss. It also acts as a firewall, filtering traffic between zones and preventing broadcast storms or malware from propagating into the control layer.The hardware is straightforward: multiple Ethernet ports give you enough headroom for controller links, operator station segments, and cross-zone tunnels. Redundant DC power means a single supply failure does not take down the network boundary. The console port and USB interface let you export and import configurations without needing a laptop with specialized software on the control network.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (SOP)
- Visual inspection: confirm model NE870, order code 3BSE080239R1, serial number, firmware label, and physical port condition.
- Power-up test: apply DC supply to both power inputs; verify LED status and boot sequence.
- Port verification: connect to each Ethernet port and confirm link negotiation at the expected speed.
- RNRP validation: configure RNRP parameters and verify tunnel formation with a peer NE870 or 800xA network node.
- Firewall rule check: confirm zone policies, ACLs, and traffic filtering match the site network design.
- Alarm output test: simulate power loss and link failure; verify digital I/O alarm contacts activate correctly.
- Configuration backup: export the running configuration via USB or console and archive with the test log.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
- RNRP configuration is not plug-and-play. The NE870 must be configured with the correct domain ID, tunnel parameters, and zone policies to interoperate with the existing 800xA network. A mismatched RNRP domain will not form a redundant path.
- Firmware revision matters. An NE870 running outdated firmware may not be compatible with newer 800xA system releases. Always check the firmware version against the site’s 800xA version matrix before deployment.
- Field lesson: A plant replaced a failed NE870 with a surplus unit that had the same order code. The hardware powered up, but the RNRP tunnel never formed because the replacement had a different firmware revision and a stale configuration from another site. The control network ran on a single path for several days until the mismatch was discovered during a routine redundancy test.
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation ️
- Obtain network change approval and coordinate with the control system team.
- Document the existing network topology, VLAN assignments, RNRP domain settings, and firewall rules.
- Back up the configuration from the existing NE870 if it is still accessible.
- Removal
- Label all Ethernet cables by port number and destination.
- Disconnect power and field wiring.
- Release the DIN-rail clip and remove the unit carefully.
- Installation
- Mount the replacement NE870 on the DIN rail and secure the locking clip.
- Reconnect Ethernet cables to the correct ports using the labels from the removed unit.
- Connect redundant DC power supplies and verify both inputs are active.
- Configuration & Commissioning
- Access the CLI via the console port.
- Load the saved configuration or rebuild RNRP domain, tunnel, and firewall settings from documentation.
- Verify RNRP tunnel status and redundancy switchover behavior.
- Test firewall policies by confirming expected traffic passes and unauthorized traffic is blocked.
- Validate digital I/O alarm outputs with the plant alarm system.
- Export and archive the final configuration.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Replacement Option | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NE870 3BSE080239R1, same firmware | Drop-in | Best option when firmware and configuration match |
| NE870 3BSE080239R1, different firmware | Verify | May require firmware update and configuration rebuild |
| ABB 800xA network infrastructure upgrade | Migration review | Requires network redesign and validation |
| Generic industrial router/firewall | Hardware mod required | Will not support RNRP natively; not recommended for 800xA redundancy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the NE870 3BSE080239R1 still in production?
Availability varies. ABB continues to support 800xA infrastructure, but specific NE870 stock may be surplus or refurbished. Contact ABB or an authorized distributor for current availability.Can I use a generic industrial switch instead?
Not if you need RNRP redundancy. A standard switch cannot participate in the 800xA redundant network architecture. The NE870’s RNRP support is essential for maintaining dual-path communication.What happens if RNRP is not configured correctly?
The redundant network will not form properly. The system may appear to operate normally on a single path, but there will be no automatic switchover if that path fails. This creates a hidden single point of failure.Does it require special software to configure?
Configuration is done via CLI through the console port. You do not need additional software licenses, but you do need familiarity with the RNRP parameter set and the site’s network design.Can it be used outside of ABB 800xA systems?
Technically yes, it is an industrial router/firewall. However, its primary value is the native RNRP integration with 800xA. Outside that ecosystem, a standard industrial router may be more cost-effective.What should I verify before purchasing a surplus unit?
Confirm the order code 3BSE080239R1, check the firmware revision, request photos of the nameplate and ports, and ask for a functional test report covering power-up, port operation, and RNRP capability.What warranty is reasonable?
For surplus or refurbished units, expect a functional warranty with pre-shipment test documentation. Avoid suppliers who cannot provide firmware details or port-level test results.




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