Kinetix Standalone vs. Networked: Which Drive Setup Is Right for You?

When it comes to motion control, there’s no shortage of options, but that can lead to confusion. Two of the most common choices in the Allen-Bradley Kinetix lineup are standalone drives, like the Kinetix 5100, and networked drives, like the 5300, 5500, 5700, and 6500.

At first glance, they can look similar. Both move motors, both drive production, and both carry the trusted Rockwell Automation name. But under the hood, they’re designed for very different purposes.

So how do you know which one makes sense for your operation? The answer starts with understanding what “standalone” and “networked” really mean in the context of servo drives.

What a Standalone Drive Really Does

The word “standalone” can be misleading. It doesn’t mean the drive is cut off from the world. Instead, it means the drive is capable of running independently without depending on a PLC or central motion controller. A drive like the Kinetix 5100 can execute its own motion profiles, handle I/O, and manage single-axis motion applications on its own.

For smaller machines or straightforward applications, that simplicity can be a huge advantage. A standalone drive can be set up and running without the added cost and complexity of network infrastructure. It also reduces the load on any other controllers in the system, because the drive is taking care of its own path planning and control loops.

That said, independence comes with trade-offs. Coordinating motion between multiple standalone drives isn’t easy. Each one is programmed individually, and while they can be connected to a network, they’re not built for high-precision synchronization. The more axes you add, the more complicated your wiring becomes, and the harder it gets to manage system-wide diagnostics.

For these reasons, standalone drives typically find their home in simpler applications: indexing tables, basic pick-and-place operations, or single-axis actuators. In these cases, they offer a cost-effective, reliable solution without requiring a more complex infrastructure than the application justifies.

What Makes a Drive “Networked”

Networked servo drives take a very different approach. Instead of planning and executing motion independently, they rely on a central Logix controller to send commands. Drives like the Kinetix 5300, 5500, 5700, and 6500 are designed to be part of a coordinated system, communicating with the PLC over EtherNet/IP.

This setup is especially powerful in multi-axis systems. When you need precise synchronization across multiple drives–think robotics, CNC machines, packaging equipment, or electronic camming–a networked drive system is the way to achieve it. Because everything runs through a single controller, you gain centralized diagnostics, coordinated motion, and the ability to manage all axes from one location.

The trade-off is that this approach depends on the network. If the PLC or network goes down, the drives will also stop. It also requires more expertise to set up and configure. And while networked drives offer flexibility and scalability, they often come with higher upfront costs, including hardware, software, and infrastructure.

In short, if standalone drives are like independent contractors who can handle a job on their own, networked drives are like a tightly coordinated team, following the direction of a single project manager.

A Closer Look: Kinetix 5100 vs. Kinetix 5300

Comparing the Kinetix 5100 and 5300 highlights how these two categories play out in real machines.

The Kinetix 5100 is versatile enough to run as a true standalone system, to connect with Micro800 controllers, or to integrate into Logix applications if you want to add it into a larger system later. It’s designed for simplicity, quick setup, and flexible deployment, making it attractive for small to mid-sized machines where cost and speed to market matter most.

The Kinetix 5300, by contrast, was built from the ground up for Logix integration. It offers dual Ethernet ports, hardwired Safe Torque Off, and a wide power range up to 15 kW. This drive isn’t trying to do everything on its own; instead, it excels as part of a system where multiple drives need to work together under a central controller.

If you’re building a standalone machine that doesn’t need to scale into a multi-axis environment, the 5100 may be all you need. But if you’re developing equipment that requires tight coordination or may expand in the future, the 5300 offers more flexibility and integration capabilities.

Weighing the Trade-Offs

It’s tempting to ask which option is “better,” but that’s the wrong question. The right question is which option is a better fit for your specific application.

Standalone drives often win on simplicity and cost. They’re easier to get up and running, they don’t require advanced networking knowledge, and they keep wiring straightforward. For single-axis systems, they’re hard to beat. But as soon as you need to synchronize multiple axes, their limitations become clear.

Networked drives shine in environments where coordination matters. The ability to run complex, synchronized motion profiles, monitor everything from one central controller, and troubleshoot remotely makes them indispensable in advanced manufacturing. But those benefits come with added complexity, and they’re only worth it if your application truly demands it.

Think of it as the difference between buying a dependable single-tool machine and investing in a fully integrated production line. Both can be the right choice; it just depends on what you need to build.

Making the Decision

If you’re still unsure which path to take, start by asking a few key questions:

• How many axes does my application require?
• Do I need precise coordination between those axes, or are they independent?
• How important are centralized diagnostics and remote monitoring to my operation?
• What’s my budget, not only for drives but for the network infrastructure and expertise required to manage them?

Answering these questions will often make the choice clear. If you’re dealing with a simple machine and cost is a primary concern, standalone is the logical choice. If you’re building a complex, synchronized system, networked is almost always the way to go.

Final Thoughts

There’s no universal right answer in the standalone vs. networked debate. Both categories exist for good reasons, and both have their place in modern manufacturing.

At HESCO, we’ve seen facilities succeed with each approach. Some customers rely on the straightforward reliability of standalone drives for single-axis machines. Others use networked drives to power multi-axis production lines that demand precise synchronization. What matters most is matching the drive to the application, balancing cost, performance, and long-term scalability.

If you’re weighing your options, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help you evaluate your system requirements and determine whether standalone or networked Kinetix drives make the most sense for your operation. The right decision today can save you time, money, and headaches tomorrow and set your machines up for lasting success.