Quick Answer: What replaced EKI-1751-AE?
Discontinued: EKI-1751-AE | Replacement: IMC-150LI
Why B+B SMARTWORX Discontinued the EKI-1751-AE
The B+B SMARTWORX EKI-1751-AE is in EOL IN PROGRESS status. Advantech, the parent company behind B+B SMARTWORX, has issued an official End of Life announcement covering the EKI-1751 series, including the EKI-1751-AE. That means the EKI-1751-AE is being phased out, although it may still be available from some channel partners and distributors while inventory lasts.
Based on the available research, the manufacturer has not published a detailed reason for discontinuing the EKI-1751-AE. There is no confirmed statement tying the EKI-1751-AE phase-out to compliance changes, a major hardware redesign, efficiency updates, or a new platform requirement. For buyers and procurement teams, the practical takeaway is simple: the EKI-1751-AE remains orderable in some cases today, but it is no longer the forward-looking choice for new deployments.
The official replacement identified in the EOL notice is IMC-150LI. If you are standardizing future purchases, refreshing installed devices, or trying to avoid last-time-buy risk on EKI-1751-AE, IMC-150LI is the model to evaluate first.
One important planning note: no formal EOL date or last-time-buy deadline was provided in the research data. Because the timeline is not specified, organizations using EKI-1751-AE should review spare stock, project schedules, and replacement planning sooner rather than later.
What's New in the IMC-150LI
Officially designated as the replacement for EKI-1751-AE
The most important update is not a published feature list, but the replacement status itself. IMC-150LI is the officially named successor for EKI-1751-AE in the manufacturer’s replacement guidance. For procurement teams, that matters because it gives you a clear migration target instead of relying on grey-market availability of the EKI-1751-AE.
Limited published comparison data
There is not enough manufacturer data in the research provided to make a full technical, side-by-side specification comparison between EKI-1751-AE and IMC-150LI. That means buyers should avoid assuming that IMC-150LI matches every function of EKI-1751-AE without checking the current datasheet or speaking with a supplier. This is especially important in industrial networking projects where line mode, range, connector type, and setup method affect site compatibility.
Known EKI-1751-AE capabilities to verify during migration
While full IMC-150LI specifications were not available in the source material, the known capabilities of EKI-1751-AE should guide your replacement review:
- VDSL2 support on EKI-1751-AE, including Profiles 17a and 30a
- Up to 1200 m / 3937 ft range over twisted pair on EKI-1751-AE
- RJ-45 port included on EKI-1751-AE
- DIP-switch configuration on EKI-1751-AE for Master/Remote and symmetric/asymmetric settings
If your current EKI-1751-AE installation depends on any of those items, confirm how IMC-150LI aligns before ordering for a live plant, utility, transportation, or remote Ethernet extension environment.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | EKI-1751-AE | IMC-150LI |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | B+B SMARTWORX | B+B SMARTWORX |
| Lifecycle status | EOL IN PROGRESS | Official replacement model |
| Replacement relationship | Being phased out | Replaces EKI-1751-AE |
| Reason for change | Official EOL announcement by Advantech | Named as relative replacing model |
| EOL date | Not announced | Not applicable in provided data |
| VDSL2 support | Yes, Profiles 17a/30a | Not specified in provided research |
| Range over twisted pair | Up to 1200 m / 3937 ft | Not specified in provided research |
| RJ-45 port | Included | Not specified in provided research |
| Configuration method | DIP-switch configurable | Not specified in provided research |
| Deployment guidance | Support existing installs while stock remains | Use for new quotes and migration planning |
Upgrade Checklist
- Identify installed EKI-1751-AE units. Build a site list showing where each EKI-1751-AE is deployed, including cabinet, circuit role, and link distance.
- Check current buying needs. If you still need EKI-1751-AE for immediate spares, confirm channel availability now because EOL IN PROGRESS status can lead to uneven stock.
- Validate application requirements. Review whether your EKI-1751-AE setup depends on VDSL2 Profiles 17a/30a, the 1200 m range, the RJ-45 interface, or DIP-switch operating modes.
- Compare IMC-150LI against your exact use case. Since the provided research does not include full IMC-150LI specifications, verify compatibility before replacing EKI-1751-AE in production environments.
- Document configuration settings. Record the EKI-1751-AE DIP-switch selections for Master/Remote and symmetric/asymmetric operation so the replacement process is repeatable.
- Plan around uncertain timing. No final EOL date has been published for EKI-1751-AE, so do not wait for a firm deadline before reviewing replacement stock and budget.
- Standardize future procurement on IMC-150LI. For new projects, RFQs, and refresh cycles, move purchasing away from EKI-1751-AE and toward IMC-150LI.
- Use an authorized sourcing path. Buying IMC-150LI through a trusted reseller helps reduce the risk of mixed lifecycle status, unclear stock conditions, or outdated product listings.
Bottom Line
The B+B SMARTWORX EKI-1751-AE is not yet fully gone, but it is officially in the EOL process and being phased out. IMC-150LI is the confirmed replacement for EKI-1751-AE, making it the right part number to use for forward-looking purchasing and migration planning.
Because the published research does not include a full IMC-150LI specification set, technical teams should verify application fit before replacing installed EKI-1751-AE units. For procurement teams, the key action is to shift new quotes and sourcing toward IMC-150LI now rather than waiting for EKI-1751-AE availability to tighten further.
Ready to switch? Shop IMC-150LI →
