Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to the communications configuration of programmable logic controller modules in an industrial automation environment. Systems and methods are provided that automatically enables a programmable logic controller module to operate on a communications network once communicatively coupled thereto. Other control modules, a personal computer, or the like can access and/or otherwise interact with a module as soon as it coupled to a network. Accordingly, manual module configuration it is not required prior to access and interaction in an industrial control system.