Ethernet Industrial Protocol (Ethernet/IP)

Developed in the late 1990s and released in early 2000, EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an application layer protocol that defines devices on a network as a series of objects.

EtherNet/IP™ is a best-in-class Ethernet communication network that provides users with the tools to deploy standard Ethernet technology (IEEE 802.3 combined with the TCP/IP Suite) in industrial automation applications while enabling Internet and enterprise connectivity…data anytime, anywhere. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 are providing manufacturers with significant opportunity for innovation. To capitalize on this opportunity and be able to connect all devices – not just those connected to controllers – industrial users must invest in networks that support the Internet Protocol. Through its reliance on standard Internet and Ethernet standards, EtherNet/IP is proven, complete and ready for Industry 4.0 and IIoT both today and tomorrow.

EtherNet/IP offers various network topology options including star or linear with standard Ethernet infrastructure devices, or device level ring (DLR) with specially enabled EtherNet/IP devices. QuickConnect™ functionality allows devices to be exchanged rapidly (e.g., a tool changer on a robot arm) while the network is running. Compliance with IEEE Ethernet standards provides users with a choice of network interface speeds — e.g., 10, 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps — and a flexible network architecture compatible with commercially available Ethernet installation options including copper, fiber, fiber ring and wireless. Options for industrially rated devices incorporating IP67 or better rated connectors with module and network status LEDs with device labeling provide ease of use.

See Also

Internet Protocol (IP)
IP Network
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
IP Address