Answer
Yes, if you use a Series 3000 Controller (HI 3010, HI 3030, HI 3300 and HI 3600) in their own Hardy Ethernet network, the communication is considered to be Deterministic, but only if the correct equipment is used in your Ethernet network.
The common Ethernet hub simply broadcasts each message it receives to every one of its ports. Each Ethernet device also has to wait for its turn to ‘talk’ to the hub, increasing the likelihood of message collisions; therefore, real-time operation is jeopardized and determinism is difficult. Alternatively, an Ethernet switch automatically determines and remembers where an Ethernet device is located and routes messages only through the appropriate port. This minimizes network loading and enables true deterministic communications over Ethernet.
The most common way to achieve deterministic communications in an Ethernet network is to use Ethernet switches in conjunction with a dedicated network and only one master. The latter two requirements will insure that there are no message collisions by making sure that only one device is initiating communications. Then the Ethernet switches will consistently route your Ethernet messages via the same path and with the same timing every time.
