What is Ethernet I/P?

EtherNet is a standard communications protocol embedded in software and hardware devices, intended for building a local area network (LAN). EtherNet was designed by Bob Metcalfe in 1973, and through the efforts of Digital, Intel and Xerox (for which Metcalfe worked), "DIX" EtherNet became the standard model for LAN's worldwide.

A basic hard-wired LAN consists of the following components:

1. Two or more computers to be linked together, or networked
2. A network interface card (NIC) in each computer
3. EtherNet cable to connect to each computer
4. A networking switch or networking hub to direct network traffic
5. Networking software

An NIC is installed in each computer, and is assigned a unique address. An EtherNet cable runs from each NIC to the central switch or hub. The switch or hub will act as a relay (though they have significant differences in how they handle network traffic), receiving and directing packets of data across the LAN. Thus, EtherNet networking creates a communications system that allows the sharing of data and resources, including printers, fax machines and scanners. For an inexpensive network located in a single building, EtherNet is a well-established standard with a solid record, boasting over three decades of providing reliable networking environments.

EtherNet networks can also be wireless. Rather than using EtherNet cable to connect the computers, wireless NIC's use radio waves for two-way communication with a wireless switch or hub. In lieu of EtherNet ports, wireless NIC's, switches and hubs each feature a small antenna. Wireless networks can be more flexible to use, but also require extra care in configuring security.

The formal designation for standardization of the EtherNet protocol is sometimes referred to as IEEE 802.3. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) proposed a working group in February 1980 to standardize network protocols. The third subcommittee worked on a flavor essentially identical to EtherNet, though there are insignificant variances. Consequently, generic use of the term "EtherNet" might refer to IEEE 802.3 or DIX EtherNet.

What is EtherNet/IP™?

EtherNet/IP™ (not to be confused with TCP/IP) is an industrial protocol maintained by ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendor Association). This communication protocol uses standard Ethernet hardware to communicate between device and network. You can read more on this on the ODVA web site “www.odva.org”.

EtherNet/IP™ was introduced in 2001 and today is the most developed, proven and complete industrial EtherNet network solution available for manufacturing automation. EtherNet/IP™ is a member of a family of networks that implements the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™) at its upper layers. CIP encompasses a comprehensive suite of messages and services for a variety of manufacturing automation applications, including control, safety, synchronization, motion, configuration and information. As a truly media-independent protocol that is supported by hundreds of vendors around the world, CIP provides users with a unified communication architecture throughout the manufacturing enterprise.

EtherNet/IP™ provides users with the network tools to deploy standard EtherNet technology for manufacturing applications while enabling Internet and enterprise connectivity. The result: data anytime, anywhere.

EtherNet — and the TCP/IP Suite to which it is inextricably linked — is the same network technology used in the majority of local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) architectures found in commercial and domestic applications around the world. EtherNet has an installed base numbering in the billions of nodes. By leveraging the economies of scale in this proven commercial technology, EtherNet/IP provides users with the tools to deploy standard EtherNet technology for manufacturing