EtherNet/IP is a popular communication protocol. They are widely used with many advantages. So what is EtherNet/IP? Let’s find out with plctop.com through the article below.
1. What is EtherNet/IP?
What is Ethernet/IP? It essentially consists of EtherNet and IP. Unlike other technology solutions, Ethernet/IP uses an open protocol. This protocol is widely accepted as CIP. In other words, Ethernet/IP is the embodiment of CIP in the Ethernet TCP/IP network. It’s like DeviceNet is the embodiment of CIP in CAN networks.
2. Difference between “Ethernet” and “Ethernet/IP”
The cable connecting the PC and the router is essentially the physical part of Ethernet. It is the means of transmitting Ethernet messages to the PC. The connection cable contains a variety of communication protocols such as IP, TCP, etc. This protocol is suitable for office environments. It allows users to share files, access devices, send emails, search for information on the Internet, etc. Or can perform many other communications in this environment.
Instead, in the factory environment, the protocol used is quite special. Instead of accessing files and devices, the factory controller must first access the embedded data. These data are embedded in drive systems, workstations, and I/O devices. The data communication needs here are real-time. Users do not lose time waiting while the tasks are in progress.
3. How does Ethernet/IP work?
The way Ethernet/IP works is to use TCP/IP to send explicit messages. The messages include application data, the meaning of the data, and associated services. Ethernet/IP also integrates with the UDP/IP standard for transmitting service messages. In other words, those are implicit messages. Ethernet/IP reconciles both TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocols in messages sent over the network. From there, companies can use them for information retrieval and control.
Above all, in addition to visible messages, Ethernet/IP also provides hidden messages. Thus, EtherNet/IP provides all the necessary services for control networks. They are responsible for exploratory and cyclical transmission of point and multipoint data. This feature definitely indicates that EtherNet/IP will continue to thrive in the future.
4. Summary of things to know about Ethernet/IP
- EtherNet/IP is the transmission protocol inside a TCP/IP packet. In other words, EtherNet/IP is how data is organized scientifically in a TCP or UDP packet.
- Devices on an EtherNet/IP network represent data as a string of values. These are called attributes and are grouped with other similar data values. Then create sets of properties called objects.
- EtherNet/IP Application Objects have data for specific devices. Devices in
- EtherNet/IP will support those specific devices. Hence, they all have the same set of EtherNet/IP application objects.
- There are two types of messages that are transmitted between the EtherNet/IP Scanner Device and the EtherNet/IP Adapter Device. These messages are asynchronous data and continuously transmitted data.
- EtherNet/IP is part of CIP. The CIP over CAN protocol is DeviceNet. And the CIP over Ethernet protocol is EtherNet/IP.
