EtherNet/IP Industrial Ethernet Protocol Overview

Industrial Ethernet Protocol


The Industrial Ethernet Protocol (Ethernet/IP) was originally developed by Rockwell Automation and is now managed by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA). It is an already well established Industrial Ethernet communication system with good Real-Time capabilities. Ehernet/IP has a strong presence in America and Asia and has been selected by General Motors as a plant wide communication system for all GM factories worldwide. Ethernet/IP is standardized in the International standard IEC 61158 and Ethernet/IP devices are certified by ODVA for interoperability and conformance.

EtherNet/IP extends commercial off-the-shelf Ethernet to the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) — the same upper-layer protocol and object model found in DeviceNet and ControlNet. CIP allows EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet system integrators and users to apply the same objects and profiles for plug-and-play interoperability among devices from multiple vendors and in multiple sub-nets. Combined, DeviceNet, ControlNet and EtherNet/IP promote transparency from sensors to the enterprise software.

Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)
CIP provides a wide range of standard objects and services for access to data and for control of network devices via so-called "implicit" and "explicit" messages. The CIP data packets are encapsulated before they will be send with standard TCP or UDP telegrams on the Ethernet.

Ethernet/IP uses all the transport and control protocols of standard Ethernet including the Transport Control Protocol (TCP), the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), the Internet Protocol (IP) and the media access and signaling technologies found in off-the-shelf Ethernet technology. Building on these standard communication technologies means that Ethernet/IP works transparently with all the standard Ethernet devices found in today's market-place. It also means that Ethernet/IP automatically benefits from all further technology enhancements such as Gigabit Ethernet and Wireless technologies.

Configuration with EDS-Files
During the setup phase of the Ethernet/IP network, the Ethernet/IP Master Scanner must be configured with a special configuration tool such as Rockwell's RSNetWorx. The configuration process is based on electronic device data sheets (EDS-Files) which are required for each Ethernet/IP device. EDS-Files are provided by the device manufacturers and contain electronic descriptions all relevant communication parameter and objects of the Ethernet/IP device.

ETHERNET/IP FACTS
Network Type:	Ethernet based Control Level network with CIP application protocol
Topology:	Very flexible with Star, Tree and line topologies Switched Ethernet preferred for good Real-Time behavior
Installation:	- Standard Off the Shelf (COTS) Ethernet cables and connectors - Shielded 10/100 Mbit/s TX Ethernet cable or Fibre Optics - RJ45, M12 or Fibre Optic connectors
Speed :	10, 100, 1000 Mbit/s
max. Stations :	nearly unlimited
Data:	cyclic and acyclic process and parameter data up to 1.500 Byte per telegram frame
Network Features :	Advanced Ethernet based communication system using standard Ethernet-TCP/IP and UDP protocols in Layer 1-4 and the CIP protocol in Layer 7. Transparent coupling with DeviceNet and ControlNet.
User Organization:	Open DeviceNet User Organization (ODVA)