EtherNet/IP Network Overview

EtherNet/IP Network Overview



The EtherNet/IP network offers a full suite of control, configuration, and data collection services by layering the Common Industrial Protocol over the standard protocols used by the Internet (TCP/IP and UDP). EtherNet/IP uses TCP/IP for general messaging/information exchange services and UDP/IP for I/O messaging services for control applications. This combination of well-accepted standards provides the functionality required to support both information data exchange as well as control applications.

Another key feature of EtherNet/IP is that it uses commercial, off-the-shelf Ethernet components and physical media. This provides a cost-effective plant floor solution using a familiar and well-understood infrastructure.

The EtherNet/IP network is most often used in these types of configurations:

• as an economical solution for connecting many computers
  
• as the best choice when you want to connect many devices
  
• as the standard network for connectivity to enterprise systems
  
• as the least expensive HMI option when used with PanelView Plus
  
• in a star topology when nodes are grouped closely together
  

Rockwell Automation offers a full array of EtherNet/IP products, including controllers, I/O, operator interfaces, drives, and software. We have the products and know-how you need to set up a new EtherNet/IP system, and the products and innovations you need to maintain and grow your existing applications.

Benefits

• Worldwide acceptance of Ethernet products.
  
• Openness of EtherNet/IP and NetLinx architecture.
  
• Support of both 10 and 100 Mbps products.
  
• Products with built-in web server capability.
  

Topology

EtherNet/IP is compatible with commercial, off-the-shelf products and media, and complies with IEEE 802.3/TCP/UDP/IP standards and conventions. Topology options include star, ring, and linear, to best support your application.

EtherNet/IP Ring Topology

Ring topology provides a single fault-tolerant network in which operation would not be interrupted if a link within the ring is broken. There are two types of ring topologies—one optimized for devices (device-level ring) and one for switches.

Example EtherNet/IP system switch ring topology.

Example EtherNet/IP system device-level ring topology.

EtherNet/IP Linear Topology

A linear topology allows you to directly chain together your networked devices without wiring back to a central Ethernet switch.

Example EtherNet/IP system linear topology.

EtherNet/IP Star Topology

A star topology uses a switch or a series of switches connected together, with point-to-point connections from each device to a switch.

Example star topology.

See the EtherNet/IP Performance and Application Guide, publication ENET-AP001, for more information.

See the EtherNet/IP Media Planning and Installation Manual, available from www.odva.org, for more information.

Typical Applications

An EtherNet/IP network:

• Enables configuration, data collection, and control on a single real-time network
  
• Provides enterprise to plant floor integration
  
• Supports time-critical applications
  
• Supports safety, motion, drives, I/O, and time synchronization applications
  

EtherNet/IP Typical Configurations

Star Topology



Ring Topology



Linear Topology



See the EtherNet/IP Performance and Application Guide, publication ENET-AP001, for more information.