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EtherNet/IP Network Overview

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.