EtherNet/IP™ Industrial Ethernet Network
EtherNet/IP™ enables Ethernet communication for today’s digitization and cyber initiatives, including smart manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Industry 4.0. Through its reliance on standard Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), EtherNet/IP is proven, complete and ready to drive business value today and tomorrow. EtherNet/IP also supports User Datagram Protocol (UDP), which enables real time cyclic data transmission.
With EtherNet/IP, organizations gain:
- Peace of mind – EtherNet/IP devices that are conformance tested work with any other, regardless of the supplier.
- Scalability of its long-term strategy – EtherNet/IP maintains backward compatibility, when feasible.
- Support for IT/OT convergence – EtherNet/IP runs on standard, unmodified Ethernet so facilities don’t need special hardware or expertise.
Why Choose EtherNet/IP?
EtherNet/IP is the universal language that lets industrial machines talk to each other using the standard, unmodified Ethernet infrastructure your facility already has. With it, facilities can buy the best device from any supplier, know it will interoperate with the rest of their system, and trust that their investment will be protected. EtherNet/IP also delivers:
- Seamless IT/OT convergence
- High-speed connectivity
- Flexible network topologies including star, linear, and device level ring (DLR)
- Cloud and enterprise integration
- Scalable industrial automation architectures
- Defense in depth cybersecurity strategies
Modern manufacturing runs on machines and equipment from different suppliers. With rigorous conformance testing from ODVA, EtherNet/IP is the networking standard that gives you the confidence to connect your multi-vendor system together.
EtherNet/IP Industry Coverage
EtherNet/IP provides users with the tools to deploy standard Ethernet technology for discrete manufacturing, hybrid and process applications, improving connectivity between people, partners and processes, devices, departments and systems in industrial applications. It creates new opportunities for productivity, efficiency and flexibility in the most demanding industries:
- Manufacturing
- Process Automation
- Automotive
- Food and Beverage
- Oil and Gas
- Water/Wastewater
CIP Networks
EtherNet/IP utilizes the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™) for its upper layers. CIP Networks follow the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, which defines a framework for implementing network protocols in seven layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation and application. Networks that follow this model define a complete suite of network functionality from the physical implementation through the application or user interface layer.
CIP encompasses a comprehensive suite of messages and services for a variety of manufacturing automation applications, including control, safety, security, energy, synchronization & motion, information and network management. 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.
CIP Technologies
EtherNet/IP Resources
FAQs
What is EtherNet/IP?
EtherNet/IP is an industrial Ethernet network protocol that uses standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technologies combined with the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™) for industrial automation communication.
Is EtherNet/IP the same as Ethernet?
No, EtherNet/IP uses standard Ethernet infrastructure, but adds industrial communication services through CIP™ for automation applications. To capitalize on today’s IIoT and digital transformation initiatives, industrial users must be able to connect all devices. This connectivity needs networks that support the Internet Protocol.
Does EtherNet/IP support cybersecurity?
Yes, EtherNet/IP supports secure industrial communication through CIP Security. Following a defense-in-depth strategy, CIP Security can help users comply with IEC 62443 and the EU CRA.
Can my organization get involved in driving the EtherNet/IP specification?
Yes, ODVA offers multiple membership levels. Members receive conformance testing discounts, early access to specification developments, product listing in the ODVA Marketplace, and networking / marketing opportunities with other members. Membership is the best way to stay ahead of changing industry needs.