Technical Paper Abstract
As IT systems increasingly converge with OT (Operational Technology) environments, IPv6 readiness of protocols used in industrial automation becomes critical to ensure network-level interoperability in this broadening ecosystem. IPv6 is closing in on 50% of all Internet traffic per Google. The growing proliferation of IoT devices, sensors, and interconnected machinery on the OT floor demands more address space, which IPv4 cannot provide. After many years with no clear user demand for on-prem IPv6 operation, the scales are shifting in OT applications, and the time has come for EtherNet/IP to adopt these new patterns.
This paper will lay out a framework and proposed timeline for work across SIGs that will allow vendors to deploy EtherNet/IP-based solutions in an all IPv6 or hybrid network infrastructure. These enhancements will cover not just use of the longer IP address for all CIP communications (including Security and Safety) but will also propose enhancements to enable name-based operation as IPv6 addresses do not lend themselves well to either human use or device replacement use cases. Lastly, this paper will describe how IPv6 concepts and protocols of the IPv6 family can improve a user’s device replacement and discovery experience.
Paper from the 2025 ODVA Industry Conference & 23rd Annual Meeting
Jakub Korbel, Rockwell Automation
Brian Batke, Rockwell Automation
Filip Zembok, Rockwell Automation