# What is EtherNet/IP? **URL:** \ **Category:** Industrial Networking\ **Created:** [January 10, 2016, 8:06am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-ethernet-ip/715 "2016-01-10T08:06:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![denizen](https://forumautomation.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/848f3c/32.png) [@denizen](https://forumautomation.com/u/denizen)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2016, 8:06am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-ethernet-ip/715/1 "2016-01-10T08:06:34Z")
**EtherNet/IP** ![1](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/2X/5/53bcda11bb72503709943803ef4550d4924bca2e.jpeg) - EtherNet/IP is developed by rockwell automation in the 90s - Common industrial protocols (CIP) over TCP/IP. - Independently supported/promoted by OVDA - Open standard,open source OpEner software. - Transfer IO data through UDP.It is fast but delivery is not assured.(Implicit messaging) - File transfer via TCP.It is slow but delivery is assured.File transfer means uploading and downloading of parameters,setpoint, programs and recipes via TCP. ---
**Author:** ![Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/user_avatar/forumautomation.com/rabert/32/6784_2.png) [@Rabert](https://forumautomation.com/u/Rabert)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2024, 6:01am UTC](https://forumautomation.com/t/what-is-ethernet-ip/715/2 "2024-02-12T06:01:37Z")
## What is EtherNet/IP? EtherNet/IP (or) Ethernet/IP protocol is a popular industrial communication protocol that enables real-time control and data transmission between devices in the industrial automation systems. ![1](https://cdn.forumautomation.com/original/2X/4/465fc352455c68c3d537c22438e31f2f5a32ab86.jpeg) It is an implementation of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) over conventional Ethernet infrastructure that enables the smooth integration of devices from several manufacturers. EtherNet/IP supports both peer-to-peer and client-server communication formats and is well-known for its flexibility, scalability, & interoperability, making it an ideal option for industrial applications like manufacturing, process control, and robotics. ## How Does EtherNet/IP Work? EtherNet/IP is operated on the client-server concept and employs ordinary Ethernet connectivity to exchange data between equipment in an industrial automation system. This is how EtherNet/IP works: ### Physical Layer EtherNet/IP provides physical connectivity with ordinary Ethernet gear and cabling. Ethernet cables and switches connect devices to the network, including PLCs, I/O modules, drives, sensors, & HMIs. ### TCP/IP Protocol Stack EtherNet/IP runs at the TCP/IP protocol stack’s application layer, which also comprises Ethernet framing, IP addressing, & TCP/UDP transport levels. ### Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) EtherNet/IP exchanges data and communicates with devices via the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), an object-oriented protocol suite. CIP defines a set of services & objects that allow devices to communicate with one another. These solutions include explicit and implicit messaging, as well as device discovery. ### Connection Establishment Devices communicate via the client-server mechanism. A client device initiates communication by sending a request to the server. The server device replies to the client’s request by providing the requested data (or) performing the requested action. ### Message Types **Explicit Messaging:** The client delivers explicit requests to specified server devices utilizing CIP services. This approach is often employed for point-to-point communication among devices. **Implicit Messaging:** Data is transmitted between devices without explicit demands. Devices send data to the network, & other devices subscribe to the information they require. This approach is frequently employed for real-time data sharing among numerous devices. ### Data Representation Data transmitted between devices is expressed utilizing CIP objects, which define the data’s structure and format. CIP objects can include a variety of data types, including integers, floating-point numbers, texts, and custom data structures. ### Device Profiles EtherNet/IP defines device profiles, which describe the communication capabilities & requirements of many types of devices. Device profiles define standardized communication interfaces, ensuring interoperability between devices from various manufacturers. ## Advantages of EtherNet/IP ### Compatibility EtherNet/IP is interoperable with standard protocols & transport devices that use classic Ethernet, making it simple to implement. ### Standard Ethernet has become a widely recognized certifiable standard, to the point where equipment must be verified by EtherNet/IP test labs according to QoS. ### Universal Use EtherNet/IP has been utilized in almost every business; hence its universality has made it a popular protocol. ## Why use Ethernet IP? EtherNet/IP provides the speed, precision, and dependability required to manage & control information in real time by linking devices to a single network, enabling users to collect relevant data that helps keep essential systems running. ## What is Ethernet TCP IP? Ethernet TCP/IP is a typical Ethernet interface that connects several network nodes, which include computers in an office network. It can also be utilized for connecting other communication equipment, such as scanners & PLCs, on a factory floor. ## Difference Between Ethernet and EtherNet/IP ## Ethernet vs EtherNet/IP | **Ethernet** | **EtherNet/IP** | | --- | --- | | Ethernet is a popular networking technology that specifies the physical & data link layers of the OSI model. | EtherNet/IP runs at the application layer of the OSI model, with TCP/IP serving as its underlying transport protocol. | | Ethernet requirements include frame formats, media access control (MAC) addresses, collision detection, & data transmission rates. | It specifies a number of services and objects for device communication, such as explicit messaging, implicit messaging, device discovery, & device profiles. | | Ethernet is a broad word for the underlying networking technology that is utilized in a variety of applications, including industrial automation, office networks, & residential networking. | It is frequently utilized in industrial automation applications to link and control devices like PLCs, sensors, actuators, motors, and HMIs. | ## Difference Between EtherNet/IP and EtherNet/TCP ## EtherNet/IP vs EtherNet/TCP | **EtherNet/IP** | **EtherNet/TCP** | | --- | --- | | Device communication in industrial automation is facilitated by the application layer protocol known as EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol). | Ethernet traffic sent over TCP/IP networks is referred to as “EtherNet/TCP” (Ethernet over Transmission Control Protocol), not a separate protocol in and of itself. | | TCP/IP serves as the fundamental transport protocol for EtherNet/IP, which functions at the application layer of the OSI model. | Operating at the OSI model’s transport layer, EtherNet/TCP depends on TCP/IP for dependable packet delivery and data transmission. | | Features like device interoperability, scalability, integration with enterprise IT systems, and real-time control are all made possible via EtherNet/IP. | When Ethernet connectivity is needed via TCP/IP networks, it is frequently utilized in home networks, corporate networks, and other applications. |