Ethernet/IP

The Power of Industrial Ethernet: What is the EtherNet/IP Protocol?

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is one of the most widely used communication standards in the world of industrial automation. Developed by Rockwell Automation and currently managed by ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association), this protocol adapts standard Ethernet technology to meet industrial requirements such as real-time control, device configuration, and data acquisition.

1. How Does EtherNet/IP Work?

EtherNet/IP utilizes standard TCP/IP and UDP/IP stacks. The primary feature that distinguishes it from other protocols is its use of the CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) at the application layer. Thanks to CIP, data exchange between devices occurs in an object-oriented structure.

Communication Types:

Implicit Messaging (I/O Messaging): Used for real-time control data. It typically occurs at high speeds and periodically over UDP.
Explicit Messaging: Used for device configuration, diagnostics, or non-periodic data requests. It operates on a "request-response" basis over TCP.

2. Core Components and Terms

In an EtherNet/IP network, devices are divided into two roles:

Scanner: The device that initiates the connection (Usually a PLC or Controller).
Adapter: The end unit that responds to requests from the Scanner (Sensors, drives, I/O modules).

EDS File (Electronic Data Sheet): Think of this as the ID card for a device on an EtherNet/IP network. It is a configuration file that specifies what data the device shares and in what format.

3. Advantages of EtherNet/IP

Standard Infrastructure: It works with standard Ethernet cables, switches, and routers instead of proprietary hardware.
Enterprise Integration: Since it is TCP/IP-based, transferring factory data to IT systems and cloud platforms is much easier compared to other protocols.
High Speed: It can be used in precise motion control applications with cycle times in the order of milliseconds.
Broad Ecosystem: It is supported not only by Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) but also by hundreds of manufacturers like Keyence, Omron, and Schneider Electric.

4. Hubbox and EtherNet/IP Integration

Hubbox Connect devices serve as a powerful bridge for reading data from an EtherNet/IP network and transferring it to the cloud or high-level software.

Data Acquisition: Hubbox can act like an "Explicit Message Client" on the network, reading tags within the PLC directly by their names.
Conversion: Using Node-RED, complex data coming via EtherNet/IP can be converted into JSON format and published to AWS, Azure, or a local MQTT Broker via MQTT.
Remote Access: If you have an EtherNet/IP-based system, you can use the secure VPN tunnel provided by Hubbox to remotely upload programs to your PLC using engineering software like Studio 5000.

5. Summary: Why EtherNet/IP?

If your system has high data traffic, if you want to converge the IT and OT worlds, and if you need a flexible network structure, EtherNet/IP is one of the best choices available.