EtherNet/IP, or Ethernet Industrial Protocol (sometimes called EIP) is an application layer protocol that was built on TCP/IP protocols specifically to serve the needs of industrial automation. EtherNet/IP was originally created by Rockwell Automation.
The EtherNet IP protocol is currently managed by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association. EtherNet/IP is part of the Common Industrial Protocol.
EtherNet/IP Basics
EtherNet IP is an application layer protocol that takes advantage of TCP (Transport Control Protocol) to transfer data within the TCP/.IP Packet. EtherNet IP devices present information in objects, which hold a number of data values. Certain obects rae required by the EtherNet/IP specifications, and others are optional. Required objects include identity, router, and TCP.
EtherNet/IP transfers messages in two ways, either explicit or I/O. Explicit messages are sent only when the information is needed, while I/O messages are continuously transferred.
EtherNet/IP uses Ethernet infrastructure — in other words the ethernet cord that you plug into your computer. The huge advantage of this is that Ethernet technology is continuously improving. The prices for Ethernet is falling and the bandwidth capabilities are continuously improving. Since EtherNet/IP is built on Ethernet infrastructure, as Ethernet improves the EtherNet/IP devices piggyback on that and also get faster and more cost effective.
EtherNet/IP Applications
As the name of the protocol would suggest, EtherNet/IP is specifically designed for industrial applications. EtherNet/IP is used to allow controllers to access highly automated work systems and allow for data communications that are very near real-time communications. This is vital for many industrial manufacturing applications where small delays in data transmission (such as happens with Internet Protocol) could have disastrous effects on high-speed machinery. Imagine a massive hydraulic stamp moving down at the wrong time.
Among the industries that commonly make use of EtherNet/IP are:
- Industrial manufacturing of all kinds that make use of automated manufacturing machinery.
- Building automation, including integrating building automation systems such as fire safety and hazardous gas detection.
- Water processing plants
- Energy industries including power substations
Without question the largest sector of EtherNet/IP use is within industrial manufacturing, which encompasses literally hundreds of different niche industries with automated factories that require careful control communications, that EtherNet/IP was designed to provide.