What Is Ethernet/IP and How Does It Work?

TL;DR

Ethernet/IP is a network protocol that uses Ethernet packets combined with the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to facilitate data exchange in industrial automation. This system integrates TCP/IP or UDP layers to enable real-time data communication and control applications, making it compatible with standard Ethernet switches in industrial settings.

Transcript

first let's separate the terms between Ethernet and IP when most people think of Ethernet we think in terms of a physical connection you may have an Ethernet port on your computer in which you plug in a cable that then connects to a router or switch this connection type is typically called a LAN connection however Ethernet is not a connection type ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Ethernet is a protocol, not just a physical connection, used in LAN connections.
• ❓ TCP/IP is a layered protocol widely used in internet connections.
• 🎮 Ethernet IP combines industrial protocols with TCP/IP or UDP layers for data exchange and control applications.
• 📞 TCP/IP follows a send/receive acknowledged relationship, while UDP is a continuous transmission protocol.
• 😒 CIP uses object-oriented design for devices and data exchange in industrial automation.
• ❓ Ethernet IP is compatible with standard Ethernet switches in industrial automation.
• 🎮 Ethernet IP provides easy-to-understand programming for data exchange and control applications.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between Ethernet and IP?

Ethernet refers to the physical connection and the IEEE protocol, while IP refers to the use of Ethernet infrastructure in industrial protocols.

Q: What is the TCP/IP protocol?

TCP/IP is a layered protocol used in internet connections. It consists of layers such as applications, TCP, IP, and network, each performing specific functions in data transmission.

Q: How do applications communicate using TCP/IP?

The transmitting device passes data to the applications layer, which works with application software to provide communication services like HTTP, FTP, DNS, etc. The data then moves through the TCP and IP layers before being transferred over the network layer.

Q: How does Ethernet IP work?

Ethernet IP combines industrial protocols like CIP with TCP/IP or UDP layers. It uses Ethernet packets to provide data exchange and control applications. It is compatible with standard Ethernet switches used in industrial automation.

Key Insights:

• Ethernet is a protocol, not just a physical connection, used in LAN connections.
• TCP/IP is a layered protocol widely used in internet connections.
• Ethernet IP combines industrial protocols with TCP/IP or UDP layers for data exchange and control applications.
• TCP/IP follows a send/receive acknowledged relationship, while UDP is a continuous transmission protocol.
• CIP uses object-oriented design for devices and data exchange in industrial automation.
• Ethernet IP is compatible with standard Ethernet switches in industrial automation.
• Ethernet IP provides easy-to-understand programming for data exchange and control applications.
• Ethernet IP supports data speeds of 10 or 100 megabits per second with off-the-shelf switches.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ethernet is not just a physical connection but an IEEE protocol used in LAN connections.

• Most communications travel over networks via packets, which follow the TCP/IP protocol.

• Ethernet IP combines industrial protocols and TCP/IP or UDP layers for data exchange in control applications.