EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an industrial communication protocol based on the Ethernet standard, used for integration between controllers, sensors, actuators, and supervisory systems in industrial networks. It combines the speed of standard Ethernet (TCP/IP and UDP) with the data structure of CIP (Common Industrial Protocol), widely used in PLCs and industrial devices.
🔧 Features of EtherNet/IP
- 🌐 Based on IEEE 802.3 standard Ethernet
- 🔄 Uses TCP/IP for acyclic data exchange and UDP/IP for real-time data (I/O)
- ⚙️ Allows deterministic and real-time communication in industrial networks
- 🧱 Integrates devices like PLCs, HMIs, inverters, smart sensors, and testing systems
- 🔗 Compatible with the CIP stack (also used in DeviceNet and ControlNet)
- 🔒 Supports features like diagnostics, security, and synchronization (CIP Sync)
🧩 Typical Applications of EtherNet/IP
- Integration of distributed control systems (DCS)
- Communication between PLCs and remote I/O devices
- Connectivity of testing systems with process controllers
- Integration of production line tests with MES and SCADA
- Remote monitoring of sensors, valves, relays, servomotors, etc.
- Interoperability between equipment from different manufacturers (Rockwell, Omron, IFM, etc.)
📐 Advantages of Using EtherNet/IP
- 🚀 High communication speed with Ethernet bandwidth
- 🔁 Capability of cyclic data update every millisecond
- 🧠 Reduction of cabling compared to traditional I/O systems
- 🔗 Compatible with flexible topologies (star, line, ring, mesh)
- 📡 Easy remote access via IP network
- 🛡️ Security with authentication, VLANs, and separation of critical traffic
🔧 How AJOLLY Testing Supports Your Project with EtherNet/IP
AJOLLY Testing develops testing and automation solutions with full integration to EtherNet/IP networks, enabling efficient communication between control systems and test stations.
🧪 Functional Testing with EtherNet/IP Devices
- Validation of sensors, PLCs, and I/O modules with EtherNet/IP interface
- Exchange of input and output data via LabVIEW, C#, Python, or TestStand
- Simulation of CIP clients and servers for firmware testing
- Verification of responses to commands, cycle times, and communication integrity
🧩 Integration with Industrial Systems
- Direct communication with Allen-Bradley, Omron, Schneider PLCs, etc.
- Integration with MES, SCADA systems, or SQL databases
- Logging of communication logs, alerts, failures, and events
- Automatic report generation with full traceability (serial, operator, station)
📊 Diagnostics and Analysis
- Monitoring of packets, buffers, and data loss
- Evaluation of update rates, latency, and jitter
- Support for real-time EtherNet/IP network fault detection
With AJOLLY Testing, you can integrate EtherNet/IP devices with safety, speed, and traceability — in production, laboratory, or embedded testing systems.