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What Is EtherNet/IP? Industrial Ethernet Protocol Explained

TSL Automation Solutions March 18, 2025
EtherNet/IP industrial Ethernet network — TSL Automation Solutions
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What Is EtherNet/IP?

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an industrial communication protocol developed by Allen-Bradley (now Rockwell Automation) and managed by ODVA. It uses standard 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps Ethernet hardware and the TCP/IP stack to carry CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) messages — the same application layer used by DeviceNet and ControlNet — over an Ethernet network.

How EtherNet/IP Works

EtherNet/IP uses two communication classes. Explicit Messaging uses TCP/IP for configuration, diagnostics, and non-time-critical data exchange. Implicit Messaging (I/O messaging) uses UDP/IP for real-time, cyclic data exchange between PLCs and field devices — similar to a cyclic I/O scan.

EtherNet/IP vs PROFINET vs Modbus TCP

ProtocolDeveloperPLC Ecosystem
EtherNet/IPRockwell/ODVAAllen-Bradley, Omron
PROFINETSiemens/PISiemens S7, S1500
Modbus TCPModicon/SchneiderUniversal, all vendors

EtherNet/IP and HMI Panels

Many industrial HMI panels, including selected Cermate models, support EtherNet/IP for direct connectivity to Allen-Bradley PLC systems without a protocol converter. Contact TSL Automation to confirm EtherNet/IP driver availability for your specific Cermate HMI model and Allen-Bradley PLC series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EtherNet/IP in industrial automation?
EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an industrial Ethernet communication protocol developed by Rockwell Automation and managed by ODVA. It uses standard Ethernet hardware (Cat5e/Cat6 cables and switches) with the CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) application layer for real-time data exchange between PLCs, drives, sensors, and HMI systems — particularly in Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation environments.
What is the difference between EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP?
Both use standard Ethernet hardware, but EtherNet/IP uses the CIP application layer with device profiles and implicit (real-time I/O) messaging, while Modbus TCP is a simpler read/write register protocol. EtherNet/IP provides richer device diagnostics, device profiles, and is natively supported by Allen-Bradley PLCs. Modbus TCP is simpler, universally supported, and easier to implement for basic data collection — but lacks EtherNet/IP's device management capabilities.
What PLCs and devices use EtherNet/IP?
EtherNet/IP is native to Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) PLCs — CompactLogix, ControlLogix, MicroLogix 1100/1400. It is also supported by Omron PLCs, Mitsubishi via gateways, and a wide range of drives (Rockwell PowerFlex, SEW MOVI-C), sensors, barcode scanners, and robot controllers from FANUC, ABB, and KUKA. Any device with ODVA EtherNet/IP certification interoperates with Allen-Bradley PLCs.
What scan rate does EtherNet/IP achieve?
EtherNet/IP with implicit (I/O) messaging achieves cycle times of 1–10ms for real-time data exchange between PLCs and devices — comparable to PROFINET. Explicit messaging (for configuration and diagnostics) is slower (10–100ms) but used for non-time-critical data. For servo motion control requiring sub-millisecond synchronisation, EtherCAT is more appropriate than EtherNet/IP.
Does TSL Automation supply hardware with EtherNet/IP support?
Cermate HMI panels supplied by TSL Automation Solutions include EtherNet/IP driver support for connecting to Allen-Bradley PLCs. Avalue industrial PCs support EtherNet/IP through SCADA software (Ignition, FactoryTalk) with appropriate drivers. Contact our Mumbai team for EtherNet/IP connectivity requirements.
Tags: what is EtherNet/IP EtherNet IP protocol industrial Ethernet protocol Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP EtherNet/IP vs PROFINET Rockwell Automation protocol
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TSL Automation Solutions

Head of Marketing, TSL Automation Solutions

Sanjana covers industrial automation trends, product launches, and technology insights for TSL Automation Solutions, a Mumbai-based distributor of HMI, Panel PC, and embedded computing systems serving manufacturers across India and globally.

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