EtherNet/IP Protocol
EtherNet/IP is an industrial networking standard that takes utilizes standard off-the-shelf Ethernet communication chips and physical media. Unlike many opetions in the industrial Ethernet crowd, EtherNet/IP uses an open protocol at the application layer. Further, EtherNet/IP is supported by multiple vendors and organizations. It is the only standard supported by the three major networking organizations: ControlNet International (CI), the Industrial Ethernet Assocation (IEA) and the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA). The EtherNet/IP standard is managed by ODVA and CI.
EtherNet/IP is based on standard Ethernet and TCP/UDP/IP technology and allows the user to control, configure, and collect data from a variety of sources. It provides a common language required for interoperable products from various vendors. CIP is the proven, real-time application layer protocol added to create an open Industrial Ethernet product utilizing EN 50170 and IEC 61158 standards.