Flir Systems Object Model Version 1.22; Introduction To Ethernet/Ip - FLIR AX8 User Manual

FLIR Systems Object Model version 1.22

Chapter 1

Introduction to EtherNet/IP

Ethernet/IP™ (EIP) is a high-level industrial application layer protocol for industrial automation applications. Built on the standard TCP/IP
protocol suite, EIP uses all the traditional Ethernet hardware and software to define an application layer protocol that structures the task of
configuring, accessing and controlling industrial automation devices. Ethernet/IP classifies Ethernet nodes as predefined device types with
specific behaviors. The set of device types and the EIP application layer protocol is based on the Control and Information Protocol (CIP) layer
used in both Devicenet™ and Controlnet™. Building on these widely used protocol suites, Ethernet/IP for the first time provides a seamless
integrated system from the sensor-actuator network to the controller and enterprise networks. EIP provides a wide-ranging, comprehensive,
certifiable standard suitable to a wide variety of automation devices.
Ethernet/IP uses the tools and technologies of traditional Ethernet
Ethernet/IP uses all the transport and control protocols used in traditional Ethernet, including the Transport Control Protocol (TCP), the
Internet Protocol (IP), and the media access and signaling technologies found in off-the-shelf Ethernet interface cards. Building on these
standard PC technologies means that EIP works transparently with all the standard off-the-shelf Ethernet devices found in today's
marketplace. It also means that EIP can be easily supported on standard PCs and all their derivatives. Even more importantly, basing EIP on a
standard technology platform ensures that EIP will move forward as the base technologies evolve.
Ethernet/IP is a certifiable standard
EtherNet/IP ensures a comprehensive, consistent standard by careful, multi-vendor attention to the specification and through certified test labs
as is used for other well-known communication standards like DeviceNet and ControlNet. The EtherNet/IP Certification program ensures the
consistency and quality of field devices.
EIP is built on a widely accepted protocol layer
EIP is constructed from a very widely implemented standard used in DeviceNet and ControlNet called the Control and Information Protocol
(CIP). This standard organizes networked devices as a collection of objects. It defines the access, object behavior and extensions which allow
widely disparate devices to be accessed using a common mechanism. Over 500 vendors now support the CIP protocol in present day
products. Using this technology in EIP means that EIP is based on a widely understood, widely implemented standard that does not require a
new technology shakedown period.
©Real Time Automation, Inc. 09/15/2009