EtherNet/IP
EtherNet/IP is an industrial network protocol that adapts the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to standard Ethernet, enabling real-time communication between industrial devices like PLCs, sensors, and HMIs. It combines standard TCP/IP for non-time-critical data with UDP/IP for real-time I/O messaging, supporting both explicit messaging for configuration and implicit messaging for control. Developed by ODVA, it is widely used in manufacturing automation for seamless integration of factory floor equipment with enterprise systems.
Developers should learn EtherNet/IP when working on industrial automation, IoT in manufacturing, or SCADA systems, as it provides interoperability across diverse industrial devices from different vendors. It is essential for implementing real-time control networks in factories, enabling predictive maintenance, and integrating operational technology with IT infrastructure for Industry 4.0 applications.