Ethernet TCP/IP vs Allen Bradley Ethernet/IP
Ethernet TCP/IP and Allen-Bradley Ethernet/IP are two different protocols that operate over Ethernet, but they serve distinct purposes and have different characteristics.
Ethernet TCP/IP
General Description: Ethernet TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the foundational communication protocol of the Internet and most local area networks. It’s a general-purpose communication protocol used for transmitting data over a network.
Applications: Ethernet TCP/IP is used in a wide range of applications, from web browsing to file transfer and email exchange. It’s not specific to industrial applications and is used in both commercial and personal computing environments.
Operation: It operates on a suite of protocols with TCP ensuring reliable delivery of data and IP handling the routing and addressing of packets across the network.
Flexibility and Compatibility: Ethernet TCP/IP is highly flexible and compatible with a vast array of network devices, software, and systems globally.
Allen-Bradley Ethernet/IP
General Description: Ethernet/IP (Industrial Protocol) is an industrial network protocol that adapts TCP/IP and UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol) for industrial automation. It was developed by Rockwell Automation and is managed by the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendor Association).
Industrial Focus: Ethernet/IP is specifically designed for industrial environments and is used to connect industrial devices like sensors, actuators, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and HMI (Human Machine Interfaces).
Operation: It extends standard Ethernet to include the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), which enables control and data sharing between industrial devices. Ethernet/IP uses both TCP and UDP; TCP for reliable transmission and UDP for time-critical messaging.
Integration with Control Systems: Ethernet/IP is particularly integrated with Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation products, providing seamless connectivity within their ecosystem of industrial control and automation equipment.
Key Differences:
Purpose and Application: Ethernet TCP/IP is a general-purpose protocol used across various types of networks. Ethernet/IP, on the other hand, is tailored for industrial automation and control systems.
Protocol Extensions: Ethernet/IP incorporates CIP over standard Ethernet, enabling specific functionalities required in industrial automation, like real-time control and safety communications.
Ecosystem and Devices: Ethernet/IP is closely associated with Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation products, making it a go-to choice in environments where these products are prevalent. Ethernet TCP/IP has a much broader application base across different devices and systems.
ANC-100e Ethernet IP to AB's DH+ Converter
The Automation Networks ANC-100e communicates with all SCADA, HMI, PLC programming with direct Ethernet/IP access to the DH+ network and stations.
ANC-100e has similar replacement features as the Controllogix 1756-DHRIO / 1756-ENBT, and AB 1784 Interface Cards: 1784-U2DHP, 1784-KTx, 1784-PKTx, 1784-PCMK and Prosoft AN-X2-DHRIO Converters.