Quick Start
for
Vendors
Handbook
A Guide for EtherNet/IP™ Developers

www.odva.org

Copyright Notice
EtherNet/IP Quick Start for Vendors Handbook
Publication Number: PUB00213R0
Copyright © 2008 Open DeviceNet Vendor Association, Inc. (ODVA).
All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce excerpts of this material with appropriate attributions, please contact
ODVA.
CIP, Common Industrial Protocol, CIP Motion, CIP Safety, CIP Sync, CompoNet, CompoNet CONFORMANCE TESTED,
ControlNet, ControlNet CONFORMANCE TESTED, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, EtherNet/IP CONFORMANCE TESTED aretrademarks of ODVA, Inc. DeviceNet CONFORMANCE TESTED is a registered trademark of ODVA, Inc.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
ODVA, Inc.
4220 Varsity Drive, Suite A
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-5006 USA
Phone +1 734.975.8840
Fax +1 734.922.0027
E-mail odva@odva.org
Web www.odva.org

Table of Contents

For the Reader...................................................................................... 4
What is the purpose of this guide?................................................. 4
Who should read it?..................................................................... 4
Technology Overview............................................................................. 5
What is EtherNet/IP?.................................................................... 5
What is CIP? .............................................................................. 5
CIP and International Standards.................................................... 6
Who is ODVA?............................................................................. 7
Objects, Services, and Application Data.................................................... 8
What services does EtherNet/IP provide?........................................ 8
Simplified EtherNet/IP Object Model Overview................................. 8
Exposing Application Data with CIP................................................ 8
Implementation Approaches...................................................................10
Steps to EtherNet/IP implementation.............................................10
Getting started with EtherNet/IP...................................................10
Selecting the right level of EtherNet/IP device capability..................10
Types of EtherNet/IP communications............................................11
Types of EtherNet/IP devices........................................................12
Additional device considerations....................................................13
What are the different ways to implement EtherNet/IP?...................14
Developing Your Implementation............................................................17
Developing your EtherNet/IP Implementation.................................18
Testing Your Implementation..................................................................19
Testing your implementation........................................................19
Development Tools...............................................................................20
What development tools are available?..........................................20
ODVA Membership: Developer Benefits..........................................20
Further Information..............................................................................21
Other ODVA Resources................................................................22
Glossary..............................................................................................23
EtherNet/IP Development Checklist.........................................................27
Appendix A: Creating an EDS File...........................................................28
Appendix B: Extensions to CIP...............................................................30
Appendix C: Traffic Flow Diagrams..........................................................37
Appendix D: Development Tools.............................................................40

For the Reader
What is the purpose of this guide?
You are implementing EtherNet/IP™. Where do you start? What are your options? What issues should
you consider? What do you need to know about the protocol? How should you proceed with yourdevelopment?
This guide gives basic answers to the above questions. It provides an overview of the steps needed
to implement EtherNet/IP, and offers practical guidance to help lead you to a successful EtherNet/IP
implementation.
Who should read it?
Development engineers, development managers, product managers, and marketing will benefit fromreading this guide. You are not expected to be an expert in EtherNet/IP or the Common Industrial
Protocol (CIP™).

Technology Overview
What is EtherNet/IP?
EtherNet/IP is the name given to the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), as implemented over standard
Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 and the TCP/IP protocol suite).
EtherNet/IP was introduced in 2001 and today is the most developed, proven and complete industrial
Ethernet network solution available for manufacturing automation, with rapid growth as users seek toharness the advantages of open technologies and the internet. EtherNet/IP is a member of a family of
networks that implements CIP at its upper layers (Figure 1).
EtherNet/IP and CIP are managed by ODVA. ODVA publishes The EtherNet/IP™ Specification and helps
ensure compliance through conformance testing.
What is CIP?
The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) is amedia independent, connection-based, objectoriented protocol designed for automation
applications. It encompasses a comprehensive
set of communication services for automation
applications: control, safety, synchronization,
motion, configuration and information. It allows
users to integrate these applications withenterprise-level Ethernet networks and theInternet. Supported by hundreds of vendors
around the world and truly media-independent,
CIP provides users with a unified communicationarchitecture throughout the manufacturing
enterprise. CIP allows users to benefit today
from the many advantages of open networks
while protecting their existing automation
investments when upgrading in the future. CIP
brings:•••••Originator Services
for Modbus® Device
Integration

Coherent integration of I/O control,
device configuration and data collection
Seamless flow of information acrossFigure 1
multiple networks
DeviceNet, CompoNet & ControlNet share the same CIP
Ability to implement multi-layer networks
application layer with EtherNet/IP
without the added cost and complexity ofbridges and proxies
Minimized investment in system engineering, installation and commissioning
Freedom to choose best of breed products, with the assurance of competitive prices and low
integration cost

The “IP” in “EtherNet/IP” refers to “Industrial Protocol”. EtherNet/IP utilizes CIP over standard IEEE
802.3 and the TCP/IP protocol suite (Figure 2). Since EtherNet/IP uses standard Ethernet and TCP/IP
technologies, it allows compatibility and coexistence with other applications and protocols.
EtherNet/IP-enabled products have been developed using pre-existing hardware platforms, with existing
TCP/IP stacks with multiple protocol support. A few vendors simply chose to provide a firmware update
to an existing Modbus TCP interface, demonstrating the ease of integration and interoperability of CIP,
without the need to develop specific hardware.

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CIP and International Standards
CIP technologies are compliant with a numberof fieldbus-related international standards, andare generally referred to as members of CPF 2(Communication Profile Family 2) of IEC 61158.
•

•
•

•
•
•
•

Also:
•
•
•

IEC 61158: Specifies various fieldbus
protocols for applications ranging fromdiscrete manufacturing to processcontrol. It includes the specifications
for CIP, as well as EtherNet/IP andControlNet-specific protocol elements,
as Type 2.
IEC 62026-3: Specifies controller-device
interfaces, and includes DeviceNetspecific protocol elements.
Figure 2
IEC 61784-1 and IEC 61784-2: Specify
CIP is fully compatible with Ethernet and Internet
protocols enabling multi-protocol support
general-purpose and real time Ethernet
fieldbus Communication Profiles (CPs) (i.e.,
how to build a specific communication network using IEC 61158 and other standards). ControlNet,
EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet are defined respectively as CP 2/1, CP 2/2 (CP 2/2.1 with CIP Sync),
and CP 2/3.
IEC 61784-3: Specifies Functional Safety Communication Profiles (FSCPs), i.e., extensions offieldbusses for use in safety related applications. CIP Safety is included as FSCP 2/1.
IEC 61918 & IEC 61784-5: Specify general and fieldbus-specific cabling installation guidelines. IEC
61784-5 includes specific guidelines for ControlNet, EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet.
IEC 61800-7: Specifies profiles for power drive systems and their mapping to existing
communication systems by use of a generic interface. It includes CIP Motion and its mapping onControlNet, EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet.
ISO 15745: Defines elements and rules for application integration, including communication
network profiles and the communication aspects of device profiles for some fieldbus technologies.
EDS files used for device and network integration of DeviceNet, ControlNet or EtherNet/IP
applications are compliant with the relevant parts of ISO 15745 (respectively Parts 2, 3 and 4).
The lower layers of DeviceNet are based on ISO 11898, also known as CAN (Controller Area
Network).
The lower layers of EtherNet/IP are based on the various RFC internet standards for the TCP/UDP/
IP suite, on the IEEE 802.3 and ISO Ethernet standards (ISO/IEC 8802-3), without modification
or extension (����������
Figure 3��
).
CIP Safety (on DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP) has been certified for use in applications in systems
needing to meet the requirements of IEC 61508 up to and including SIL3.

Figure 3
EtherNet/IP and the OSI model

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Who is ODVA?
ODVA is an international association comprising members fromthe world’s leading automation companies. Collectively, ODVA andits members support network technologies based on the Common
Industrial Protocol (CIP™). These currently include DeviceNet™,
EtherNet/IP™, CompoNet™, and ControlNet™, along with the major
extensions to CIP — CIP Safety™, CIP Sync™ and CIP Motion™. ODVA
manages the development of these open technologies, and assists
manufacturers and users of CIP Networks through its activities in standards development, certification,
vendor education and industry awareness.
As part of its certification activities, ODVA offers conformance testing to help ensure that products built
to its specifications operate in multi-vendor systems. Developers are encouraged to contact ODVA
early during the development process to obtain the necessary technical specifications and to become
an authorized EtherNet/IP vendor. Developers are also recommended to take part in the Workshops for
Implementors of EtherNet/IP and interoperability testing run at PlugFests by ODVA. Details of forthcoming
events can be found on the ODVA home page: www.odva.org.
For further information on ODVA, see the ODVA website: www.odva.org
How is this guide related to The EtherNet/IP Specification?
As of November 2008, The EtherNet/IP Specification consists of three parts: The Common Industrial
Protocol (Volume 1 of the CIP Networks Library), the EtherNet/IP Adaptation of CIP (Volume 2), and theIntegration of Modbus® Devices into a CIP Architecture (Volume 7). The specifications contain all of thenormative information for the protocol – meaning it contains every detail that is considered part of thestandard. In contrast, this guide provides practical developer information not found in the specifications.
The information in this guide does not replace The EtherNet/IP Specification.

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Objects, Services, and Application Data
What services does EtherNet/IP provide?
The CIP application layer defines a set of application objects and device profiles that define common
interfaces and behaviors. In addition, CIP communication services enable end-to-end communication
between devices on the different CIP networks. EtherNet/IP maps the CIP communication services toEthernet and TCP/IP, enabling multi-vendor interoperability between devices on Ethernet as well as withthe other CIP networks.
Simplified EtherNet/IP Object Model
Overview
Within the CIP application layer, devices
are represented using an object model(Figure 4). Application objects define how
device data is represented and accessedin a common way. Network-specificobjects define how parameters such as IP
addresses are configured and EtherNet/IP
specific functions.
Communication objects and services
provide the means to establish
communication associations and accessdevice data and services over the network.

Figure 4This EtherNet/IP simplified Object Model defines data,services, connections, and their relationships

Exposing Application Data with CIP
Objects within a device are groups of related data and behavior associated with this data. CIP requires
certain objects to describe a device, how it functions, communicates and its unique identity. The Identity
Object, for example, contains identity data values called attributes that are used to store the identity
information of a device. Attributes for the Identity Object include the Vendor ID, Device Type, device
serial number and other identity data. CIP does not specify how object data is implemented, rather, whichdata values or attributes must be supported and made available to other CIP devices.
There are three types of objects defined by CIP:
Required Objects must be included in all CIP devices. These objects include the Identity Object,
the Message Router Object and network-specific objects.
Application Objects describe how data is encapsulated by a device. These objects are specificto the Device Type and function. For example, an input device would have an input object withattributes that describe the value and fault status of a particular input point.
Vendor-specific Objects describe services that are specific to a particular vendor; they are
optional and not described in a predefined Device Profile.
Addressing data within a CIP device utilizes the same object-oriented view. A class (of objects) is a set ofobjects that represent the same type of system component (Figure 5). Sometimes it is necessary to havemore than one ‘copy’ of an object, called object instances, within a device. This set of objects is called an
object class. Each instance of the object class will have the same set of attributes, but will have a unique
set of values. An object instance or an object class has attributes, providing services and implementing
behavior.

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Figure 5
CIP Object-oriented view of application data

Accessing data within a device using a non-time critical message (an explicit message – see Types of
EtherNet/IP communications later) typically contains the following address information:
•
•
•
•
•

Device network address
Class ID
Instance ID
Attribute ID
Service code (describing the action/service required)

The Class/Instance/Attribute ID form of addressing is also used in Electronic Data Sheets (EDS) to identify
configurable parameters within a device.
In addition to specifying how device data is represented, CIP also specifies methods by which I/O data canbe accessed, using triggers, such as cyclic or change-of-state. Vendors can also describe how data fromdifferent objects can be combined in an I/O or configuration message using the Assembly Object.

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Implementation Approaches
Steps to EtherNet/IP implementation
While each implementation will have its own specific requirements, the following is a list of the general
steps most implementations will follow:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Understand and define your application and user requirements
Determine the level of EtherNet/IP capability you require – what type of device and what type ofcommunication services
Select an implementation approach – build or buy, hardware or software
Develop the EtherNet/IP implementation
Develop an EDS that describes the device capabilities
Test your implementation
Have the product conformance tested

The following sections of the guide discuss these topics in more detail.
Getting started with EtherNet/IP
The starting point for any successful development effort, EtherNet/IP or otherwise, is to understand yourapplication and customer requirements. There are several issues you should consider:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

What are your primary reasons for implementing EtherNet/IP?
In what application(s) will your implementation be used?
Do you need to meet specific regulatory or industry standards?
With which other devices of applications must you communicate?
What are the characteristics of the communications (which data, how large, how frequent)?
Do you need to support other protocols in addition to EtherNet/IP?
What are the performance requirements?
What are the time-to-market and cost requirements?

The answers to these questions will help you select the right path to implementation.
In addition, in order to become an ODVA-authorized EtherNet/IP vendor, you will need to execute andcomply with an ODVA Terms of Usage Agreement. View suggestions for getting started on the Quick
Start link on www.odva.org for more information about becoming an EtherNet/IP vendor. Also see the
EtherNet/IP Development Checklist in this document.
Selecting the right level of EtherNet/IP device capability
With EtherNet/IP you can create a simple device such as a digital I/O module, or a complex device such asa programmable controller. Devices may have differing levels of communications capability.
How do you know what level of EtherNet/IP capability you need? Your application requirements should
determine the level of capability that is suitable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

With which specific devices or applications must you communicate?
What are the capabilities of the devices or applications with which you must communicate?
Which device initiates the communications?
How much data is exchanged?
How frequently is data exchanged?
What are the communication latency expectations?
What is the desired user experience with your device (e.g., configuration, application integrationand diagnostics)?

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Types of EtherNet/IP communications
EtherNet/IP defines two primary types of communications: explicit and implicit (Table 1).
Table 1CIP Message
Type

CIP
Communication
RelationshipTransport
ProtocolCommunication
Type

Typical Use

ExampleExplicit

Connected or
Unconnected

TCP/IP

Request/replytransactions

Non timecriticalinformation
data

Read/Write
configuration
parameters

Implicit

Connected

UDP/IPI/O datatransfers

Real-time I/O
data

Real-time
control datafrom a remote
I/O device

Explicit Messaging in general has a request/reply (or client/server) nature. This type ofcommunication is used for non-real-time data, normally for information. Explicit messages include
a description of their meaning (expressed explicitly), so the transmission is less efficient, but very
flexible. It may be used by an HMI to collect data, or by a device programming tool. In CIP terms,
with Explicit Messaging you request a service of a particular object, e.g., a read or a write service.
For EtherNet/IP, Explicit Messaging uses TCP. Explicit Messaging can be done with or without priorestablishment of a CIP connection.
Implicit Messaging is also often referred to as “I/O” and is time-critical in nature. Typicallythis type of communication is used for real-time data exchange, where speed and low latency
are important. Implicit messages include very little information about their meaning, so thetransmission is more efficient, but less flexible than explicit. The interpretation of the transmitted
data is fast. With Implicit Messaging you establish an association (a “CIP connection”) between
two devices and produce the Implicit Messages according to a predetermined trigger mechanism,
typically at a specified packet rate. The devices both know and agree on the data formats they
will use (i.e., the format is “implied”). For EtherNet/IP, Implicit Messaging uses UDP and can be
multicast or unicast.
Connections are established using the ForwardOpen Request service of the Connection Manager Object.
The ForwardOpen Request contains all of the connection parameters, including transport class, production
trigger, timing information, electronic key and connection IDs. Connection clean-up takes place when a
ForwardClose Request service request is issued or when either connection end point times out.
Implicit messaging can make use of the CIP Producer/Consumer communication model. With Producer/
Consumer, the producing device transmits data once, regardless of the number of consumers. Allinterested consuming devices receive the same data. For EtherNet/IP the produced data is identified
by the IP multicast address and the CIP Connection ID. The Producer/Consumer model leads to greater
network efficiency when multiple consumers need to receive the same data from a producer. For
I/O connections, once the connection is established there is no request/response, the data with theConnectionID is just produced and consumed at intervals determined by the Production Trigger which was
specified at connection establishment. Triggers can be Cyclic (most common), Change of State (CoS) or
Application.

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Types of EtherNet/IP devices
Several device classifications, based on their general behavior and types of EtherNet/IP communications
they support, have been defined by the participants in the Workshops for Implementors of EtherNet/IP inorder of the most simple to the most complex:
Explicit Message Server: An explicit message server responds to request/response oriented
communications initiated by explicit message clients. An example of an explicit message server is abar code reader.
Explicit Message Client: An explicit message client initiates request/response oriented
communications with other devices. Message rates and latency requirements are typically not too
demanding. Examples of explicit message clients are HMI devices, programming tools, or PC or
Linux based applications that gather data from control devices.
I/O Adapter: An I/O adapter receives implicit communication connection requests from an I/Oscanner then produces its I/O data at the requested rate. An I/O adapter is also an explicit
message server. An I/O adapter can be a simple digital input device, or something more complex
such as a modular pneumatic valve system.
I/O Scanner: An I/O scanner initiates implicit communications with I/O adapter devices. A
scanner is typically the most complex type of EtherNet/IP device, as it must deal with issues suchas configuration of which connections to make, and how to configure the adapter device. Scanners
also typically support initiating explicit messages. A programmable controller is an example of an
I/O scanner (Figure 6).

Figure 6
Matrix of communications types and device classification

How do you know which type of device, and which type of communications you need? You should first notethat all EtherNet/IP devices are required to have minimal explicit server capability, in order to respond to
device identification and configuration requests.
You should also consider the other devices with which you must communicate, and what type ofcommunications they support. If you must communicate with a device that only supports explicit
message server communications, then you need an explicit message client.

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The nature of the communications should also help you determine whether explicit or implicit
communications are most suitable. Explicit messaging, while being generally easier to implement, is moresuited to lower performance, request/response types of communications. Implicit messaging, while being
more complex to implement, is needed when higher performance and more deterministic communications
are needed.
Another important consideration is how the type of communications affects the interface that will be
exposed to the user. For example, I/O scanner devices often have different interfaces for implicit andexplicit messaging. You should consider which interface is best suited to the user of your device orapplication.
Additional device considerations
Beyond the core EtherNet/IP communications capability, you should consider several additional features
for your implementation:
Ethernet physical layer: The EtherNet/IP Specification (Volume 2, Chapter 8) defines
requirements for an industrial-grade physical layer design. The specification defines environmental
requirements, cabling, connectors, and other factors. Note the industrial physical layer is not
required (but highly recommended) of EtherNet/IP devices. You should consider whether this isneeded by your application environment.
Linear topology: Some users want an alternative topology to the traditional Ethernet switchedstar. A linear topology has advantages for certain applications (such as conveyors). Some users
may also have a preference for the traditional fieldbus topology, simplifying network cabling andeliminating the cost of switches. This can be achieved with a device having 2 Ethernet ports withembedded switch technology or by using a simple 3 port switch to connect single port devices.
Indicators and diagnostics: Diagnostic indicators are a good tool for application troubleshooting,and should be considered where feasible. The EtherNet/IP Specification (Volume 2, Chapter 9) also
defines common indicator labeling and behavior for EtherNet/IP devices. If you have indicators on
your device, you should follow the behavior in the EtherNet/IP specification. The module status
and network status LEDs are required if you support the industrial physical layer.
Performance: Good performance, relative to the application, is a characteristic of a good
implementation. Performance will depend on several factors, including processor speed and theefficiency of your implementation. It is particularly important to consider the performance of your
TCP/IP stack, since different stacks vary widely in their performance. You should ask the vendor ofyour TCP/IP stack (often included with the operating system) for performance information. If you
are purchasing an EtherNet/IP implementation (hardware or software), you should also make sureits performance will meet your application requirements (see Further Information: Recommended
Functionality for EtherNet/IP Devices).
Security: The increasing size, variety, and connectivity of industrial networks requires increasinglevels of device robustness. Consider the following as a minimum:
Port Scanning - nmap (www.insecure.org)
Known Flaw Checks - Nessus (www.nessus.org)
Resource Starvation - Broadcast/multicast overload
Protocol Robustness - Malformed packets
Optional EtherNet/IP features: Implementing optional EtherNet/IP features not mandated
by the specification can help to ensure better interoperability, creating a better user experience.
For example, implementing the IP address conflict detection mechanism (ACD) allows a device
to detect that another device is using its IP address. The most important features for goodinteroperability are defined in the ODVA document Recommended Functionality for EtherNet/IP
Devices (see Further Information).

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Additional protocols: Do you need to support additional TCP/IP protocols? Many devices havefound an embedded web server to be valuable mechanism to provide diagnostic information. DHCP
is the recommended mechanism for initial IP address configuration out-of-box. You should consider
additional protocol support when evaluating development platforms. It is necessary to ensure thatprioritization within the node assumes that handling of the additional protocols (such as HTTP or
SNMP) does not interfere with the prompt handling of EtherNet/IP I/O connections.
Modbus®: The library of specifications for CIP Networks has been enhanced to provide seamless
access to Modbus devices. This is achieved by implementing CIP-Modbus translation defined inVolume 7 of the CIP Networks Library: Integration of Modbus Devices into the CIP Architecture.
This enables existing unmodified Modbus devices to be seamlessly accessed from CIP originator
devices. Use of the CIP-Modbus translator requires no changes for Modbus target devices. Typicalcandidate devices include:• CIP originators - Implement the Modbus functionality in their device, or allow their devices tocommunicate via a CIP-to-Modbus router by providing addressing capabilities for offlink targets.
• CIP routers - Implement the Modbus functionality in a CIP-to-Modbus router (e.g., an
EtherNet/IP to Modbus Serial router).
• Modbus devices – Facilitate CIP-to-Modbus integration by creating EDS files that represent theaddressable data items in your device.
What are the different ways to implement EtherNet/IP?
There are several different ways to implement EtherNet/IP: software or hardware, develop your own, orpurchase all or part of an implementation.
Hardware• Add interface daughter card to an implementation• Microprocessor with embedded EtherNet/IP• Complete custom hardware• External protocol gateway device (e.g., serial to EtherNet/IP)
Software• Integrate an EtherNet/IP stack into an implementation• Write your own EtherNet/IP stack• Complete outsourced custom development
How do you determine which of these approaches is the most suitable? As mentioned earlier,understanding your specific reasons and requirements for implementing EtherNet/IP is a good starting
point. In addition you should consider your background and experience in several areas that may be
relevant to your project:
•
•
•
•
•

Hardware development
Ethernet communications
TCP/IP protocol suite
Embedded device development
CIP and EtherNet/IP knowledge

If you are unfamiliar in any of these areas, there are a number of companies that can offer assistance,
training and a variety of implementation approaches. For a list, see the ODVA website: www.odva.org.
Also consider time-to-market requirements, development budget and product cost targets. Will you havethe resources to support and maintain the product?
Each of the different approaches has advantages and disadvantages and is appropriate in certain
situations (Table 2).

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Table 2
Approach

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best suited to•Software tools see
external gateway as
the EtherNet/IP device
User must configure
the gateway device toobtain end device data
Limited EtherNet/IP
communication options(size, rate, type)
Lowest communications
performanceLow volume,
low performance
situations that need afast solution.

Gateway interface•
or external protocol
gateway•This approach utilizes
separate hardwarethat is external
to the device andcommunicates withthe device using
a serial protocol,
converting theserial protocol toEtherNet/IP.

Quickest path to
implementation
No need to do any
actual EtherNet/IP
implementation

Embeddedboard/modulewith EtherNet/IP
implementation

Ethernet hardware•
development alreadydone•
EtherNet/IP stack alreadydone
Can be customized togive unique vendor
identity•
Performance acceptable
for most devices

Cost of the interface
card
Functionality is limited
to the features alreadyincorporated into thedesign of the daughter
card
Performance can be
an issue in the mostdemanding applications

Low or mid volume
situations, or whenconnectivity tomultiple fieldbusses
is needed.

EtherNet/IP stack already •developed
Often can also use acorresponding reference•
hardware platform
Provides flexibility on thefunctionality and featuresthat can be offered inyour product
Performance can be very
good (depending on
hardware)Can be customized togive unique vendor
identity

Hardware development
to integrate withchosen platform
Cost can be an issue
versus an off-the-shelfprocessor

Higher volume or
higher performance
situations whenthe vendor does
not wish to docomplete hardware
development
or integrate an
EtherNet/IP stack.

Can choose theideal processor andcomponents
Total control onfunctionality and featuresthat can be offered inyour productCan achieve highperformance
More control over cost
Can choose theappropriate OS, TCP/IP
stack, EtherNet/IP stack

Most work to develop

Vendors withhardwaredevelopment
expertise, or when
product cost is critical(e.g., high volume).

•
•
•
•

Microprocessor
with embedded
EtherNet/IP

•
•
•

•
•

Completecustom hardware
development (inhouse or outsourced)

•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•

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Approach

Advantages

Disadvantages

Best suited toIntegrate an
EtherNet/IP stack•

Don’t need to do thestack development
Able to choose a stackthat meets your needs•

Still may need todevelop a hardware
platform
Still may need to selecta TCP/IP stack

Applications
running on existing
hardware, or when
you are comfortabledeveloping the
hardware and needan EtherNet/IP stack.

Able to implement the
EtherNet/IP aspects thatyou need
More control over
performance, quality,
maintenance•Significant work for afull-featured stack
Likely to have errors ininitial versions

Simple explicit
message clients andservers, especiallyrunning on Windows
or Linux (orsimilar) systems;
EtherNet/IP stackproviders; larger
vendors who must
re-use acrossmultiple products.

Implement an
EtherNet/IP stack

•

•
•

•

•

If you are integrating an EtherNet/IP hardware or software solution from another vendor, look for solutions
that are conformance tested or already used in other compliant products; ideally, the implementation
should have also passed interoperability testing via an ODVA-sponsored PlugFest. Consider vendors who
are members of ODVA. These companies have made a commitment to EtherNet/IP; some are involved
in EtherNet/IP technology development, seminars or workshops, and they will have significant experience
with EtherNet/IP. Find them at www.odva.org.

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Developing Your Implementation
What should you know about EtherNet/IP?
What you need to know about EtherNet/IP depends on what type of development you are undertaking.
If you are writing your own I/O adapter or I/O scanner stack, then you should be quite familiar with The
EtherNet/IP Specification.
If you are writing an explicit message client or server stack, you should be familiar with the specification
aspects regarding explicit communications as well as the appropriate application objects.
If you are integrating an EtherNet/IP hardware or software solution into your existing implementation, youneed to know enough to integrate and customize the solution for your unique situation.
All developers need to know enough about EtherNet/IP to be able to debug their implementation andsupport their users in the field.
Understanding the following essential EtherNet/IP topics will assist your implementation. Please see thesection on Further Information for references to additional material on these essential topics.
Basics of CIP Communications: Basic concepts of Explicit and Implicit (I/O) communications;connected and unconnected messages; the Forward Open service and connection establishment; typesof I/O application connections. You should be able to understand the basic sequence of message
transactions that occur between two EtherNet/IP devices. Appendix C provides message flow diagrams
to help with this understanding. You should understand the Run/Idle notification mechanism of I/Oconnections and its use in control applications. Controllers/scanners typically use it to notify theirdevices that they have gone into program (idle) mode. It is important that target devices react to thisnotification appropriately.
CIP Object Model: Basics of the CIP object model including object classes, instances, attributes,
services.
CIP Object Library: You should be familiar with the Identity Object. If you are implementing an I/Oscanner or adapter you should be familiar with the Assembly Object. EtherNet/IP embedded devices
must implement the TCP/IP Interface Object and Ethernet Link Object for network configuration.
EtherNet/IP Encapsulation Layer: Basic concepts of the encapsulation layer used to transport CIP
over TCP and UDP including where TCP and UDP are used; EtherNet/IP registered port numbers; usageof IP multicast for I/O connections.
Device Profiles: Which device profile best fits your implementation? Refer to the section on Select a
device profile.
Physical layer requirements: If you need the industrial physical layer, what are the physical layer
requirements? The best resource here is The EtherNet/IP Specification (Volume 2, Chapter 8).
Electronic Data Sheet (EDS): How to create an EDS file for your device. The basic concepts of an
EDS should be understood (see Appendix A)
Practical aspects of implementing EtherNet/IP are the subject of Workshops for Implementors of
EtherNet/IP, open to all developers. See www.odva.org for dates and locations. The resulting guidance isincorporated into several recommendation documents available from ODVA.

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After you have determined your application requirements, selected an implementation approach, andlearned what you need to know about EtherNet/IP, you will begin your development. While this guidecannot describe how to develop your own product, there are a number of important EtherNet/IP aspects
you should address:
Select a device profile. Profiles define the required objects and communication formats for devices.
You should select a profile appropriate to your device type. Specific profiles are for devices that sharethe same behavior have the same I/O data and configuration attributes. Many device profiles are
already defined in library of specifications for CIP Networks, but you may have a device that doesn’t fit
an existing profile. If an existing profile is not appropriate, ODVA Members have the option of creating
one via the ODVA specification enhancement process. You can also use the Generic Device profile,which provides minimum functionality. An alternative is to develop your own: you may adopt ordevelop a device profile for your product, known as a ‘Vendor-specific’ profile, which will need to havethe same required objects mentioned earlier.
Select a device identity. Device identity information is needed for EtherNet/IP configuration tools.
Identity information is stored in the Identity Object and consists of the Vendor ID, Device Type,
Product Code and Major Revision for your device. The Vendor ID is assigned by ODVA and may beobtained via the order form on www.odva.org. The Device Type reflects the device profile, while theProduct Code and revision information is chosen by the vendor of the product.
Interoperability with other devices. You should understand the capabilities and points ofinteroperability with the other devices or applications with which you must communicate. Make sure
you have considered any issues with byte ordering or data alignment. Also make sure you support
the specific communication parameters required by the other devices (e.g., accepting electronic key
segments, producing multicast packets, etc.). ODVA recommendations documents provide guidance toensure interoperability among devices (listed in Further Information).
Define the application data. An important step in the development process is to define yourapplication data. What data must be exchanged with the communication partners? In which CIP
application objects will the data be represented? For most EtherNet/IP I/O adapters, the data will
be available via the Assembly Object. If you use a profile other than a Generic Device, additional
application objects may be required. You can also define a vendor-specific application object, but beaware that for the greatest interoperability, you should use a standard object.
Integrate the EtherNet/IP stack or hardware. If you are using an EtherNet/IP stack or hardware
solution from another vendor, you will need to integrate it with your device or application functions.
The vendor of the EtherNet/IP stack or hardware should be able to help you with the integration
points.
Create an EDS file. An Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) is an ASCII text file that describes the featuresof EtherNet/IP device and is used by software tools for device and network configuration. As aminimum, an EDS needs to contain identity information to allow a tool to recognize the device. While
this is sufficient for messaging servers and clients in most cases, scanners and adapters need tohave their connection capabilities described. For a typical I/O Messaging Adapter, it is sufficient tocreate one entry for every I/O Connection that can be made to the device. Adding more descriptive
details, such as the elements of the I/O and Configuration Assemblies, are necessary to help the user
understand the I/O data and configure the device.
An EDS file can be placed in a device using the File Object in its native form or in a compressed(zipped) file. The advantage of this approach is that the user always has access to the correct versionof the EDS for the version of the product held. See Appendix A for more information on creating an
EDS file.
Publish a user manual. Do include the Assembly Object definition and assembly instances. (These
will be in the EDS file too.)
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Testing Your Implementation
Testing your implementation
If you want to ensure the best possible quality and experience for your users, you should test yourEtherNet/IP implementation in several areas.
In-house testing. You should test your implementation in systems and scenarios that are
relevant to the application. If possible, you should test for interoperability with devices or software
your users will use. Consider doing exception testing, such as network cable disconnects andoperation with high network loads, since problems are often found in these scenarios.
EtherNet/IP Conformance Testing is mandatory
according to the ODVA Terms of Usage Agreement.
Vendors are required to maintain conformance and correct
any non-conformances should they occur. Testing isundertaken at an ODVA-authorized Test Service Provider;centers are located in Europe, the USA and Asia. Devices
that pass conformance testing are eligible to receivea Declaration of Conformity (DOC). DOCs issued are
published by ODVA on www.odva.org.

Figure 7
Certification Mark for Products Holdinga Declaration of Conformity for an
EtherNet/IP Device

EtherNet/IP Interoperability Testing. The series ofWorkshops for Implementors of EtherNet/IP have defined a set of interoperability recommendations(see Further Information) to help ensure interoperability among devices. These recommendations
are tested at ODVA-sponsored events called “PlugFests” that occur approximately twice per year,
once each in North America and Europe. The interoperability tests are optional (advisory), buthave been proven to be highly valuable in creating interoperable products that work in user
applications. Developers have found early participation during the development process to be mostbeneficial. Interoperability testing also includes security testing. Elements of the current advisory
test may become part of the standard conformance test.
Some users are now insisting on product that has passed both conformance andinteroperability testing. Performance testing and results are also becoming of interest to
users, and are likely to be utilized as selection criteria.
See www.odva.org for the schedule of Workshops for Implementors and PlugFests for EtherNet/IP.
Note: Products should obtain a Declaration of Conformity before participating in a PlugFest or are
required to pass Conformance Test using the same firmware within 6 months after the PlugFest
in order to be eligible for the Interoperability Advisory Mark to be added to the Declaration ofConformity. Vendors are encouraged to participate during the development cycle.
Performance testing. ODVA offers optional device performance testing. It is recommended toundertake performance testing during the product development cycle. Understandably, users areshowing interest in performance testing in the selection of EtherNet/IP components. Contact ODVA
for further details.

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Development Tools
What development tools are available?
Set up an example EtherNet/IP network. Ideally you should set up an example EtherNet/IP
network with devices with which you must communicate. You can then more easily understandEtherNet/IP from the end-user perspective and learn about EtherNet/IP communications. Later the
network can be used for functional and interoperability testing.
If you are developing an I/O scanner or adapter, you would set up a network with a scanner (e.g.,
logic controller) and an I/O adapter. If you are developing an explicit message client or server, youwill need those devices. Often I/O scanners can also function as explicit message clients.
A switch (with port monitoring/port mirroring) or hub will be necessary to monitor traffic.
For EtherNet/IP product information, see ODVA’s CIP Supplier Directory at www.odva.org or contact
a vendor for a specific recommendation. Ideally, base your network on some of the same devices
your customer will use.
Protocol analyzers
A protocol analyzer with CIP decoding provides an excellent environment to learn CIP messaging
and for trouble shooting device or network communications. Most protocol analyzers can perform
live traffic capture, offline analysis and usually provide some level of packet filtering.
A managed switch with port mirroring will be required to see all the network traffic. Older hubs
may also be used (although these are becoming increasing hard to find), however, ensure it is nota switched hub.
Other Development Tools••

EZ-EDS is a freeware tool for Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) creation and maintenance. EZEDS reduces the time to create an EDS for a specific product and provides support for all EDS
constructs. Available from: www.odva.org
Protocol Conformance Test Software Tool enables self-testing of EtherNet/IP devices
prior to attending a PlugFest and prior to having the test performed by an ODVA Test Service
Provider. Vendors have found the tool useful to check device functionality during development.
Available from: www.odva.org

ODVA Membership: Developer Benefits
By joining ODVA, developers can obtain various benefits, including the ability to work in collaboration onenhancements to the specifications, preferential pricing on classes, seminars and workshops run by ODVA,
and the eligibility to review a prepublication copy of the specifications. Software and services utilized fordevelopment and testing also qualify for preferential rates. Other membership benefits include productpromotion and marketing through the web, catalogs, trade show participation and Territory AllianceGroups.
ODVA Members implementing EtherNet/IP may also wish to join an ODVA Special Interest Group (SIG).
These groups work to develop, monitor, and approve specification enhancements. SIGs are active ina number of areas, such as physical media, software tools, system architecture, conformance, devicespecific (e.g., drives), and vertical markets (e.g., automotive and semiconductor).

	Some available protocol analyzers and other development tools used in the EtherNet/IP PlugFests
are listed in Appendix D.
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Further Information
ODVA Publications
The following documents are available from www.odva.org under the EtherNet/IP Library unless otherwise
indicated. If an ODVA publication number (PUB) is assigned, it is indicated after the document’s title.
To visit the EtherNet/IP Library, go to www.odva.org, and from the home page, click:‘ODVA Technologies’  ‘EtherNet/IP’  ‘EtherNet/IP Library’
ODVA Terms of Usage Agreement
Outlines the requirements for using an ODVA technology and must be executed to obtain The EtherNet/IP
Specification and become an EtherNet/IP vendor.
The EtherNet/IP Specification
The specification contains all of the normative information for the EtherNet/IP protocol. Available bysubscription. Order forms can be found on www.odva.org.
The CIP Advantage Technology Overview Series: EtherNet/IP (ODVA PUB00138)
A short technical introduction to EtherNet/IP.
General Recommendations for EtherNet/IP Developers (ODVA PUB00100)
Assists vendors to develop EtherNet/IP products that best meet the needs of end users. Many of theserecommendations are based upon experiences from early adopters and EtherNet/IP technology providers.
IPv4 Address Conflict Detection for EtherNet/IP (ODVA PUB00127)
Recommends a common mechanism by which EtherNet/IP devices can detect IP address conflicts.
PlugFest requirement
Recommended Functionality for EtherNet/IP Devices (ODVA PUB00070)
Recommends functionality to be implemented to ensure interoperability between devices and provide
a reasonable minimum level of capability above and beyond the minimum required for compliance.
Includes PlugFest requirements
Recommended IP Addressing Methods for EtherNet/IP Devices (ODVA PUB00028)
Recommendations for common mechanisms related to IP address assignment and management for
EtherNet/IP devices.
PlugFest requirement
EtherNet/IP Interoperability Test Procedures (ODVA PUB00095)
Describes the eligibility of candidate devices and the interoperability testing for EtherNet/IP devices.
PlugFest Test Procedure
Network Infrastructure for EtherNet/IP (ODVA PUB00035)
Provides recommendations on infrastructure decisions.
EtherNet/IP Media Planning and Installation Guide (ODVA PUB00148)
Describes the required media components, how to plan, install, verify, troubleshoot, and certify an
EtherNet/IP network. www.odva.org
The Common Industrial Protocol and the Family of CIP Networks (ODVA PUB00123)
A detailed technical description of the Common Industrial Protocol and its networks.

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Ask the Experts
Q&A forum staffed by a panel of ODVA staff and volunteer member EtherNet/IP experts who answer
technical questions or provide information on EtherNet/IP.
EtherNet/IP Quick Start for Vendors
A one-day training course designed to assist developers accelerate implementation. The latest schedule ofevents can be found on www.odva.org.
Workshops for Implementors of EtherNet/IP
The workshops educate product developers on EtherNet/IP and Industrial Ethernet technologies, provide
a collaborative forum for developers to discuss common issues and solutions, and promote EtherNet/IP
device interoperability through product design recommendations and an interoperability validation event(PlugFest). The latest schedule of events can be found on www.odva.org.
Past workshop presentations include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Essential CIP and EtherNet/IP for Developers
Ethernet, TCP/IP and CIP
EtherNet/IP Performance Guidelines
Modbus/TCP Integration Overview
Quality of Service for EtherNet/IP
Understanding Terms of Usage and Declarations of Conformity
Security Considerations & Securing EtherNet/IP Networks

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Glossary
Adapter Class Device
An Adapter Class product emulates functions provided by traditional rack-adapter products. This type ofnode exchanges real-time I/O data with a Scanner Class product. It does not initiate connections on its
own (see I/O Adapter).
Application I/O Trigger
The Application Trigger is one of three types of I/O triggers supported by CIP for the exchange of data on
I/O connections. It is very similar to the CoS trigger and not common.
BroadcastA broadcast transmission is a packet that all nodes on the network receive.
Encapsulation Protocol
Defines the communication relationship between two nodes known as an Encapsulation Session. The
Encapsulation Protocol uses TCP/UDP Port 44818 for several Encapsulation Commands and for CIP Explicit
Messaging. An example encapsulation command is the List_Identity Command that performs a “networkwho”. An Encapsulation Session must be established before any CIP communications can take place.
Data format for the Encapsulation Protocol is Little-Endian.
Change of State I/O Trigger
Change of State (CoS) is one of three types of I/O triggers supported by CIP for the exchange of data on
Class 0 or 1 I/O connections. CoS endpoints send their messages when a change occurs. The data is also
send at a background cyclic interval if no change occurs to keep the connection from timing out.
Connection Establishment/Close
Connections are established Connection Originators using the ForwardOpen service and closed by using
the ForwardClose service. Connection clean-up takes place when either connection end point times out.
Connected Messaging
A CIP connection is a relationship between two or more application objects on different nodes. The
connection establishes a virtual circuit between end points for transfer of data. Node resources arereserved in advance of data transfer and are dedicated and always available. Connected messaging
reduces data handling of messages in the node. Connected messages can be Implicit (I/O) or Explicit.
Connection Originator
The source node that makes a request to a Connection Target for a connection. It can initiate either an I/O
connection or explicit message connection using the ForwardOpen service.
Connection Target
Destination for I/O or explicit message connection requests. Responds to a connection request with a
ForwardOpen service response.
Cyclic I/O Trigger
Cyclic is one of three types of I/O triggers supported by CIP for the exchange of data on Class 0 or 1 I/O
connections. Endpoints send their messages at pre-determined cyclic time intervals.
EDS File
An Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) is an ASCII text file that describes the features of an EtherNet/IP device
and is used by software tools for device and network connection configuration.

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Exclusive Owner Connection
This is one of three types of Implicit (I/O) Connections. It is a Class 0 or 1 bidirectional connection toan Output connection point (typically an Assembly Object), where the data of this assembly can only becontrolled by one Scanner. There may be a connection to an input assembly; this data is being sent to thescanner. If the input data length is zero, then this direction becomes a Heartbeat connection.
Explicit Messaging
Explicit Messages can be sent as a connected or unconnected message. CIP defines an Explicit Messaging
protocol that states the meaning of the message. This messaging protocol is contained in the message
data. Explicit Messaging provide the means by which typical request/response oriented functions are
performed (e.g., module configuration). These messages are typically point-to-point. Message rates andlatency requirements are typically not as demanding as I/O messaging.
Explicit Message Client
An explicit message client initiates request/response oriented communications with other devices.
Examples of explicit message clients are HMI devices, programming tools, or PC or Linux based
applications that gather data from control devices.
Explicit Message Server
An explicit message server responds to request/response oriented communications initiated by explicit
message clients. An example of an explicit message server is a bar code reader.
ForwardOpen Service Request
The ForwardOpen Service Request is sent by the Connection Originator and received by the Connection
Target to open and establish explicit and I/O connections. The ForwardOpen Service request andassociated response contains all of the connection parameters, including transport class, production
trigger, timing information, electronic key and connection IDs.
Implicit Messaging
Implicit Messages are exchanged across I/O Connections with an associated Connection ID. The
Connection ID defines the meaning of the data and establishes the regular/repeated transport rate and thetransport class. No messaging protocol is contained within the message data as with Explicit Messaging.
Implicit Messages can be point to point (unicast) or multicast and are used to transmit application
specific I/O data. This term is used interchangeably with the term I/O Messaging. Implicit Messaging on
EtherNet/IP uses UDP/IP frames on port 2222. They are typically Class 0 or 1 and of the type Exclusive
Owner, Input Only and Listen Only.
Input Only Connection
This is one of three types of Implicit (I/O) Connections. It is a Class 0 or 1 Connection to an Input
connection point (typically an assembly object). The scanner receives input data from the target device
and produces a Heartbeat to the target device. There is no Output data.
I/O Adapter
An I/O Adapter receives implicit communications requests from an I/O Scanner then produces andconsumes its I/O data, typically at the requested cyclic rate. An I/O Adapter can be a simple digital input
device, or something more complex such as a modular pneumatic valve system.
I/O Client
Function that uses the I/O messaging services of another (I/O Server) device to perform a task. Initiates
a request for an I/O message to the server module. The I/O Client is a Connection Originator of Implicit
Message connections
I/O Messaging
Used interchangeably with the term Implicit Messaging.

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I/O Scanner
An I/O scanner initiates implicit connections with I/O adapter devices, i.e., it is an I/O Client. A scanner
is typically the most complex type of EtherNet/IP device, as it must deal with issues such as configurationof which connections to make, and how to configure the adapter device. Scanners also typically support
initiating explicit messages, i.e., it is also an Explicit Message Client. A programmable controller is an
example of an I/O scanner (used interchangeably with Scanner Class).
I/O Server
Function that provides I/O messaging services to another (I/O Client) device. Responds to a requestfrom the I/O Client for an I/O connection. An I/O Server is the target of the implicit message connection
request.
Listen Only Connection
This is one of three types of Implicit Connections. It is a Class 0 or 1 Connection to an Input connection
point (typically an assembly object). The scanner receives input data from the target device and produces
a Heartbeat to the target device. There is no Output data. A Listen Only Connection can only be attached
to an existing Exclusive Owner or Input Only Connection. If this underlying connection closes, then the
Listen Only connection will also be closed or timed out.
MasterEtherNet/IP does not use Master/Slave technology or terminology.
Message Client
Function that uses the Explicit messaging services of another (Message Server) device to perform a task.
Initiates an Explicit Message request to the server device.
Message Server
Function that provides Explicit Messaging services to another (Message Client) device. Responds to an
Explicit Message request from the Message Client.
MulticastMulticast is the single transmission of an I/O data packet that may be consumed by multiple devices using
multicast IP and Ethernet destination addresses. See Producer/Consumer Communications Model.
Producer/Consumer Communications Model
For I/O Connections, CIP supports object-oriented Producer/Consumer communication. Connection
identifiers embedded into each message are used by devices to determine which messages they should“consume” from other devices that “produce” messages. This enables efficient use of network bandwidth
by transmitting information only once. Less bandwidth equates to greater efficiency and overall speed.
EtherNet/IP uses IP multicast and Ethernet multicast destination addressing to implement this capability.
Point to Point (Unicast)
Point to Point or Unicast is the transmission of data to a single device.
Requested Packet Interval (RPI)
EtherNet/IP devices typically produce or consume data based upon a Requested Packet
Interval (RPI) value. Producer devices send data packets at a predetermined time interval based on the
RPI, whereas consumer devices will listen for a packet of data at a given RPI.
Scanner ClassA Scanner Class product exchanges real-time I/O data with Adapter Class and Scanner Class products.
This type of node can respond to connection requests and can also initiate connections to target devices(see I/O Scanner).
Slave
EtherNet/IP does not use Master/Slave technology or terminology.

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Transport Classes
CIP defines several Transport Classes for messaging connections. Within EtherNet/IP, I/O data sent onClass 1 connections is pre-pended with a 16-bit sequence count, while data on Class 0 connections is not.
Class 3 connections are used for Explicit Messaging Connections.
Unconnected Messaging
Provides a means for a node to send message requests without establishing a CIP connection prior to datatransfer. More overhead is contained within each message and the message is not guaranteed destination
node resources. Unconnected Messaging is used for non-periodic requests (e.g., network “Who” function).
Applies to explicit messages only.
Unicast (Point to Point)
Unicast or Point to Point is a connection for the transmission of data to a single device.

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EtherNet/IP Development Checklist

Checklist for EtherNet/IP Development
 Understand reasons for development; define
implementation requirements.
 Get the necessary EtherNet/IP information you need;consider CIP training and participate in Workshops for
Implementors of EtherNet/IP.
 Become an ODVA-authorized EtherNet/IP vendor by
executing a Terms of Usage Agreement, obtaining a
Vendor ID, and obtaining a subscription to
The EtherNet/IP Specification; details available atwww.odva.org.
 Determine the level of EtherNet/IP capability you need.
 Consider additional capability for the best user
experience.
 Select an implementation approach.
 Develop the EtherNet/IP implementation.
 Test: In-house, ODVA conformance testing,
ODVA-sponsored Interoperability Plug Fest testing Consider joining ODVA to benefit from becoming part of
the ODVA community.
 Consider product marketing with ODVA.

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Appendix A: Creating an EDS File
Why is an EDS file is important?
A well designed EDS will make device integration easy; a poor one will result in guesswork or can makedevice integration practically impossible in some cases. Here is some advice on how to create a welldesigned EDS. The various parts of the EDS will be introduced in turn (as they appear in the EDS ASCII
file, with brackets), describing their function and the information they contain.
•[File] section. This section is used for the administration of an EDS.
If the keywords provided are not sufficient to document certain administrative details, then additional
information can be added through the use of comments. It is strongly advised to use the URL keyword
so that a user can check for the latest version of this EDS.

•

[Device] section. The ID information contained in this section is used to match an EDS with a device
found on the network.
This section is a key element of any EDS. Identification is done by reading the first 4 attributes of the
ID object and comparing this information with the equivalent information in the EDS (apart from the
Minor Revision data component which is not used for this matching).
Any devices that must be distinguished through their run-time options must therefore be covered bydifferent EDSs and as a consequence, they must have different ID object attributes.
Specifying an icon file name in the [Device] section will help assigning an icon automatically during
the installation of the EDS. Having no icon is strongly discouraged, since icons are a good way
to distinguish between device types/families in a graphical representation of a network, making
identification easier for the user.

•[Device Classification] section. This section classifies the EDS/device for EtherNet/IP.
This is a required for all EtherNet/IP devices. It must contain at least an entry for the EtherNet/IP
network.

•[Connection Manager] section. This section specifies the CIP connections that may be made to thedevice.
After the [File], [Device] and [Device Classification] sections, this is the most important section of an
EtherNet/IP device that can be the target of any CIP connection. Only connections that are specified
in this section can be used in an EDS-based configuration tool. While all kinds of Trigger & Transport
types can be used for ConnectionN entries, it is common to only specify Class 0 and 1 connections
within the EDS (Class 0 for safety connections, Class 1 for all other connections). No other transportclasses can be used and interpreted by any EDS-based tool today.
If multiple connections, with different options can be established into the device, then every connectionneeds a separate ConnectionN entry. In a few cases, ConnectionN entries can be “reused” for multiple
connections, e.g. by using a parameter for the connection point information.
The Transport Type used and the Connection Parameters chosen must yield a meaningful combinationthat matches the capabilities of the target device. If certain choices are mutually exclusive but
supported by the device, then these choices must be covered by a set of individual ConnectionN
entries. Tools like EZ-EDS can assist in avoiding some illegal combinations but not all of them. This
tool also helps decoding the rather cryptic 32-bit values of the Trigger and Transport and Connection
Parameter fields. Choosing meaningful names for the individual ConnectionN entries will help the user
pick the right ones.

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A path is required for all ConnectionN entries; otherwise, there would be no data components toconnect to in the target device. It is highly recommended to support the full set of three application
paths (configuration, consumed, produced), since this is one of the recommendations in ODVA
publication 70, Recommended Functionality for EtherNet/IP Devices. Connections that are made tosymbolic entities (tags) typically do not require a configuration path.
The Originator to Target (OT) and Target to Originator (TO) properties (RPI, Size and Format)
can be used for some very meaningful information. When no RPI value is specified, a configuration
tool may pick any value that can be supported for the given bus (network) and that could be a value
beyond the device’s capacity.
Using a fixed RPI value, does not make too much sense either, since that will be the only value thatcan be chosen. In most cases, it is best to use a ParamN entry inside the EDS to define the min/max/default values for RPI. For size and format, at least one of the two fields must be filled. If bothfields are filled, the size field will take precedence; either only part of the data defined in the format
field will be used or those bytes not covered by the format will be empty pad bytes. It is strongly
recommended to define the format.
In the Configuration properties part, there is the capability to enter two configuration formats and two
configuration sizes. This feature has been included to better handle modular devices. The first partof the resulting data attached to the Forward_Open request is meant to be consumed by the adapter
while the second part of this data is to be forwarded to the individual modules according to theirrequirements. For non-modular devices, one part is sufficient.
•[Assembly], [Params] and [ParamClass] section. These sections should be filled as appropriate
and as required by other parts of the EDS, e.g., ConnectionN entries.
If parameter values are to be limited to a subset of the value range, as defined in the min/max fieldsof the ParamN entry, then enumeration can be a good way to do this.
Configurable parameters for an EtherNet/IP device are expected to be packed into a Configuration
Assembly. Individual parameters can be defined inside the EDS, but some tools on the market do
not permit access to individual parameters inside the device even though access through Explicit
Messaging (Get/Set_Attribute_Single or Get/Set_Attribute_All) will work.

•[Capacity] section. This section describes the communication capacity available within the device(and is therefore very useful to incorporate).
Both the number of connections and the connection speeds (frames per second) can and should be
described.

•[Port] section. This section provides port information and is really only required for devices that
perform CIP routing.
Although allowed, this section is unnecessary in devices supporting a single CIP port. In devices witha built-in switch, i.e., with multiple Ethernet ports, this section is still not required (or limited to one
entry only) unless a CIP routing is performed from one port to another.

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Appendix B: Extensions to CIP
CIP Safety, CIP Sync, and CIP Motion are extensions to CIP. Following is a brief overview of each.

What is CIP Safety?
CIP Safety is a high-integrity communication protocol built on top of standard CIP services. The CIP Safety
Specification is Volume 5 of the CIP Networks Library. To develop a CIP Safety device using EtherNet/IP,
you would also require Volumes 1 and 2. CIP Safety on DeviceNet and CIP Safety on EtherNet/IP havebeen certified for use in applications in systems needing to meet the requirements of IEC 61508 up to andincluding SIL3. IEC 61784-3 specifies Functional Safety Communication Profiles (FSCPs), i.e., extensionsof fieldbusses for use in safety related applications. The CIP Safety protocol is included in IEC 61784-3, as
FSCP 2/1.
What is required to develop a safety device on EtherNet/IP?
Two additional objects, a high integrity safety design, and certification by a notified body are required.
•

Safety Validator Object: The safetyvalidator object provides the highintegrity run-time communications
behavior for safety devices. It
executes the safety protocol behavior
in the end devices and encapsulates
and unencapsulates the safety protocol
when it is being transmitted using
standard CIP services. The Safety
Validator simply ensures that data istransmitted with high-integrity (Figure
8).

•

Safety Supervisor Object: The safety
Figure 8
supervisor object provides the highSafetyvalidators
in a safety device
integrity configuration behavior forsafety devices and assumes all mode
control for the device. The Safety
Supervisor ensures that the device is configured with highintegrity (Figure 13).

•High integrity safety design: High-integrity safety systems
are typically systems with redundant hardware and welldefined and controlled design processes.

•

Certification: Typically safety designs are certified to ensure
they meet the applicable standards by an independent agency
or noted body. CIP Safety devices and typically certified tomeet IEC 61508 and EN 954-1 by TÜV.

Figure 9
Configuring a safety device (Safety Supervisor)

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What is the difference between integrity, reliability and availability?
It seems confusing but it is really pretty simple.
•

Integrity is a measure of confidence, that is, what the probability is that something will happen asplanned or go to a predefined state.
For example a system that always returned the correct answer would have integrity of 1. A systemthat never returned the correct answer would have integrity of 0. Most real life systems are
somewhere in-between. Safety systems have integrities very close to 1.
If a system detects a failure, it will take a predefined action.

•

Reliability is a measure of rate of failure. The mean-time between failures (MTBF) on a device may be
200,000 hours.

•

Availability is a measure of what percent of the time is a system available for use to perform its desired
function. It is measured in percent, that is, the system may be available 99.9% of the time.

Can I use the standard CIP services (e.g., seamless routing, multicast, etc.) with safety?
Yes. Since CIP Safety is built on standard CIP services, common CIP services, such as seamless routing
and multicast, can be used.
Certification by Third-Party Competent Bodies
Development of CIP Safety nodes on EtherNet/IP shall be done according to the IEC 61508 requirements
for SIL3 type software, including project management, verification and validation, and design and products
shall be certified to be in compliance with IEC 61508 by an ODVA-approved competent body. In the caseof CIP Safety, ODVA has approved the TÜV Rheinland Group (TÜV), headquartered in Cologne, Germany.
Certification by TÜV is required by ODVA and TÜV in addition to certification by ODVA. The developer
should consult TÜV whilst coordinating with ODVA.
Certification by ODVACIP Safety nodes on EtherNet/IP shall be certified by ODVA to be in compliance with The EtherNet/IP
Specification and The CIP Safety Specification. Certification by ODVA is required by TÜV. The certification
by ODVA covers only the network behavior of the product and its compliance with the Specifications. The
developer should consult ODVA whilst coordinating with TÜV.
What does a CIP Safety toolkit implementation look like?
Although, there are many methods to achieve a SIL3 rating, an example toolkit architecture would
specifically supply the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Dual channel architecture (1oo2)
Integrity of stack’s binary image
Integrity of non-volatile safety parameters storage
Read/write interface between safe and non-safe environments (including access synchronizationand data tearing prevention)
CPU and memory (variables and code) integrity measures
Program flow monitoring (Watchdog)
Memory cross-checking
Discrepancies are detected by either the safety application or the operating system and acted
uponThis example toolkit architecture assumes that vendor’s platform has been designed (in both hardware
and software) to be compliant with requirements for SIL3 systems according to IEC 61508.

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Example Toolkit: High Integrity Components
A wrapper around a generic CIP Safety stack (shown as the Platform Adaptation Layer in Figure��������������
10�����
andFigure 11��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
) provides translation facilities allowing for interfacing of generic toolkit code with functions
provided by vendor’s platform (including interfacing to safety related functions).

Figure 10
Example CIP Safety hardware architecture

The CIP Safety Stack comprises two functionally identical images CIPS_A and CIPS_B, developed
according to a diverse programming approach. Message Validation and Production is initiated by theplatform periodically.

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Example Toolkit: Black Channel Components
The Network Control Task is responsible for communication with standard CIP protocol stack which could
be located either on an external hardware device (DeviceNet Interface Card) or integrated as a part of thesystem (Software EtherNet/IP Stack). This task will periodically poll for events and data on the networkand propagate them to the CIP Safety stack. At the same time this task will poll buffers for events anddata generated by CIPS_n and if present propagate them to the standard stacks for network transmission.
Both MSG_I_A and MSG_I_B must contain exact copies of a message for it to be sent out on the network.

Figure 11
Example CIP Safety stack implementation

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The following documents are available from www.odva.org under the CIP Technology Library unlessotherwise indicated. If an ODVA publication number (PUB) is assigned, it is indicated after the document’s
title.
To visit the CIP Technology Library, go to www.odva.org, and from the home page, click‘ODVA Technologies’  ‘CIP’  ‘CIP Technology Library’•

The CIP Safety Specification
The specification contains all of the normative information for the CIP Safety protocol.

•

CIP Safety White Paper
A short technical introduction to CIP Safety.

•

The Common Industrial Protocol and the Family of CIP Networks (ODVA PUB00123)
A detailed technical description of the CIP protocol and networks.

•

DeviceNet Safety White Paper (ODVA PUB00110)
A short technical introduction to CIP Safety on DeviceNet.

•

Safety Standards
Overview presentation of international safety standards.

•

EN954 Safety of Machinery
Overview presentation of EN954 machine safety standard.

•

Safety Standards Evolution and Impact
Presentation on the evolution of international safety standards.

In addition, visit:•TÜV Rhineland: www.tuvasi.com•

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): http://www.iec.ch/

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What is CIP Sync?
CIP Sync defines time synchronization services for CIP. These time services provide a distributed timereference for the packet time stamping used in the Time Synchronized Distributed Control scheme.
CIP Sync provides the increased control coordination needed for demanding events sequencing, distributed
motion control and other highly distributed applications, where absolute time-synchronization of devices isvital.
CIP Sync forms the heart of EtherNet/IP’s “Time Synchronized Distributed Control” for motion applications.
In this approach, time-stamped data packets relax the strict requirement for less than 1µs jitter for cyclic
data delivery. CIP Sync’s time synchronization services provide a distributed time reference for the packet
time stamping used in Time Synchronized Distributed Control. They also allow synchronization of services
across distributed nodes.
CIP Sync also offers a method for synchronizing multiple clocks in a system. It is flexible enough tomanage synchronization for applications that require time stamping, while, in the same system, servicing
devices that depend on synchronized frequency.
CIP Sync & IEEE-1588™
CIP Sync is fully compliant with the IEEE-1588™ Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol
for Networked Measurement and Control Systems, often referred to as the Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
With this approach the CSMA/CD data link layer does not have to be replaced with a proprietary driveror ASIC, allowing full IEEE 802.3 compliance, while providing a robust solution with the performancenecessary for closed loop operation of high performance digital drives (�����������
Figure 12��).

Figure 12
CIP Sync is fully compliant with the IEEE-1588™ Standard

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What is CIP Motion?
CIP Motion defines extensions to standard CIP that are needed to realize high-performance motion control
over EtherNet/IP. These extensions currently consist of a Motion Drive Device Profile and a Motion Axis
Object specification.
What is required to develop a CIP Motion device on EtherNet/IP?
Implementation of a CIP Motion device profile is needed. Currently, the CIP Motion Drive Device Profile isdefined and required to implement a CIP Motion compliant drive device. The CIP Motion profile defines
extensions focused on drive control, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Torque, velocity, or position control of servo and variable speed drives,
Drive configuration, status, and diagnostic attributes and services
Unicast control-to-drive communications
Multicast peer-to-peer communications allow position and velocity synchronization in drives
controlled by multiple distributed controllers
Centralized and distributed motion support
Common configuration, status and diagnostic services and common application instruction support
for variable speed and servo drives makes those drives interchangeable at the application level

This device profile must include one or more instances of a key new CIP object component, the Motion
Axis Object. In addition, high performance motion control requires accurate time synchronization between
the motion controller and the drive device. This is achieved via the previously described CIP Sync protocol
and its associated Time Sync Object.

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Appendix C: Traffic Flow Diagrams
The basic sequence of messages for each fundamental type of EtherNet/IP messages are shown here.
These are provided as supplemental material to expand some of the concepts discussed earlier.
Example 1
This is a sequence showing the steps needed to send an unconnected explicit message. This assumes
that the two devices have not yet spoken so the TCP connection and Encapsulation Session have to beestablished. Normally, this is used for more than one explicit request, hence the indication of message
iteration in the middle of the diagram.

Figure 13
EtherNet/IP Sequence for Unconnected Explicit Messages

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Example 2This is a sequence showing the steps needed to open an explicit message connection. This assumes
that the two devices have not yet spoken so the TCP connection and Encapsulation Session have to beestablished. An explicit message connection is normally used to send many explicit messages as indicatedin the middle of the diagram. The number of requests and the duration of the connection is application
dependent.

Figure 14
EtherNet/IP Sequence for Connected Explicit Messages

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Example 3This is a sequence showing the steps needed to open an I/O (Implicit) message connection. This assumes
that the two devices have not yet spoken so the TCP connection and Encapsulation Session have to beestablished. An I/O connection is setup using an Explicit Message over TCP. Once established, the actual
I/O connection runs over UDP, independent of the TCP connection (see UDP Data Flow in Figure������������
20���
).
This I/O Connection will continue to exchange data indefinitely until it times out or it is intentionallydiscontinued with an Explicit Message.

Figure 15
EtherNet/IP Sequence for I/O Data Transfer

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Appendix D: Development Tools
Protocol analyzers available include:•

Wireshark™, with its built-in CIP decoder is a popular open source tool used to analyze EtherNet/
IP traffic (Figure 9). Wireshark runs on Windows, Linux, UNIX, and other platforms. This tool waspreviously known as Ethereal.

•

NetDecoder™ (formerly FTS4Control) is another protocol analysis tool that supports EtherNet/IP,
CIP and other protocols.

Other development tools of note include:•

EtherNet/IP Device Interoperability Test Tool (EDITT) is a PC/Windows™-based software
application that automates sections of the EtherNet/IP Interoperability Test Procedure, version 1.2.
This test procedure is published by ODVA EtherNet/IP Implementors Workshop and performed during
PlugFest interoperability testing. EDITT (Figure 10) is available from Pyramid Solutions (www.pyramidsolutions.com). EDITT provides EtherNet/IP I/O Server, I/O Client, Message Server and Message Client
functionality. EDITT is capable of originating a variety of I/O connections based on the connection
configuration set by the user. EDITT is compatible with Rockwell Software’s RSNetWorx for EtherNet/IP
for local or remote network configuration.

•

EtherNet/IP Scanner Simulation Tool (EIPScan) is a PC/Windows application that simulates an
EtherNet/IP Scanner Class device (connection client & server) to enable product engineers to test anddebug EtherNet/IP connected products under development. EIPScan provides EtherNet/IP I/O Server,
I/O Client, Message Server and Message Client functionality. EIPScan is capable of originating a variety
of I/O connections based on the user set connection configuration. EIPScan is compatible with Rockwell
Software’s RSNetWorx for EtherNet/IP for local or remote network configuration. EIPScan is available
from IXXAT (www.ixxat.de) and Pyramid Solutions (www.pyramid-solutions.com).

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For more information, visit
www.odva.org

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