Ethernet

EtherNet/IP: Embedded switch technology: Flexible topology options

Integrating embedded switch technology into devices eases configuration, says Rockwell Automation.

Embedding Ethernet technology into end devices enables greater topology configuration choices for EtherNet/IP applications, including linear and ring topologies, says Rockwell Automation. Such embedded technology allows for a make/break of less than 3 ms with diagnostics and fast recovery to decrease downtime. Embedding technology can put popular switch features into hardware, providing features for higher performance applications without configuration, the company says.

For example:

– The 1783-ETAP 3-port EtherNet/IP module allows single-port devices to connect to a ring and/or linear topology;

– Optimized for EtherNet/IP I/O and motion applications; and

– Typical recovery rate for a 50-node device-level ring is less than 3 ms. Fast recovery rate makes failures appear transparent to most networked devices. Machines often continue operations without system interruptions. Open standard technology is available to third-party vendors, allowing EtherNet/IP interoperability. It also supports IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) for precise time synchronization and quality of service (QoS) to help prioritize data transmission, Rockwell Automation explains. Learn more at www.ab.com/networks/switches/embedded.html.

Also read from Control Engineering :
– Networking: Cisco, Rockwell partner on Ethernet‘reference architectures ‘
– Industrial network selection advice from Rockwell Automation ;
– Industrial network channel – news and products .

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering , www.controleng.com

Written by

Mark T. Hoske

Mark Hoske has been Control Engineering editor/content manager since 1994 and in a leadership role since 1999, covering all major areas: control systems, networking and information systems, control equipment and energy, and system integration, everything that comprises or facilitates the control loop. He has been writing about technology since 1987, writing professionally since 1982, and has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from UW-Madison.