Installation guide

Network Infrastructure for EtherNet/IP™
Planning the Infrastructure
3-12
3 Planning the Infrastructure
The most significant differences between industrial Ethernet networks and device-level
networks are presented here with information on how industrial EtherNet/IP networks
are designed and built.
Open device-level networks have been a key element of building modular manufacturing systems. The
networks’ quick response times, low connect costs, and simplicity fuel their growth. At the same time,
industrial Ethernet infrastructure components, low-cost embedded Ethernet devices, and better
performance due to higher data rates (100 Mbps to 1 Gbps), are increasing the real-time control capability
of industrial Ethernet.
3.1 Segmentation vs. Trunk-and-Drop
There are significant differences in the topology of industrial Ethernet networks and device-level
networks as shown in Figure 3-1. Device-level networks are often laid out in a trunk-and-drop system.
Figure 3-1 Device-level Networks are Trunked. Ethernet Networks are Segmented.