Installation guide

Network Infrastructure for EtherNet/IP™

Deploying the Network

5-58

5 Deploying the Network

EtherNet/IP networks can be tested using relatively inexpensive equipment and software.

There are some quick and easy methods of assuring that EtherNet/IP cables and

connectors are providing connectivity. Deployment also involves configuring the system

for EtherNet/IP traffic.

Methods of self-testing routers and switches make it easy to diagnose the basic issues: Is it connected?

Does it see its signal? Easy software checks can further ensure that the connections are not only made, but

that hardware will communicate over TCP/IP connections. Simple hand-held testers are available, many

of which offer embedded diagnostics. Using such testers, engineers can be assured that a new system will

communicate without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on test equipment.

EtherNet/IP provides a large set of simple, universal tools that can be leveraged to increase the speed of

network deployments. It opens the door for remote monitoring via SNMP (potentially from any place in

the world) to improve the productivity of the network users.

From a cabling perspective, deployment of EtherNet/IP is similar to the deployment of DeviceNet;

validation of proper connection of the physical layer is vital. Major differences, however, between

EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet include the following:

• EtherNet/IP has a star topology; DeviceNet uses a trunk-line/drop-line topology.

• The switching infrastructure of EtherNet/IP becomes a part of the network that may need

to be configured to optimize its performance. DeviceNet can be configured as a master-

slave or as a distributed control architecture using peer-to-peer communication.

5.1 Validating the Integrity of the Physical Layer

Implementing the physical layer involves four steps: design, installation, cable verification, and

certification or acceptance testing. Performance testing and verification of the EtherNet/IP physical layer

infrastructure, whether copper or fiber-optic cable, is essential after installation and before network

startup. This is similar in practice to testing any industrial network infrastructure, such as DeviceNet or

ControlNet.

Each cabling segment (consisting of cable and connectors) must be tested to confirm that, after

installation, the segments all conform to The EtherNet/IP™ Specification

for performance. As noted

earlier, the use of pre-terminated cables is strongly advised to limit problems with field terminations. If

commercially-supplied cables with RJ-45 connectors must be used, they should be kept in tightly-closed

ODVA, The CIP Networks Library, Vol. 1 and 2, The EtherNet/IP™ Specification. Ann Arbor: ODVA, Inc., 2006.