Ethernet , especially industrial Ethernet, has recently become a hot word for manufacturing. Recommend to check out our recent share of the Industrial Ethernet Trilogy

Although they are similar, they have their own characteristics and have their own advantages. Today we talk about Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet and compare the differences between them.

Ethernet first appeared in the 1970s, after which it was standardized in accordance with IEEE 802.3. Ethernet refers to an IEEE 802.3-compliant local area network (LAN) product group . IEEE 802.3 is a set of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards that define the physical layer and data link layer for wired Ethernet media access control. These standards also describe the rules for sub-configuration of Ethernet networks and how various network elements cooperate with each other.

Ethernet supports multiple computers through a single network connection. Without it, the devices used by modern society may not be able to communicate with each other. Ethernet is a global wire and cable system standard. These wires and cables connect multiple computers, devices, machines, etc., through a single enterprise network so that all computers communicate with each other. The prototype of Ethernet is a cable that supports the connection of multiple devices to the same network. Today, Ethernet networks can expand and cover new devices as needed. Ethernet is the most popular and widely used network technology in the world.

With Ethernet, the data stream is split into shorter blocks or frames, each containing specific information, such as the source and destination of the data. To send and receive data over the network as required, these data are indispensable.

Other terms related to Ethernet technology include:

Media: In modern Ethernet technology, media refers to twisted pair or fiber optic cable. Ethernet devices provide data transmission paths by connecting them;

Segment: single shared media;

Node: The device that connects the segment.

Standard Ethernet data transmission speeds range from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet is a term used in the IEEE 802.3 standard to denote Ethernet network speeds that are transmitted at 1 Gbps. Gigabit Ethernet was originally commonly used for backbone network transmissions, as well as high-performance or high-capacity servers. However, as time progresses, it is gradually supported by desktop connection devices and PCs.

Additional information about Ethernet

Ethernet and Wi-Fi are two different concepts - Ethernet uses cables to connect computers and devices, as the computer magazine states. Almost all mentioned network or LAN connections refer to Ethernet.

Industrial Ethernet, as its name implies, refers to Ethernets used in industrial configurations. They generally require more stable and reliable connectors, cables, and higher certainty, the latter being the most important. For greater certainty, Industrial Ethernet uses proprietary protocols when using Ethernet. The currently popular industrial Ethernet protocols include: PROFINET®, EtherNet/IP®, EtherCAT®, SERCOS III, and POWERLINK®.

With Industrial Ethernet, the data transfer rate is 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. However, Industrial Ethernet applications most often use 100 Mbps.

Figure 1. Industrial Ethernet requires more consideration than an office Ethernet system. Manufacturing equipment in the factory floor can be affected by different temperatures, vibrations and other potentially disturbing noises.

working principle

Industrial Ethernet protocols (such as PROFINET and EtherCAT) modify the protocols of standard Ethernet to ensure that not only can the specific manufacturing data be sent and received correctly, but also that data can be sent and received on time when certain operations are required. Taking a bottle filling plant using industrial Ethernet automation technology as an example, it can send filling data via the Internet to ensure that filling is completed as planned. According to Real Time Automation, when the bottle is full, a stop filling command is sent over the network.

Figure 2. This advanced technology is needed in industrial settings to ensure that specific manufacturing data can be sent and received correctly. Taking a bottle filling plant as an example, industrial Ethernet automation technology supports sending filling data via the network to ensure that the filling is completed as planned.

It said that for office Ethernet settings, this kind of news would not be so critical. When the web page is lost, the user only needs to click the refresh button. But for the factory, a small problem may turn into a catastrophe—the company can't wait for someone to find the problem, and then manually press the button. Industrial Ethernet automation networks can detect errors in the filling process and automatically stop the filling process, preventing the loss of time, products and funds.

Real Time Automation stated that Ethernet is generally used more in office environments than in industrial environments. Office Ethernet is mainly used at the basic level, while Industrial Ethernet may be used at multiple levels and in more burdensome environments.

Industrial Ethernet is more suitable for solving factory noise problems, meeting factory process requirements, responding to more demanding environments, and even better responding to data conflicts within the factory.

Industrial Ethernet technology uses different lines and connectors than traditional ones. For example, Real Time Automation stated that connectors used in industrial configurations are not a basic type of snap lock. Because the environment is more rigorous, you need a more solid locking type. Heavy duty applications also often require the use of sealed connectors.

When deciding between Industrial Ethernet and Ethernet, determinism is an important factor. Standard Ethernet itself is not deterministic, but the industrial environment requires certainty. They need to send and receive packets at specific times, and they need to ensure that the data is sent successfully every time. This is because in an industrial configuration, data loss or data delays between devices can have catastrophic consequences—for example, major issues in the production process. When the company chooses which type of Ethernet to deploy, this real-time information transfer usually plays a considerable role. Companies need to evaluate their own specific needs and then determine the Ethernet solution that best suits their organization.