Glossary · Industrial communication
Industrial Ethernet
Also known as: Real-time Ethernet, Industrial Ethernet protocol
German: Industrial Ethernet
In industrial communication, Industrial Ethernet is the use of Ethernet technology in automation, with industrial-grade components and protocols that add real-time behavior, device profiles and diagnostics. IEC 61784-2 defines real-time Ethernet profiles such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, POWERLINK and Sercos III.
- Industrial communication
- Standards
In one sentence
Industrial Ethernet applies Ethernet to automation with rugged hardware and real-time protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT.
Example
A new production line uses Industrial Ethernet throughout: PROFINET to the field devices, and the same cabling standard for the connection to the plant network.
How it applies
- Engineering: Industrial Ethernet systems differ in how they achieve determinism: some use standard TCP/UDP, some use prioritized Ethernet frames, some use special hardware or time slots. The choice follows controller platform, performance and device availability.
- Installation: Industrial cabling (shielded cables, M12 or RJ45 industrial connectors), switches rated for the environment and careful topology planning prevent many problems.
- Security: Ethernet makes it easy to connect control networks to office networks, which increases exposure. Network segmentation into zones and conduits according to IEC 62443 is standard practice.
- Documentation: The documentation team names the specific protocol and conformance class, not only "Ethernet interface", and documents IP addressing, ports and services used.
Industrial Ethernet vs. office Ethernet
The underlying IEEE 802.3 technology is the same. Industrial Ethernet adds real-time protocols, robust components, deterministic traffic handling and different priorities: availability and timing come before throughput.