KEYENCE DL-EP1 - Manual (Page 32)

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- EtherNet/IP Compatible Network Unit DL-EP1 User’s Manual (IL) -
3-1
What is EtherNet/IP?
EtherNet/IP is an industrial communication network with open specifications. The
specifications are managed by ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendor Association, Inc.).
Industrial protocol has been combined with the Ethernet and standardized as Ether-
Net/IP (Industrial Protocol).
Communication is realized by combining the protocols known as Common Industrial
Protocol (CIP) with TCP/IP and Ethernet. This allows regular Ethernet to be used
together with the network.
Before starting EtherNet/IP communication, one of the devices must open a
communication line called a "connection" with the other device. The side which
opens the connection is called the "scanner", and the side to be opened is called the
"adaptor". (The DL-EP1 is an adaptor.)
EtherNet/IP includes cyclic communication (Implicit messaging) which sends and
receives data periodically. Message communication (Explicit messaging) which
sends and receives commands and responses at a random timing.
Cyclic communication enables you to set RPI (Requested Packet Interval) according
to the priority of the data to be exchanged, allowing the entire communication load to
be adjusted for data exchange.
Message communication enables you to exchange the required commands and
responses at the required timing. Message communication is used for applications
which do not require the punctuality of cyclic communication, such as reading and
writing adaptor settings.
What is EtherNet/IP?
Scanner
Adaptor Adaptor Adaptor
High speed
(Communication cycle: 10 ms)
Regular speed
(Communication
cycle: 100 ms)
Low speed (Communication cycle: 1000 ms)