Embedding Real Time Ethernet: EtherNet/IP on resource constricted platforms

Real Time Ethernet protocols have become commonplace in automation orientated communication. An important applied research question is whether generic embedded applications can benefit from these new protocols. This industry practice paper investigates the “embeddability” of EtherNet/IP on resource constrained platforms. We show that, within the cost structure of RTE implementations in general, EtherNet/IP can be implemented in resource constrained hardware and in fact can be successfully be ported to existing embedded, Ethernet enabled, hardware.