While industrial Ethernet and commercial Ethernet share foundational similarities, such as using standard Ethernet chips and networking devices like routers, switches and bridges, they differ in distinct ways.
Both network types can run multiple communication protocols over a single cable, enabling connectivity across diverse devices. However, Control Design reported, industrial Ethernet requires more robust, ruggedized hardware to withstand the demands of factory floor environments where power fluctuations, noise and vibrations are common.
The hardware design emphasizes resilience, as resetting or rebooting is often impractical in continuous-operation settings. Additionally, industrial protocols offer features critical for real-time communication and process control, which are less emphasized in commercial Ethernet.
The historical shift to Ethernet on the factory floor also brought significant advancements for machine builders and automation professionals. By the 1980s, the introduction of Ethernet allowed centralized data access, streamlined troubleshooting and improved interoperability among devices, gradually replacing proprietary networking solutions like DH, DH+ and ARCNet. This transition enabled better integration of PLCs and other automation systems, reduced implementation costs and fostered scalability for complex automation networks.
Learn more in the full article from Control Design.
