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Comprehensive EtherNet IP gateway linking legacy devices and external networks to EtherNet/IP

The FieldServer EtherNet/IP gateway links legacy devices and systems using other protocols to Allen Bradley EtherNet/IP networks. The extensive FieldServer driver library provides a wide range of interfacing EtherNet/IP to protocols for process control and building automation applications. Serial, Ethernet and fieldbus protocols are available such as ControlNet, Modbus, Profibus, LonWorks, BACnet, JCI Metasys N2 and other protocols used on PLCs, fire alarm panels, HVAC devices, process controls, boilers, chillers and more. The FieldServer driver library has over 100 different protocols interfacing to over 300 different devices. Dual redundancy configuration is available for critical applications.

The configuration software provided with the FieldServer EtherNet/IP adapter enables the user to easily configure both the server and client sides of the gateway to meet specific monitoring and operational needs. Custom configuration services are also available from FieldServer. An embedded coprocessor protocol translator using EtherNet/IP is also available.

Examples of EtherNet/IP Solutions from FieldServer Technologies

• QuickServer EtherNet/IP to LonWorks - Cost effective, easy-to-use LonWorks Certified gateway to interface EtherNet/IP and LonWorks. QuickServer can act as an EtherNet/IP Client or Server and follows the ODVA protocol specifications. EtherNet/IP uses CIP (Control and Information Protocol), the common network, transport and application layers also shared by ControlNet and DeviceNet. EtherNet/IP then makes use of standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technology to transport CIP communications packets. The result is a common, open application layer on top of open and highly popular Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols. The Driver is able to read/write using the Data Table structure employed by all Logix Series PLC's. LonWorks device can be used with explicit and/or implicit addressing and can be bound to a maximum of 15 other LonWorks nodes. The QuickServer can handle a maximum of 250 explicitly addressed nodes. The QuickServer currently supports a default of 63 network variable aliases to avoid network variable connection constraints.
• FS-B20 Series EtherNet/IP to BACnet/IP - Proven, cost-effective, ODVA Certified gateway interfacing EtherNet/IP to BACnet/IP. The FieldServer EtherNet/IP Gateway can act as an EtherNet/IP Client or Server and follows the ODVA protocol specifications. EtherNet/IP uses CIP (Control and Information Protocol), the common network, transport and application layers also shared by ControlNet and DeviceNet. EtherNet/IP then makes use of standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technology to transport CIP communications packets. The result is a common, open application layer on top of open and highly popular Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols. The Driver is able to read/write using the Data Table structure employed by all Logix Series PLC's. QuickServer can emulate BACnet as either a server or client. BACnet COV support for fast data communication while reducing traffic over a BACnet network. QuickServer supports multiple BACnet data types.
• FS-B35 Series FieldServer EtherNet/IP to EST3 Fire Alarm Control Panel - A multiport, high-capacity, feature-rich, proven EtherNet/IP gateway interfacing EtherNet/IP and EST3. The FieldServer EtherNet/IP Gateway can act as an EtherNet/IP Client or Server and follows the ODVA protocol specifications. EtherNet/IP uses CIP (Control and Information Protocol), the common network, transport and application layers also shared by ControlNet and DeviceNet. EtherNet/IP then makes use of standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technology to transport CIP communications packets. The result is a common, open application layer on top of open and highly popular Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols. The Driver is able to read/write using the Data Table structure employed by all Logix Series PLC's. The FS-B35 series Modbus - EST3 Gateway utilizes the EST3 External Communications Protocol (ECP) in which FieldServer acts as an EST3 client supporting Gateway Type II and Type III, using EST3 read operations for report service and delta service and Write Operations for command service.

For additional information about a specific EtherNet/IP gateway please click on the link to the right.

About EtherNet/IP

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) provides the tools necessary to deploy Ethernet technology for manufacturing and industrial applications while enabling internet and enterprise connectivity.

EtherNet/IP was developed by Rockwell Automation in the late 1990s and released in 2001 specifically for industrial automation applications, including process control. EtherNet/IP has grown to become the complete industrial Ethernet network solution for industrial automation in the US and Asia today.

EtherNet/IP implements the Common Industrial protocol at its upper layers and uses the existing network infrastructure of Ethernet. EtherNet/IP is built on the standard TCP/IP stack, making use of all 7 layers of OSI reference model. The EtherNet/IP stack can be implemented as software on a microprocessor so EtherNet/IP implementation doesn't require any special hardware.

Due to the way EtherNet/IP makes use of existing Ethernet infrastructure, as Ethernet technology improves to allow faster and faster transfer, EtherNet/IP transfer rates will also improve.