This chapter gives an overview of the Ethernet Network Interface. The following topics are covered:
•Ethernet Connection
•Non-Ethernet Devices
•Hardware Features
•Operating Modes
•Device Compatibility
•Ethernet Networks
The 1761-NET-ENI provides Ethernet/IP connectivity for all MicroLogix controllers and other DF1 full-duplex devices. The Ethernet Network Interface (ENI) allows you to easily connect a MicroLogix onto new or existing Ethernet networks and upload/download programs, communicate between controllers, and generate e-mail messages via SMTP (simple mail transport protocol).
Ethernet/IP is an industry standard open protocol which provides inter-device compatibility. You can exchange information with other Allen Bradley Ethernet controllers (SLC, PLC, and ControlLogix) in a peer-to-peer relationship, so you do not need any master-type device.
The ENI allows you to connect non-Ethernet Allen-Bradley programmable controllers to Ethernet networks. The ENI uses Ethernet/IP services to allow these controllers to intercommunicate via their native PCCC messaging.
The ENI allows a non-Ethernet controller to initiate a message to another device over Ethernet. The message can be sent to its application master, or to a peer device. These communications are also referred to as “report on exception” messaging.
When the ENI is connected to a programmable controller, the controller can be used for data acquisition (or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, SCADA) functions. This SCADA ability allows the controller to function as a smart RTU over Ethernet.
