The EtherNet/IP is a high-level industrial networking protocol that adapts the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) for use over standard Ethernet. The "IP" in its name stands for "Industrial Protocol," not "Internet Protocol." It is one of the leading industrial Ethernet standards and is managed by ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association).
EtherNet/IP uses standard Ethernet hardware--the same cables, switches, and network interface cards used in office and home networks. This allows industrial automation systems to leverage the low cost, high speed (e.g., 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps), and widespread availability of commercial off-the-shelf Ethernet technology. On top of this standard hardware, EtherNet/IP defines how data for control applications should be structured and exchanged. It uses the object-oriented CIP to present devices as a collection of objects with attributes (data), services (commands), and behaviors. This provides a standardized way for devices from different manufacturers (like PLCs, robots, sensors, and programmable power supplies) to interoperate seamlessly on the same network. It supports both explicit messaging (for non-time-critical configuration and data collection) and implicit I/O messaging (for the fast, real-time exchange of control data).
For a programmable power supply, an EtherNet/IP interface enables tight integration into larger automation systems controlled by PLCs, making it a common choice for applications in manufacturing, robotics, and process control.