Performance Analysis of EtherNet/IP Networks

Real-time Ethernet networks, which are described by both the IEC 61784 and IEC 61158 International Standards, are even more employed in factory automation systems. In this paper we focus on the performance of EtherNet/IP one of the most popular networks speci¯ed by the above standards. In particular, we evaluate two Performance Indicators, namely the Delivery Time and the Throughput RTE for a speci¯c network con¯guration. For both the indicators we ¯rstly propose a theoretical analysis and then report the results of an extensive set of tests we carried out in order to measure their actual values for di®erent hardware components. Finally, we provide an adequate explanation of the inevitable di®erences between the data obtained via the theoretical analysis and the experimental outcomes.