Ethernet Setup Overview

The Ethernet networking standard uses a multi-layered topology where various technology building blocks interface with one another to construct the whole called the OSI model. At the lowest level of these layers is the physical network (wires, signal waveforms, transceivers, etc.) Interfacing with the physical are the Data Link then Network Layers. These layers includes basic mechanisms used to establish devices on the network. Parameters associated with these layers include the IP Address.

Traversing up the topology is transport layer (TCP and UDP communication mechanisms). The primary difference between these is TCP is typically communication between two devices and provides verification that the information was received. UDP can be communication from one to many devices using broadcasts or multicasts but does not guarantee the information was received.

Layered on top of TCP and UDP are the various Ethernet high-level protocols included in the Session, Presentation, and Application layers. Unlike all of the non-Ethernet based networks discussed in this manual, Ethernet supports having multiple protocols working simultaneously. For example, the RS-485 physical layer can only have FairNET or Modbus or PROFIBUS active on it at any one time. Ethernet can have EtherNet/IP and Modbus/TCP and SNMP and FANDA, etc. active on the same network at the same time.

Design Pad separates the configuration of Ethernet communication into two categories: the Physical Layer and the Logical Network. Simply put, the Design Pad Physical Layer includes information associated with the Physical, Data Link, and Network layers the OSI model. The remaining layers (Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application) are configured in the Logical Network setup.