Ethernet is a packet-based digital communication technology used for data transmission in local (LANs), industrial, and embedded networks. A widely adopted standard, it enables reliable, high-speed, and scalable connectivity between devices.
In the industry, Ethernet is adopted both for automation, data acquisition, and real-time control, as well as for integration with larger systems like SCADA, MES and ERP.
🔧 Technical Characteristics of Ethernet
- 🌐 Layers based on the OSI model (physical, data link, network…)
- 🚀 Speeds: 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps or higher
- 🧭 Addressing: via MAC addresses and protocols like IP (IPv4/IPv6)
- 🧱 Topologies: star, bus, or mixed with switches, hubs, and routers
- 🔌 Cables: twisted pair (Cat5e, Cat6), optical fiber, or industrial shielded pair (STP)
- 🔁 Full-duplex communication, with collision detection (CSMA/CD) in older networks
- 📦 Common protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA
🧩 Industrial Applications of Ethernet
- Integration of control systems, sensors, and actuators in real-time
- Communication between PLCs, industrial PCs, HMIs, and test systems
- Remote access to production data, dashboards, and reports
- Transmission of commands and reading of measurements in distributed systems
- Firmware updates, control via scripts, telemetry, and SCADA supervision
- Connection of test instruments via LAN, PXI, VXI, virtual instruments
⚙️ Advantages of Using Ethernet in Industry
- 🚀 High speed and reliability
- 🌐 Universal connectivity and integration with IT
- 🔗 Compatibility with industrial and IT protocols
- 📈 Scalability for multiple devices and high density
- 🧰 Easy diagnostics with standard tools (ping, sniffers, network logs)
- 🧠 Support for time synchronization (IEEE 1588/PTP) in critical applications
🔧 How AJOLLY Testing Supports Your Project with Ethernet
AJOLLY Testing integrates Ethernet into test and automation systems for production, validation, and laboratory, with expertise in network protocols, instrumentation, and connectivity.
🖥️ Integration with Test Systems
- Communication with LAN instruments (switches, power supplies, analyzers, meters)
- Data exchange with distributed benches at different stations
- Remote control of devices via Telnet, HTTP, Modbus TCP, REST API
- Execution of automated tests with Ethernet communication in LabVIEW, TestStand, C#, Python
📊 Data Collection and Traceability
- Acquisition of measurements via network with timestamp and synchronization
- Logging of logs, alerts, and failures via TCP/UDP
- Export to databases, dashboards, or FTP/SFTP servers
- Automatic report generation with serial number, batch, and results
🧪 Functional and Firmware Testing
- Validation of Ethernet responses, packets, custom commands
- Tests of connectivity, latency, packet loss, timeout, and retransmission
- Performance verification under network load or disturbances
- Simulation of servers or clients to test embedded equipment
With AJOLLY Testing, the Ethernet interface becomes an integral part of reliable, scalable test systems ready for Industry 4.0 — whether in the lab, production, or field.