What is EtherNet/IP and how does it differ from standard Ethernet?

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an industrial Ethernet protocol using CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) over standard TCP/IP and UDP. Differences from standard Ethernet: deterministic communication through prioritization, device profiles for interoperability, implicit (I/O) and explicit (configuration) messaging, and support for device-level ring (DLR) topology for redundancy. Typical cycle times 1-10 ms. EtherNet/IP uses standard Ethernet hardware (switches, cables) but requires managed switches for proper implementation. Dominant in North American discrete manufacturing alongside PROFINET.