Ethernet groups will work together

Several groups working on different versions and aspects of Industrial Ethernet have signed an agreement to join forces on common topics, such as security, cabling and the use of the IEEE 1588 synchronisation protocol. By working together on these issues, the groups will be freed from having to develop their own, independent strategies.

The Memorandum of Understanding being signed at the Hannnover Fair this month, builds on an agreement signed in 2000 between the Industrial Ethernet body Iaona, the IDA group (now part of Modbus-IDA) and the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association).

They have now been joined by the Ethernet Powerlink Specification Group, the EtherCat Technology Group and the Sercos Interest Group.