Hasan S. Cemkan
Corporate
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ODVA Shapes the Future of Industrial Automation
ODVA announced its latest advancements in industrial cybersecurity, device interoperability, process automation, and next-generation Ethernet connectivity at its Industry Conference in Portugal. These developments showcased how EtherNet/IP is evolving to meet the changing requirements of industrial automation.
Industry Experts Convene
The conference and 24th Annual Meeting of Members brought together over 100 industrial automation experts from technology suppliers and end-users to examine the technologies shaping the future of industrial connectivity. The EtherNet/IP ecosystem continues to be adopted across a wide range of industrial applications, with contributions from over 700 licensed vendors and nearly 400 ODVA members.
New Technologies and Application Areas
New technologies such as Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), Ethernet-APL, wireless connectivity, and enhanced cybersecurity capabilities are expanding EtherNet/IP's reach into new markets and applications. The conference featured over 20 technical presentations and end-user application stories on topics including IPv6, cybersecurity, time synchronization, functional safety, OpenAPI engineering workflows, robotic interfaces, and process automation.
Advancements in Industrial Cybersecurity: CIP Security
One of the significant advancements since ODVA's 23rd Annual Meeting has been the continuous development of CIP Security, the cybersecurity technology for EtherNet/IP. CIP Security provides device and user authentication, data integrity and confidentiality, secure communication, and other security capabilities designed to protect industrial automation systems.
ODVA developed the CIP Security Pull Model, which enables efficient distribution of device authentication credentials. This approach simplifies device commissioning and replacement while supporting architectures where traditional configuration methods are impractical. ODVA published the associated CIP Identity and CIP Security schemas in March 2026.
Furthermore, CIP Security has been officially certified by TÃœV Rheinland as meeting the Security Level Capability 3 (SL-C 3) requirements of IEC 62443-4-2. This certification strengthens CIP Security's position as the definitive security framework for EtherNet/IP products and simplifies the path to compliance for product manufacturers.
Interoperability in Process Automation
ODVA continues to expand EtherNet/IP's process automation capabilities through Process Device Profiles. These profiles establish common functionality for process devices such as level, temperature, flow, and pressure instruments, facilitating greater interoperability and device interchangeability among vendors.
The expansion of EtherNet/IP into process automation is also supported by Ethernet-APL, which combines long-reach, two-wire Single Pair Ethernet with power delivery and intrinsic safety capabilities for process environments.
Collaboration in the Industrial Automation Industry
ODVA collaborates with other standards organizations and industry groups to advance common approaches to industrial connectivity, energy efficiency, and cybersecurity interoperability. These efforts include work involving Ethernet-APL and Single Pair Ethernet technologies, and collaboration through the Industrial Security Harmonization Group (ISHG) to promote greater alignment among industrial cybersecurity initiatives.
Al Beydoun, President and Executive Director of ODVA, stated, "EtherNet/IP has always evolved in response to the needs of the industrial automation community. The advancements highlighted at this year's Annual Meeting demonstrate the continuation of this evolution in some of the most critical challenges facing our industry, such as cybersecurity, interoperability, process automation, and the integration of new Ethernet technologies. Our focus is to provide end-users with an open, interoperable, and sustainable technology ecosystem, while offering vendors a strong foundation to develop next-generation industrial products."
In addition to advancements in safety and automation, ODVA also announced its leadership for its 25th term. The organization continues to advance a strategic initiative focused on strengthening the value of membership, expanding the EtherNet/IP ecosystem, and increasing EtherNet/IP's visibility and recognition worldwide.
Furthermore, an EtherNet/IP and ODVA Brand Communication Guide was announced, aiming to strengthen and clarify how the two brands are represented and communicated across the industry.
