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EoE - Ethernet over EtherCAT

Table of Contents

Use EoE to communicate with nodes on the network with Windows based programs.

🔹 What is EoE?

EoE (Ethernet over EtherCAT) tunnels standard Ethernet communication (e.g. TCP/IP) over EtherCAT. This allows communication with devices and nodes while leveraging Ethernet capabilities.

🔹 Why use EoE?

EoE enables Windows-based programs to communicate and configure EtherCAT devices. Drive software such as MR Configurator, AKD Workbench, SigmaWin+ can serve as alternatives to RapidSetup or rsiConfig when using EoE.

🔹 How to set up EoE for INtime

Follow these steps to configure EoE:

1. Configure INtime

  1. Open INtime Configuration Panel → Node Management.
  2. Select the Network Tab and set Start automatically to Yes.
  3. In the NIC list, select the 3 dots (...).
  4. Select Add.
  5. Under the Type dropdown, select Virtual Ethernet (ven).
  6. Check Enable DHCP and select Use interrupt.
  7. Exit Node Manager selecting Ok and Save as needed. Restart the Node if asked.

2. Configure the Windows virtual NIC

  1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections. (Windows 11; steps may vary for other versions).
  2. Select the TenAsys Virtual Ethernet Adapter, then open Properties.
  3. Uncheck all items except:
    • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
    • NPCAP (optional, if present).
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
  5. Configure the adapter with the following settings:
    • IP address: 192.168.219.254
    • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
  6. Exit the configuration by selecting Ok until done.
Warning
Recommendation Disable the INtime or Windows NIC when not actively using it for EoE traffic. Most systems have a fair bit of discovery and junk traffic which takes place. You likely want to avoid the network traffic when not using it.

🔹 Where to expect nodes on the network?

  1. IP Address Assignment: Nodes receive IP addresses based on their index, starting from 192.168.219.100:
    • Node 0 → 192.168.219.100
    • Node 1 → 192.168.219.101
    • etc.
  2. MAC Address Assignment: Nodes are assigned a locally administered MAC address based on their index, starting with 02:52:4d:50:00:(Node Number)
    • Node 0 → 02:52:4d:50:00:00
    • Node 1 → 02:52:4d:50:00:01
    • etc.

Note
Some nodes may require a power cycle to adopt the new IP or MAC address. If you experience connection issues, try restarting the node after the first attempt.

Not all nodes support EoE. Check the following:

  • Node manual
  • Software revision
  • ESI file updates as needed

🔹 Key Notes

  • Ensure INtime and Windows NICs are configured correctly for EoE traffic.
  • Use trusted drive configuration software like MR Configurator, AKD Workbench, and SigmaWin+ for compatibility.
  • Troubleshoot by power cycling nodes if IP/MAC assignment issues occur.
  • Consider turning off the feature when not actively using it.