Which network supports time-critical applications and uses traditional Ethernet infrastructures?

EtherNet/IP supports time-critical applications while using traditional Ethernet infrastructures. It is built on standard Ethernet and TCP/IP technologies, which enables it to leverage the existing networking hardware and infrastructure commonly used in industrial settings. This compatibility allows for easier integration of devices and systems that rely on Ethernet, facilitating communication between controllers, I/O devices, and other network components.

Furthermore, EtherNet/IP utilizes the Object-Oriented Device Profile (OODP) standard, which helps manage data and control processes efficiently. The protocol also incorporates mechanisms like quality of service (QoS) to prioritize critical data packets, ensuring that real-time requirements are met, which is essential for applications that require timely processing and response, such as motion control and process automation.

The other listed options—ControlNet, DeviceNet, and Fieldbus—do support industrial communications, but they do not operate over traditional Ethernet infrastructures in the same manner as EtherNet/IP. ControlNet, for example, is a fixed data rate network designed for time-critical applications, but it does not utilize Ethernet technology directly. DeviceNet primarily focuses on lower-level device communication, while Fieldbus is more of a general term used for various fieldbus protocols that do not specifically leverage standard Ethernet techniques.