# ODVA DeviceNet

Protocols · `DeviceNet` · verification: source checked

DeviceNet is a digital multi-drop industrial fieldbus protocol for connecting controllers with sensors, actuators, motor starters, operator interfaces and I/O devices. It uses CAN at the data link layer and the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) at upper layers, with a trunkline-dropline topology. It supports I/O and explicit messaging, controller-device communication and peer-to-peer communication.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Transports | other |
| Architecture | producer consumer |
| Encoding | binary |
| Standard body | ODVA |
| Standard ref | IEC 62026-3 |

## Connected

- Related: [EtherNet/IP](https://machineschema.com/protocol/ethernet-ip.md)

## Safety

- Maximum 64 nodes may be connected to a single network segment.
- Bit rate and thick-trunk cable length limits: 125 kbit/s at 500 m, 250 kbit/s at 250 m, and 500 kbit/s at 100 m.
- Only CAN CC is allowed on the data link layer; CAN remote frames must not be used.

## Study notes

- DeviceNet uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) at OSI layers 5 to 7; CIP is specified by ODVA.
- The data link layer complies with ISO 11898-1, and a CAN high-speed transceiver compliant with ISO 11898-2 drives up to 64 modules.
- Network topology is trunkline-dropline; device power may be carried on the same cable as communication.
- DeviceNet supports I/O messaging and explicit messaging, plus controller-device and peer-to-peer communication.
- Specified cable types include thick trunk, thin trunk and flat trunk cable; connectors include mini-style and micro-style.
- Allen-Bradley, now owned by Rockwell Automation, originally developed DeviceNet; ODVA has managed it since 1995.
- ODVA conformance testing for DeviceNet is obligatory.

## Sources

1. [DeviceNet® | Communication Network | ODVA Technologies](https://www.odva.org/technology-standards/key-technologies/devicenet/) (accessed 2026-10-25)
2. [DeviceNet](https://www.can-cia.org/can-knowledge/devicenet) (accessed 2026-10-25)

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JSON: https://machineschema.com/protocol/devicenet.json  
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite Machine Schema and the original sources.