Modbus TCP vs Ethernet IP.

SCADA & Beyond with Alana

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-14:38

Modbus TCP vs Ethernet IP.

They're both Ethernet, so what's the difference?

Alana Murray

Feb 13, 2026

After 36 years in industrial controls, I’ve seen engineers make costly protocol decisions based on one simple misconception: “They’re both Ethernet, so what’s the difference?” The truth is, choosing between Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP can make or break your project.

In this practical guide, I’ll walk you through the real-world differences that matter for your industrial automation projects, from architecture and security to total cost of ownership.

What You’ll Learn:

Why 1979 vs 1990s origins explain every major difference
The scalability reality that hits at 50+ devices
Security truth: what exists vs what’s actually deployed
Advanced capabilities: CIP Safety, Motion, and Sync
Total cost analysis beyond device prices
5-question decision framework for your next project

Podcast Timestamps:

0:00 - The Critical Misconception

2:00 - Historical Foundation: Why Origins Matter

4:30 - Communication Models: Client-Server vs Producer-Consumer

6:00 - Security Reality Check

8:00 - Advanced Capabilities: Beyond Basic Communication

10:00 - Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

11:30 - Decision Framework: 5 Key Questions

12:30 - Final Recommendations

Key Takeaways:

✅ Both protocols have valid applications

✅ Neither has security enabled by default

✅ Architecture differences create real capability gaps

✅ Think 10-year requirements, not just today’s costs

2024 Market Data:

Industrial Ethernet: 76% of new installations
PROFINET leads at 23%, EtherNet/IP at 21%
Modbus TCP: <5% of new deployments despite large installed base

Security Reality:

Modbus TCP Security (2018): Exists but rarely implemented
CIP Security: Comprehensive when enabled, but not automatic
Both require conscious security decisions

Who This Podcast Helps:

Control system engineers making protocol decisions
Plant managers evaluating automation upgrades
System integrators designing industrial networks
Students learning industrial communication protocols
Anyone tired of protocol marketing hype

My Background:

36+ years of hands-on experience in industrial controls, from small machine control to plant-wide automation systems. I’ve implemented both protocols in real manufacturing environments and seen the long-term consequences of these decisions.