ODVA announced advances in industrial cybersecurity, device interoperability, process automation, and next-generation Ethernet connectivity at its 2026 Industry Conference in Faro, Portugal, reinforcing the evolution of EtherNet/IP to meet the changing requirements of industrial automation. 

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. 

Over 700 licensed vendors and approximately 400 ODVA members contribute to the EtherNet/IP ecosystem, supporting its adoption across a broad and growing range of industrial applications.

New technologies and application areas—including Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), Ethernet-APL, wireless connectivity, and advanced cybersecurity capabilities—are extending the reach of EtherNet/IP into new markets and applications, according to the standards development organization and membership association.  

The conference featured more than 20 technical presentations and end-user application stories covering IPv6, cybersecurity, time synchronization, functional safety, OpenAPI engineering workflows, robotics interfaces, electronic data sheets, firmware updates, process automation, and other emerging industrial automation requirements. 

Advancing industrial cybersecurity 

A major area of progress since ODVA’s 23rd Annual Meeting has been the continued development of CIP Security, ODVA’s cybersecurity technology for EtherNet/IP. CIP Security provides mechanisms for device and user authentication, data integrity and confidentiality, secure communications, and other security capabilities designed to protect industrial automation systems. 

ODVA said it has advanced the CIP Security Pull Model, including mechanisms that enable efficient distribution of device authenticity information. The approach can simplify device commissioning and replacement while supporting architectures in which conventional configuration methods may not be practical. ODVA released the associated CIP Identification and CIP Security schemas in March 2026. 

The organization also announced that CIP Security has been formally certified by TÜV Rheinland to meet the applicable requirements of IEC 62443-4-2 at Security Level Capability 3 (SL-C 3). Security Level 3 protects against intentional violation using sophisticated means from attackers with moderate resources, IACS specific skills, and moderate motivation.  

Achieving formal certification that the CIP Security Specification complies with the IEC 62443 standard reinforces the position of the technology as the definitive security framework for EtherNet/IP products, simplifying the compliance path for product manufacturers incorporating CIP Security, ODVA said.  

Expanding interoperability into process automation 

ODVA also continues to expand EtherNet/IP’s capabilities for process automation through Process Device Profiles, which it said establish common functionality for process devices such as level, temperature, flow, and pressure instruments, helping enable greater interoperability and easier device replacement across vendors. 

EtherNet/IP’s expansion into process automation is further supported by Ethernet-APL, which combines long-reach, two-wire Single Pair Ethernet with power delivery and intrinsic-safety capabilities for process environments.  

Collaboration across the industrial automation industry 

ODVA is also working 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, as well as collaboration through the Industrial Security Harmonization Group (ISHG) to promote greater alignment among industrial cybersecurity initiatives. 

“EtherNet/IP has always evolved in response to the needs of the industrial automation community,” said Al Beydoun, president and executive director of ODVA. “The developments highlighted at this year’s Annual Meeting demonstrate that evolution is continuing across some of the most important challenges facing our industry—cybersecurity, interoperability, process automation, and the integration of new Ethernet technologies. Our focus remains on providing end users with an open, interoperable, and sustainable technology ecosystem while giving vendors a strong foundation on which to develop the next generation of industrial products.” 

In addition to advancements in security and automation, ODVA also announced the leadership for its 25th term. As ODVA enters its next term, the organization continues to advance a strategic initiative launched at its 2025 Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Florida, focused on strengthening the value of ODVA membership, expanding the EtherNet/IP ecosystem, and increasing the visibility and recognition of EtherNet/IP worldwide, it said. 

It also announced an EtherNet/IP and ODVA Brand Communication Guide that aims to strengthen and clarify how the two brands are represented and communicated throughout the industry.