Understanding CIP communication

RSLinx Classic supports communication in a CIP system using the CIP Messaging protocol, either over a CIP application connection or unconnected. It also supports the transfer of arbitrary data over a CIP connection.

RSLinx Classic is an end-node in a CIP system, containing an Identity Object, a Message Router, and a Connection Manager. A RSLinx Classic client application can register itself with RSLinx Classic (at run-time), causing an additional Identity Object and CIP Software Registration Object to be created within RSLinx Classic for that application.

There are a number of ways to use RSLinx Classic for communication between an application and a CIP object within the same CIP system. These are:

The first three methods support the CIP messaging protocol. The other methods are intended for use with the transfer of arbitrary data.

For related information, see these functions: