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Industry consortium

DeviceNet

CIP over CAN for device-level connectivity; common in older Rockwell-centric plants and gradually displaced by EtherNet/IP.

N/ACANEncryption: NoLegacy

How it works

A scanner polls device nodes; CIP objects define device behaviour.

Communication patternScanner ↔ device nodes.

Fact sheet

TransportCAN
PortsN/A
AuthenticationNone
PurdueLevel 1 – Level 0
EnvironmentsDevice-level networks in discrete plants
DevicesI/O block, Drive, Sensor
IndustriesManufacturing, Automotive

Why should I care?

Understanding DeviceNet is what lets you tell a routine poll from a process-affecting command. Detection here depends on knowing which peers, function codes and timings are normal for your plant.

Key functions and operations

  • I/O polling
  • Explicit CIP messaging
  • Configuration

Security concerns

  • Physical-access dependent, no security controls
  • Little monitoring visibility

What normal looks like

  • Stable node inventory

What deserves attention

  • Node count changes
  • Bus faults at unexplained times

Hunting ideas

  • new-device-control-zone

Defensive controls

  • Cabinet security
  • Scanner diagnostics as telemetry

Related ATT&CK for ICS techniques

T0842