DeviceNet is mainly used in factory automation as a communication network between industrial I/O devices and controllers (e.g. limit switches, sensors, drives, displays and operator interfaces). It is a producer-consumer network that supports multiple communication hierarchies and message prioritization. DeviceNet supports master/slave as well as peer-to-peer communication.
Devices are distributed along a DeviceNet network in a trunk-line/drop-line topology. Up to 64 nodes are used in a single logical network. DeviceNet supports 125 kbit/s at 500 m, 250 kbit/s at 250 m, and 500 kbit/s at 100 m for the thick trunk cable. DeviceNet specifies the cables (thick trunk, thin trunk and flat trunk cable) and connectors (e.g. mini-style, micro-style). Some cables may supply device power along the same cable as the communication cable.
DeviceNet defines all layers of the ISO OSI layer model. On the upper layers (OSI layer 5 to 7) DeviceNet uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), which is specified by the ODVA. CIP is also used by other network technologies. CIP-based networks provide connectivity on heterogeneous communication systems.

For more information see the website of ODVA.

DeviceNet conformance testing

The ODVA offers an official test laboratory, where devices with a DeviceNet interface can be certified. ODVA offers a software tool, which enables device manufacturers to test their DeviceNet implementations by themselves. The rules and regulations for testing of DeviceNet products are provided by the ODVA.

For more information see the website of the ODVA.