How This Fortune Global 500 Manufacturer Optimizes Network Connectivity

Case Study: Discover how this global manufacturer partners with Pyramid Solutions to accelerate EtherNet/IP integration in their control systems, strengthen connectivity, and improve performance.   

A Fortune Global 500 manufacturer specializing in industrial controls equipment was looking for a reliable, ODVA-compliant EtherNet/IP protocol stack to embed on one of their products. This equipment powers critical manufacturing operations worldwide and requires robust, real-time communications across complex plant networks. To meet these needs, the company turned to Pyramid Solutions’ NetStaX™ EtherNet/IP stack, a trusted, high-performance embedded software solution.  

From Integration to Long-Term Partnership 

Initially, a Pyramid Solutions engineer assisted with integrating NetStaX into the company’s industrial controls equipment to enable reliable communication between devices. However, it soon became apparent that the value Pyramid could provide extended beyond implementation. The collaboration evolved into a long-term engagement, with Pyramid providing managed engineering services to support ongoing development, customization, and compliance efforts. 

Benefit #1: Custom Solutions to Enhance Performance  

With Pyramid Solutions’ engineers embedded onsite, the company has direct access to the developers who built the stack. This enables deep customization and quick troubleshooting that internal or standard third-party support simply can’t match. One such example involved a unique performance challenge: the client needed a solution that could exceed their performance requirements for packet throughput. Pyramid Solutions was able to deliver with a tailored solution that bypassed the operating system’s network stack and avoided processing overhead. The hands-on approach allowed the client to reach their performance goals quickly, without diverting internal engineering resources from other priorities.  

Benefit #2: Ensuring Reliable, Redundant Communications  

In addition to performance optimization, Pyramid Solutions supports the client’s efforts to maintain network integrity and redundancy across their industrial EtherNet communication infrastructure. While the client’s systems use Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for redundancy, Pyramid Solutions partnered with them to develop proprietary technology that helps verify redundant paths and maintain consistent network communication, ensuring uptime and resilience. Pyramid’s expertise also extends to working with embedded switches and hardware-level communications, ensuring that every component, from physical interfaces to application-layer protocols, works together seamlessly. 

Benefit #3: Achieving ODVA Compliance with Confidence 

ODVA compliance is essential for any manufacturer relying on EtherNet/IP communication. While NetStaX is tested and validated for ODVA conformance and interoperability testing before delivery, customizations and application-specific changes can introduce new variables. With Pyramid Solutions’ engineers overseeing the process, the client doesn’t have to worry. The team takes full ownership of testing and conformance, identifying and resolving issues directly to guarantee successful certification.This peace of mind enables the client’s engineering teams to stay focused on innovation, knowing their network communications remain reliable, high-performing, and compliant. 

The Impact: A True Partnership  

Through this partnership, the client has gained more than a software solution; they’ve gained a trusted engineering extension of their own team. Pyramid Solutions’ deep protocol knowledge, proactive problem-solving, and commitment to performance continue to drive long-term value. From initial integration through ongoing optimization and compliance cycles, Pyramid remains a strategic partner in keeping their industrial connectivity running at peak performance. 

Interested in learning more about how our NetStaX EtherNet/IP stack and managed services could support network connectivity at your organization? Check out our web page to learn more, or reach out to our team directly.