An Ethernet interface device, and associated system and method, for
reporting the status information data of Ethernet devices through common
industrial protocols. The Ethernet interface device provides operational
connections between one or more Ethernet devices and one or more
independent networks. The Ethernet interface device also monitors an
Ethernet connection path, and produces status data indicative of the
operational status of the connection path and the devices connected along
the path. This status data is received by the Ethernet interface device,
where it is manipulated into a format recognizable by common industrial
protocols.