Quote Originally Posted by Jon. View Post
Really id say its down to personal preference. I think if your using an Ethernet controller over usb because of noise its because you haven't taken the correct steps to shield the controller and that you are also happy to have your controller bombarded with noise, just because it can it doesn't mean it should. You may be correct in that ethernet has better protection against noise but that is providing the noise is entering via its ports. If your talking about noise that is infact capable of entering a grounded enclosure then there's no telling how that noise is going to enter the board, but you say it does fair better but with the correct steps either can work so again personal preference.

Bearing in mind a pc usually has multiple usb ports, but can only handle a single ethernet port so its restrained in that respect.
This is the situation Jon from my point of view has someone who Builds machines for others compared to someone like your self who just uses a Machine in a DIY capacity or maybe even Small business venture.
Last Machine I Built went to Scotland which is a 500mile 10hr round trip. I can't afford for to be running up and down the country chasing ghost problems.

It's a FACT whether you agree or not that USB gives more trouble than Ethernet. Just becuase it's working for you without issue doesn't mean it will or does for others. I know this to be true thru experience dealing with Chasing USB ghost's.
I pride my self on the Quality of my Control box's in comparison to many other builders, (and believe me I've been inside a fair few so called Top rated machines costing Several £1000 more than what I build that I wouldn't even turn on.!!) I use correct filtering and ground techniques inside Industrial Steel cabinets along with shielded cables using differential signaling. So I know it's nothing to do with My end but still USB throws Ghost problems and Lockups that cannot easily be explained.

This I can't and Don't want happening on any machine I put my Name on. This is the reason why EVERY component I use when building a Machine gets tested on my own personal machine and for several Months at a time not just a few hours. Could say I torcher them to death or Glory.! . . . NO USB device as passed the Tig/Plasma test.!! . . . . Yes there well maybe some of the Higher end devices that will pass but why should I bother when I've found Ethernet is consistantly more stable on just about every device that uses it. The Cslabs Controllers I use these days are Bullet proof and Never fail or throw wobblys for unexplained reasons.

AND just to prove that USB freaks out when Ethernet doesn't Purelogics PLCM-E3 and Pokey's 57CNC both come with USB and Ethernet connections. The USB on the PLCM couldn't even handle the Mig test before crazyness happened. Ethernet it didn't flinch and when Tig was used it didn't seem to affect it either unless I went right up next to the Controller.!! . . . Pokey's I'm still torchering.!!