PROFINET completely adheres to the Ethernet standard in accordance with IEEE 802.3, which makes it the reliable future-proof standard that paves the way for digitalization in the process environment.

Combine investment protection with security for the future: on the one hand, the open Industrial Ethernet standard supports the integration of existing plant parts and technologies. Appropriate solutions and products, such as the IE/PB LINK for integration of PROFIBUS DP and the SIMATIC CFU PA for integration of PROFIBUS PA, are available for this. On the other hand, worldwide standardization in accordance with IEC 61158/61784 and consistent ongoing development ensure the use of PROFINET over the entire life cycle of the plant and beyond. Even wireless communication technologies such as WLAN in accordance with IEEE 802.11 and mobile communications can be reliably integrated.

Wired communication is also easier and more cost-effective with PROFINET: the motto "One cable for all purposes" supports parallel operation of profiles such as PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive and other TCP/IP protocols without impacting basic plant communication.

There is also greater convenience: the PROFINET diagnostics available by default simplify installation and provide support for plant servicing. Network problems and device conflicts are reliably detected and can be quickly remedied. This also forms the basis for preventive maintenance. These benefits are worth the investment over the service life of the plant.

Customized to your requirements

PROFINET allows you to freely scale the availability of your plant based on your requirements. In addition to media redundancy (MRP), two forms of system redundancy are also available:

• Simple system redundancy (S2)
• Modular system redundancy (R1)

"Configuration in Run" allows you to implement plant changes during runtime without affecting process engineering.

Flexible architectures can potentially allow significant savings in wiring – a fact confirmed by reference projects. In one case, 27 km of wiring (with PROFIBUS DP) could be reduced to 9 km through the use of PROFINET. Flexible architectures also support easier plant expansion without the need for spares.

The new hardware components use the BusAdapter technology, which enables easy and flexible connection to the PROFINET network either with copper cables (RJ45 or FastConnect) or fiber-optic cable.