PROFIblog

May 16 2023

34th Annual PI Meeting Recap – Dubai 2023

loading… PI recently held its annual meeting. This includes the many Regional PI Associations (RPA), PI Competence Centers (PICC), PI Training Centers (PITC), and PI Test Labs (PITL) from around the world. Our gracious host this year was the PI Middle East RPA in the incredible city of Dubai, UAE. PI follows the ‘think global,…

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Oct 24 2022

2022 General Assembly Meeting Wrap-Up

loading… This year’s PI North America General Assembly Meeting (GAM) was again held in a virtual format, back on October 13th. Here are some highlights from the presentations. Presenters: Michael Bowne, Executive Director, PI North America Karsten Schneider, Chairman, PI Torsten Paulsen, General Manager, PROFI Interface Center State of the Association The big highlight of…

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May 16 2022

FAQ 7/7: Is PROFINET ‘old’ technology?

loading… This blogpost is the final in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. PROFINET is based on Ethernet, which was technically invented in the 1970s –but has come a long way since then. It certainly seems like wireless is taking over as the primary way to…

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Apr 25 2022

FAQ 6/7: Is PROFINET secure?

loading… This blogpost is the sixth in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. That fact that most PROFINET traffic is not routable is an inherent security measure. For a nefarious actor to manipulate PROFINET traffic, they would need to do so from inside your network. If…

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Apr 11 2022

FAQ 5/7: Is it true that PROFINET traffic is not routable?

loading… This blogpost is the fifth in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. It is true that most PROFINET traffic is not routable. This is by design. PROFINET utilizes UDP/IP and TCP/IP where it makes sense. And skips them where it doesn’t. Automation traffic is often…

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Mar 28 2022

FAQ 4/7: Is PROFINET complicated?

loading… This blogpost is the fourth in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. If you have ever set up a PROFIBUS network, then setting up a PROFINET network is basically the same. If anything, it is likely easier than PROFIBUS since you do not have to…

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Mar 14 2022

FAQ 3/7: Does PROFINET require special hardware?

loading… This blogpost is the third in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. Since PROFINET is based on standard unmodified Ethernet, no special cables or switches are required. However, using the same cables and switches built for office environments on a factory floor is a recipe…

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Feb 28 2022

FAQ 2/7: Is Profinet a closed network?

loading… This blogpost is the second in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. PROFINET is not a closed network. PROFIBUS, as a serial fieldbus for example, was a closed network. By closing the network, PROFIBUS was able to ensure determinism. Despite being an Ethernet-based protocol, the…

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Feb 14 2022

FAQ 1/7: Is PROFINET A Siemens Product?

loading… This blogpost is the first in a series of seven, inspired by the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding PROFINET. No, PROFINET isn’t ‘just Siemens,’ as many questioners ask. Yes, Siemens is a strong supporter and adopter of the PROFINET technology. As are many other automation device vendors. PROFINET is an open standard…

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Jan 31 2022

But Wait –There’s More (than just APL)

loading… Ethernet-APL is a hot topic as of late. The spec was published in 2021. First products will be entering the market over the coming year. The proposition is pretty slick: a robust, two-wire, powered Ethernet physical layer including intrinsic safety for operation in hazardous areas. Ethernet-APL is undoubtedly an enabler of digitalization in the…

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