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Industrial Wireless Access Points
Read: Industrial Wireless Access PointsPROFINET supports WLAN and Bluetooth as part of its specification. PROFINET enables wireless connections without limitations*, even with safety messages (PROFIsafe). Since PROFINET is based on standard Ethernet, it does not require specialized networking hardware. Commercial off-the-shelf Wireless Access Points (WAPs) can be part of a PROFINET network. Even though specialized industrial WAPs are not…
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Make the Connection: PROFINET over Wireless
Read: Make the Connection: PROFINET over WirelessWireless connections open up a wide variety of applications which are very difficult or impossible with regular cabling, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and portable control panels. PROFINET is based on standard unmodified Ethernet and can connect seamlessly with any wireless standard from IEEE 802.11 (WLAN) or IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth).…
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More on Network Topology
Read: More on Network TopologySince PROFINET is based on standard unmodified Ethernet, it gives users all topology options: cabled topologies and wireless connections(via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). The table below summarizes the benefits and challenges of different PROFINET topology configurations. Topology Description Benefits Challenges Line Most PROFINET devices have at least two ports, with such ports being part of a…
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Topology Options: Fieldbuses and Industrial Ethernets
Read: Topology Options: Fieldbuses and Industrial EthernetsTopology is a generic term to describe device connections in a network. The term is not exclusive to industrial networking. Social networks, for example, have their own topologies between people. Network topology, specifically, is the network layout. In Industrial networking, wired topology options include line, tree, star, and ring. Topology Options Fieldbus Networks Line topologies…
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PROFINET and TSN – Q&A Block
Read: PROFINET and TSN – Q&A BlockLast week we hosted a highly anticipated webinar on PROFINET and TSN. Due to time limitations, we were not able to answer all the questions that came in, but we would like to answer them in this blog post. Q&A Block: PROFINET over TSN Q: Does TSN standardization blur the differences and advantages of PROFINET…
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OPC UA & PROFINET: Update
Read: OPC UA & PROFINET: UpdateIt’s worth spending a minute looking again at the relationship between OPC and PROFINET. Both technologies have been around for a long time, so it’s interesting that only now are we really starting to see their complementary nature get enhanced. Boy, things do move slowly in this industry. Here’s an update on where we stand.…
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PROFINET Shared Device
Read: PROFINET Shared DevicePROFINET offers many features for custom-tailored architectures and automation applications. One of these features is PROFINET Shared Device, it gives multiple PROFINET IO controllers access to the same IO device. How Does It Work? PROFINET Shared Device offers a device the ability to support connections to more than one controller at the same time. When…
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PROFINET Security for Industry 4.0
Read: PROFINET Security for Industry 4.0Security at the Protocol Level In this world of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things, digitalization of production processes is mandatory. As digitalization spreads to all levels and applications in manufacturing, IT security gains more importance. Previous security concepts relied primarily on isolating production plants from external users and networks. But in the…
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Choosing a Network Topology
Read: Choosing a Network TopologyNetwork Topology Options PROFINET gives you flexibility for network design. PROFINET supports line, tree, ring, and star cabled topologies. In addition, it supports wireless connections via Bluetooth or WiFi(we won’t get into the subject of wireless, but you can get an overview by watching this webinar: Wireless Webinar). The section below covers the pros and…
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Burning Questions on Network Design
Read: Burning Questions on Network DesignLast year we hosted a PROFINET Installation webinar. After an interactive Q&A section, we got several comments expressing interest in Network Design. This year we were able to put together an hour-long webinar on PROFINET Network Design. Due to time limitations, we were not able to answer all the questions that came in through the…
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“Why do I care about TSN?!?!”
Read: “Why do I care about TSN?!?!”“Why do I care about TSN?” is a question we receive all of the time. The answer is subtle and related to the future of networking.
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PROFINET Addressing Parameters
Read: PROFINET Addressing ParametersIf you are planning on adding new nodes into your PROFINET network, you will need to consider their addressing parameters. Each PROFINET device has 3 addressing parameters: a MAC address, a device name, and an IP address. The MAC address is predefined by the manufacturer, and usually, it can not be changed. On the other…
