SIEMENS
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Siemens D 35 · 2017
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Communication
PROFINET
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Overview
PROFINET – the Ethernet standard for automation
PROFINET is the world's leading Industrial Ethernet standard for
automation with more than 10 million nodes installed worldwide.
PROFINET makes companies more successful, because it
speeds up processes and raises both productivity and plant
availability.
Flexibility
Short response times and optimized processes are the basic re-
quirements for competitiveness in global markets because the
product lifecycles are increasingly becoming shorter.
PROFINET ensures maximum flexibility in plant structures and
production processes and enables innovative machine and
plant concepts to be implemented. For example, mobile devices
can also be integrated at locations that are difficult to access.
Flexible topologies
In addition to the linear structure characterized by the estab-
lished fieldbuses, PROFINET also enables the use of star, tree
and ring structures. This is made possible by the switching tech-
nology via active network components, such as Industrial Ether-
net switches and media converters, or by integrating switch
functionality into the field devices. This creates greater flexibility
for the planning of machines and plants, as well as reducing the
cabling requirements.
The PROFINET network can be installed without any specialist
knowledge at all and meets all requirements that are relevant in
the industrial environment. The "PROFINET Installations Guide-
lines" assist manufacturers and users with network planning, in-
stallation and commissioning. Symmetrical copper cables or
RFI-resistant fiber-optic cables are used, depending on the ap-
plication. Devices from different manufacturers are easily con-
nected via standardized and rugged plug connectors (up to
IP65/IP67 degree of protection).
By integrating switch functionality into the devices, linear struc-
tures can be created that are directly oriented toward an existing
machine or plant structure. This reduces cabling overhead and
cuts down on components such as external switches.
IWLAN
PROFINET also supports wireless communication with Industrial
Wireless LAN, opening up new fields of application. For exam-
ple, technologies subject to wear, such as trailing cables, can be
replaced and the use of automated guided vehicle systems and
mobile operator terminals becomes possible.
Safety
The PROFIsafe safety profile, which has been tried and tested
with PROFIBUS and which permits the transmission of standard
and safety-related data on a single bus cable, can also be used
with PROFINET. No special network components are necessary
for fail-safe communication, which means that standard
switches and standard network transitions can continue to be
used without any restrictions. In addition, fail-safe communica-
tion is equally possible via Industrial Wireless LAN (IWLAN).
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Flexibility
Efficiency
Performance
Your advantages at a glance
Large quantity structures
High precision
Fast start-up
Expandability
Redundancy
Web tools
High transmission rate
Simple wiring
Open standard
Ruggedness/stability
Fast device replacement
Device/network diagnostics
Energy efficiency
Flexible topologies
Safety
Speed
One cable for everything
Industrial Wireless LAN
Increased productivity
Optimal use of
resources
Tailor-made plant concepts
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© Siemens AG 2017