PRODUCT

PROFINET Network Components

The Component Layers of a PROFINET Network

Physical Layer:
Connectors and Cabling

PROFINET connectors and industrial Ethernet cables form the physical link between PLCs, field devices, switches, and other network components. The correct cable type, conductor count, connector angle, and termination method help maintain stable data transmission.

Network Layer:
Managed and Unmanaged Switches

Switches connect multiple devices within the same network. Unmanaged switches provide straightforward connectivity, while managed switches offer greater control over traffic, configuration, diagnostics, and network performance.

Protocol Layer:
Couplers and Gateways

Couplers and gateways allow PROFINET devices to exchange data with equipment using other fieldbus or industrial communication protocols. They help integrate existing machines without replacing the entire control architecture.

Diagnostic Layer:
Test Access Points and Cable Monitoring

Diagnostic components provide access to network traffic and help identify cable faults, communication interruptions, or performance issues. This supports faster troubleshooting and more reliable network maintenance.

Our Component Range

Connectors

Industrial Ethernet connectors provide secure, reliable termination for PROFINET and related network cabling. Different pole counts and cable outlet angles support standard installations, high-speed connections, and space-constrained panels.

The 700-901-1BB30 is a 4-pole PROFINET RJ45 connector with a 145° angled cable outlet that provides a practical balance between straight and side-entry routing. It supports data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s and uses the same PROFINET cable specifications as the 180° variant. The angled design helps reduce cable strain and is particularly useful in shallow enclosures where a straight connector may interfere with the cabinet door.

The 700-901-1BB22 is an 8-pole Gigabit Industrial Ethernet RJ45 connector with a 90° cable outlet for space-constrained installations. It supports 10, 100, and 1000 Mbit/s transmission and is suitable for Cat 6 industrial Ethernet cabling. The angled outlet reduces the required depth behind the port, while the EasyConnect® system supports quick, tool-free assembly in compact panels and network enclosures.

The 700-901-1BB20 is a 4-pole PROFINET RJ45 connector with a 90° side cable outlet for installations where space behind the device is limited. Supporting data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s, it helps reduce installation depth and is well suited to dense control panels, cable carriers, drag chains, and moving-axis applications. Its EasyConnect® design also enables fast, tool-free termination on site.

The 700-901-1BB12 is an 8-pole Industrial Ethernet RJ45 connector designed for Gigabit applications requiring higher bandwidth than a standard 4-pole PROFINET connection. It supports 10, 100, and 1000 Mbit/s transmission over Cat 6 industrial Ethernet cables with 8 x 24 AWG conductors and an outer diameter of 6.8 to 8.2 mm. The straight 180° outlet, metal housing, IP20 protection, and tool-free EasyConnect® assembly make it a practical choice for reliable high-speed network connections.

The 700-901-1BB10 is a 4-pole PROFINET RJ45 connector with a straight 180° cable outlet, making it suitable for standard installations where the cable runs directly in line with the port. It supports data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s and accommodates 4-core PROFINET cables in 24 or 22 AWG with an outer diameter of 6.2 to 6.7 mm. Its colour-coded EasyConnect® design allows quick, tool-free termination for PROFINET, Modbus, and EtherCAT networks.

Couplers

Couplers enable cyclic data exchange between PROFINET and neighbouring industrial communication systems. They help integrate machines and devices without replacing the existing control architecture.

The PN/EtherCAT Coupler enables communication between PROFINET and EtherCAT networks. It is suited to applications that combine PROFINET control with EtherCAT’s fast cycle times and flexible topology.

The PN/EtherNet/IP Coupler links PROFINET with EtherNet/IP systems, allowing controllers and devices using different industrial Ethernet protocols to exchange process data.

The PN/Modbus TCP Coupler connects PROFINET networks with Modbus TCP devices using Ethernet-based client-server communication. It supports integration with equipment such as controllers, drives, and remote I/O.

The DP/PN Coupler connects PROFIBUS networks with PROFINET systems. It supports brownfield integration by allowing established PROFIBUS equipment to exchange data with newer Industrial Ethernet infrastructure.

The PN/PN Coupler connects two separate PROFINET networks and transfers data between them while keeping each network logically independent. It is suitable for linking machines, production cells, or control systems.

The PN/MQTT Coupler transfers selected PROFINET data to MQTT-based systems. Its publish-and-subscribe model supports communication with IoT platforms, brokers, and higher-level monitoring applications.

CAN Gateways

CAN gateways connect CAN-based devices to PROFINET networks, allowing existing controllers, sensors, and industrial equipment to exchange data with Ethernet-based automation systems.

The PN/CAN Gateway links PROFINET with CAN bus networks. It helps integrate devices that communicate over a shared two-wire CAN network without requiring major changes to the existing installation.

Switches

Industrial switches connect multiple PROFINET devices and manage data transmission across the network.

Switches connecting to PROFINET provide reliable connectivity between controllers, field devices, HMIs, and other network components. Managed models may also support configuration, traffic control, redundancy, and network diagnostics.

Diagnosis and Network Access

Diagnostic and access components help engineers monitor communication, identify faults, secure network boundaries, and carry out maintenance with less disruption.

A NAT gateway manages IP address translation, while a firewall filters traffic according to security rules. Together, they separate network segments, control authorised communication, and protect machine networks while enabling secure data exchange with plant or enterprise systems.

A Test Access Point provides passive access to network traffic for analysis and troubleshooting. It allows diagnostic tools to monitor communication without interrupting the active PROFINET connection.