Protocol Comparison
PROFINETvsPROFIBUS
Comprehensive comparison of two leading industrial communication protocols to help you choose the right solution for your automation project.
PROFINET
Real-time Industrial Ethernet standard by PROFIBUS International. Primary protocol for Siemens automation systems.
Type:Industrial Ethernet
Speed:1 Gbps
Released:2001
Adoption:Very High
PROFIBUS
Process Field Bus - established fieldbus standard for factory and process automation. Predecessor to PROFINET.
Type:Fieldbus
Speed:12 Mbps max
Released:1989
Adoption:High (declining)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | PROFINET | PROFIBUS |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ✓1 Gbps | 12 Mbps max |
| Cost | ●Medium-High | ●Medium-High |
| Complexity | ●High | ●High |
| Real-Time | ●Yes | ●Yes |
| Scalability | ●Good | ●Good |
| Industry Support | ●Very High | ●High (declining) |
| Max Nodes | 256 per segment (thousands with routing) | 126 |
✓Better
●Tie
When to Choose PROFINET
Best For:
- •High-speed manufacturing lines
- •Motion control applications
- •Process automation
- •Automotive manufacturing
- •Robotics integration
Key Advantages:
- ✓True real-time performance (IRT mode)
- ✓High speed and bandwidth
- ✓Extensive diagnostic capabilities
- ✓Hot-swapping devices
- ✓Integrated safety (PROFIsafe)
Choose PROFINET for Siemens-based systems, high-performance applications, motion control, or when real-time deterministic communication is critical.
When to Choose PROFIBUS
Best For:
- •Process automation (oil, gas, chemicals)
- •Legacy system integration
- •Hazardous area installations (PA)
- •Discrete manufacturing
- •Drive control systems
Key Advantages:
- ✓Proven reliability (35+ years)
- ✓Deterministic real-time performance
- ✓Large installed base (60M+ devices)
- ✓Excellent diagnostics
- ✓Supports intrinsically safe (PROFIBUS PA)
Choose PROFIBUS for existing installations, process industry applications, or when integrating with legacy Siemens systems.
Industry Adoption & Use Cases
PROFINET
Market Share:35-40% of industrial Ethernet
Primary Industries:
AutomotiveManufacturingProcess IndustriesPackagingMaterial Handling
Geographic Strength:Worldwide, strongest in Europe
PROFIBUS
Market Share:10-15% (declining as PROFINET grows)
Primary Industries:
Process IndustriesOil & GasChemicalManufacturing
Geographic Strength:Worldwide, strongest in Europe
Need Help Choosing?
Explore detailed guides for both protocols to make an informed decision.