Industrial communication protocols: Profinet vs Ethernet/IP vs Modbus

[Hasan S. Cemkan]

In an industrial environment, communication protocols play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and security of automation systems. Protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus offer various advantages for different applications. However, when choosing a protocol, it is important to consider factors such as speed, security, and integration. In this article, we will compare these three protocols and examine which brands support which protocols.

Comparison of speed, security, and integration in protocol selection​

Speed, security, and integration are critically important in the selection of industrial communication protocols. Here are the effects of these three criteria on Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus:

Criterion	Profinet	Ethernet/IP	Modbus
Speed	High (up to 100 Mbit/s)	Medium (up to 100 Mbit/s)	Low (up to 115.2 kbit/s)
Security	Advanced security features	Medium security level	Limited security measures
Integration	Easy integration, wide range of device support	Wide range of devices	Limited integration capability

Speed: Profinet offers high speed in data transmission, while Modbus is a slower protocol.
Security: Profinet has become a more secure option for industrial environments by offering advanced security features.
Integration: Profinet and Ethernet/IP facilitate integration with broad device support, while Modbus offers limited compatibility.
In conclusion, the appropriate protocol should be selected based on the needs and system architecture.

Which brand supports which protocol? Compatibility table​

The selection of industrial communication protocols largely depends on the compatibility of the devices and systems used. The compatibility table below shows which protocols are supported by popular industrial automation brands:

Brand	Profinet	Ethernet/IP	Modbus
Siemens	✅	❌	✅
Rockwell	❌	✅	✅
Schneider	✅	✅	✅
Mitsubishi	✅	❌	✅
Omron	❌	✅	✅

Explanations:

• ✅: Supported
• ❌: Not supported

As seen in this table, some brands support multiple protocols, while others work only with specific protocols. For example, Siemens supports Profinet and Modbus protocols, while Rockwell is only compatible with Ethernet/IP and Modbus. Considering this compatibility when choosing your devices will simplify the integration process.