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Profibus plans to hitch its bus to Ethernet and the Internet

01 November, 1999

Profibus plans to hitch its bus to Ethernet and the Internet

Profibus International has announced plans to link its field bus technology with higher-level networks including Ethernet and the Internet. It says its aim is to offer more communications options to manufacturers, and to provide a transparent coupling with Ethernet, allowing users to access shopfloor devices remotely via enterprise-wide networks or the Internet.

Over the coming two years, PI will develop its "Open Integration" strategy to form stronger links between the various network technologies. This will involve extending Profibus "profiles" to offer wider choice of physical, communications and applications services.

The work will be done is stages with the eventual aim of fusing Profibus with Ethernet. At this point, complex field devices such as drives could be connected directly to Ethernet networks.

PI chairman Klaus-Peter Lindner identifies a growing market demand for vertically integrated, enterprise-wide communications based on non-proprietary technologies. "We believe that the need is for an open and integrated networking approach, combining the field-level capability of Profibus with the recognised strengths of Ethernet," he says.




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