Networking - Subnet Question - TIA Portal

Hello,

I was wondering about subnetting in TIA Portal and the mechanics behind Profinet communication.

With regular TCP/IP communication, you can configure different subnets to break down large networks into smaller components.  The networks each have their own subnet, and if you want to talk across subnets you need to use a router.

With Profinet, I'm wondering is that how it also works? For example, if you set up PLC A as subnet PN/IE_1 and then PLC B as PN/IE_2, what is the best method to set up communication between these two devices on different subnets?  Does it need to go through a router?  Or must you always have a PN/PN coupler?

My confusion lies in how Profinet operates.  Profinet cares only about the Device Name, and not the IP address.  So does anyone have a link that explains how that works?  I've searched around and watched some networking videos -- but haven't found an answer yet.

Thanks..

Hello Toombs;

The document attached to this FAQ discusses various ways cross-subnet communications can be established over Profinet: routers, PN/PN coupler...

Always remember that Profinet is based upon Ethernet (IEEE 802) standards, and supports all physical layer, data layer and transport layer definitions of Ethernet. This implies that standard mechanisms of Ethernet are part of Profinet.

Is cross-subnet PROFINET IO communication possible?

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109479139

Hope this helps,

Daniel Chartier

Hello,

Thanks for the replies. That was helpful.

One other question -- lets say I use a PN/PN coupler -- and I have 2 subnets.  Lets say Subnet 1 has a PLC and subnet 2 has a Siemens AC Drive.  Is it possible for the PLC in Subnet 1 to be the master of the AC Drive in subnet 2 with Profinet communication enabled by the PN/PN coupler?

Thanks.