Hi All,

We use all kind of different switches regarding our profinet networks:
- Siemens Scalance
- Hirschman Spider
- Remote access router (like Ewon)
- Cheap 5 port office switch

What exactly is required for a network switch to enable 'device replacement without exchangeable medium'. Does every switch support this?

- I find it hard to get information about the Profinet conformance class for any given switch (for example a Scalance unmanaged switch). I know CC-B supports easy device replacement.

- I've read about LLDP protocol. I think support for this protocol is required to enable easy device replacements? Do all switches support his? Is this the only requirement?

- Do I need a .GSD file to include the switch in my topology? How will I include a switch that doesn't come with an GSD file.

I’m really confused and find it hard to get some good documentation about unmanaged switches and their differences.

Thank you,

hi,

I found some Information in this manual, chapter 4.4 and 5.3 :

SIMATIC PROFINET System Description

LLDP is a must for topology. If there is no GSD you can project a passive component, like Standard IE Switches.

hope this helps,

regards,

Thank you for the reply.

I’m a bit surprised by the fact only a managed switch can support this feature. Those aren’t really an option for us. They are expensive, big, and we don’t really want to 'manage' anything on a switch.

I’m surprised because there are devices with a build in switch (unmanaged) that do support the feature, and they aren’t expensive. (For example: an ET200 interface module)

So, if I add an unmanaged switch like scalance x108 to the topology, will the devices connected to it be able to use the "function device replacement without exchangeable medium"?

If no, would it work if I add an "ethernet device" switch which actually supports LLDP?