Industrial Ethernet Protocols Omdia Study Confirms Once Again: Profinet is Number 1 Worldwide

Related Vendors

PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO)

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

A recent market analysis by the renowned research institute Omdia once again confirms Profinet's leading position in the field of industrial Ethernet protocols. Profinet impressively maintains its top position in a dynamic market environment. 

The repeated market leadership is the result of consistent technological advancement and a high pace of innovation within the PI Community (Profibus & Profinet International). With the latest Profinet V2.5 specification, key future technologies have been specifically integrated—security, time-sensitive networking (TSN), as well as extensions for Ethernet-APL and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). These developments strengthen Profinet as a seamless communication foundation from the field to the cloud.

Seamless Sensor-Actuator Communication Is Enabled

Another key success factor is the close integration with complementary technologies. Particularly noteworthy is the leading integration of IO-Link, which enables efficient and seamless sensor-actuator communication and significantly contributes to the shared market success. Profinet also plays a central role in implementing Ethernet-APL: the first real process plants equipped with Profinet over APL are already successfully operational. At the same time, PI is actively driving the adoption of SPE and is significantly shaping technological development in this area as well.

Profinet also sets standards in the area of vertical integration. Extensive mappings to OPC UA enable standardized and semantically enriched data provision across the entire automation pyramid. Additionally, the integration of robot interfaces via SRCI (Standard Robot Command Interface) opens up new possibilities in a rapidly growing market segment.

Profinet already supports specific use cases along the entire data value chain—from simple data collection to utilization in AI-based analyses. The ability to provide real-time communication alongside standard Ethernet (TCP/IP) is becoming increasingly important. It allows direct and straightforward access to plant data without overloading controllers or interfering with ongoing operations. Typical application scenarios range from asset tracking and condition monitoring to the secure and structured provision of data for reporting, optimization, and future AI applications.

Scalable Network Structures

This openness and flexibility are further supported by scalable network structures, such as the targeted use of gigabit communication at particularly data-intensive points. At the same time, Profinet remains true to its core strength: seamless compatibility across generations.

"The renewed confirmation of market leadership by Omdia is clear evidence of the sustainable innovative power and future potential of Profinet," said Xaver Schmidt. "It is precisely the combination of openness, integration, and technological depth that makes Profinet the ideal platform for the automation of today and tomorrow."