Industrial networking is no longer an optional skill for automation engineers — it is a core competency. As factories and plants move from standalone PLC systems to fully connected Industry 4.0 architectures, understanding industrial Ethernet protocols has become essential. The two dominant standards are PROFINET (developed by Siemens and the PI organisation) and EtherNet/IP (developed by Rockwell Automation and ODVA).
Choosing which to learn first is one of the most common questions we hear from students at EDWartens. This guide provides a detailed, practical comparison to help you decide.
Architecture and Philosophy
PROFINET
PROFINET was designed from the ground up as an industrial Ethernet standard. It uses standard Ethernet hardware but adds real-time capabilities through three performance classes:
- PROFINET RT (Real-Time): Cycle times of 1-10 milliseconds, suitable for most factory automation applications. Uses standard Ethernet switches with prioritisation.
- PROFINET IRT (Isochronous Real-Time): Cycle times below 1 millisecond with jitter under 1 microsecond. Required for motion control and high-speed synchronisation. Uses specially designed switches.
- PROFINET over TSN: The newest evolution, using IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking for deterministic communication alongside standard IT traffic.
PROFINET supports both cyclic (periodic data exchange) and acyclic (diagnostics, configuration) communication. Its device model uses slots and subslots, reflecting its roots in the PROFIBUS fieldbus system.
EtherNet/IP
EtherNet/IP (where IP stands for Industrial Protocol, not Internet Protocol) takes a different approach. It layers the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) on top of standard TCP/IP and UDP/IP, using unmodified commercial Ethernet infrastructure.
Key characteristics include:
- Producer/Consumer model: Devices publish data that other devices can consume, enabling multicast communication.
- CIP Motion: A profile for coordinated motion control using IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
- CIP Safety: An integrated safety protocol certified to SIL 3 / PLe, running on the same network as standard communication.
- Standard IT infrastructure: Uses unmodified Ethernet switches, routers, and cabling.
Market Share and Geography
Understanding where each protocol dominates is important for career planning:
PROFINET leads in:
- Continental Europe (Germany, Scandinavia, Benelux, Eastern Europe)
- China and parts of Asia
- Industries where Siemens has strong market share: automotive, pharmaceuticals, water treatment
- Estimated installed nodes: 55+ million worldwide
EtherNet/IP leads in:
- North America (USA and Canada)
- Australia and parts of South America
- Industries where Rockwell Automation dominates: oil and gas, food and beverage, packaging
- Estimated installed nodes: 35+ million worldwide
UK market: The UK is a mixed market where both protocols have significant presence. Siemens dominates in automotive (Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan), water treatment (all major utilities), and infrastructure. Rockwell has strong positions in food and beverage (Nestlé, Mondelēz), oil and gas, and FMCG packaging.
Performance Comparison
| Feature | PROFINET | EtherNet/IP | |---------|----------|-------------| | Minimum cycle time | <31.25 μs (IRT) | 500 μs (CIP Motion) | | Motion control | IRT or PROFINET over TSN | CIP Motion with PTP | | Determinism | Hardware-based (IRT) | Software-based (CIP Sync) | | Safety | PROFIsafe (SIL 3) | CIP Safety (SIL 3) | | IT integration | Good (separate channels) | Excellent (standard TCP/IP) | | Diagnostics | Very detailed (module-level) | Good (CIP diagnostics) |
Which Should You Learn First?
Our recommendation depends on your career goals and location:
Learn PROFINET first if:
- You are based in the UK or Europe
- You want to work in automotive, water treatment, or pharmaceuticals
- You are already learning Siemens TIA Portal
- You plan to work with Siemens S7-1200 or S7-1500 PLCs
Learn EtherNet/IP first if:
- You plan to work in North America or with American multinationals
- You are targeting food and beverage, oil and gas, or packaging industries
- You are learning Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
- You want maximum compatibility with standard IT infrastructure
Learn both if:
- You want to maximise your employability and salary potential
- You plan to work as a systems integrator or consultant
- You work in the UK automotive sector (which uses both extensively)
Practical Tips
At EDWartens, our Professional Module covers PROFINET fundamentals as part of the Siemens TIA Portal curriculum. Students configure PROFINET IO systems, set up device names and IP addresses, and troubleshoot network faults using Wireshark and the TIA Portal diagnostics tools.
For engineers wanting to go deeper, we recommend:
- Practice with real hardware — Configure PROFINET with a Siemens S7-1200 and a PROFINET-enabled VFD or IO module.
- Learn Wireshark — The ability to capture and analyse industrial Ethernet traffic is invaluable for troubleshooting.
- Understand network design — Star vs ring topology, managed vs unmanaged switches, VLAN configuration.
- Study the diagnostics — Both protocols have excellent diagnostic capabilities that reduce downtime when used correctly.
Industrial networking skills command a salary premium of 15-25% compared to PLC programming alone. In a connected manufacturing environment, the automation engineer who understands both the control logic and the network architecture is the most valuable person on the plant floor.