Siemens SIMATIC PROFINET Function Manual page 29

Switch variants
Switches are available in two models:
● Integrated into a PROFINET device
For PROFINET devices with multiple ports (two or more), we are dealing with devices
with an integrated switch (for example, CPU 1516-3 PN/DP).
● As autonomous device (for example, switches of the SCALANCE product family)
Selection Guide for Switches
To use PROFINET with the RT class "RT", you can use any switch of "PROFINET
Conformance Class A" or higher. All switches of the SCALANCE product family meet these
requirements.
If you want to use PROFINET functions that provide an additional value, such as topology
recognition, diagnostics, device exchange without exchangeable medium/programming
device, you have to use a switch of the "PROFINET Conformance Class B" or higher.
To use PROFINET with the RT class "IRT", you must use a switch of "PROFINET
Conformance Class C". With switches of the SCALANCE product family, watch out for the
catalog feature "IRT PROFINET IO switch".
To select appropriate switches, we recommend the SIMATIC NET Selection Tool on the
Internet (http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/39134641).
Switches of the SCALANCE product family
Use the switches of the SCALANCE product family if you want to use the full scope of
PROFINET. They are optimized for use in PROFINET IO.
In the SCALANCE X device family, you will find switches with electrical and optical ports and
with a combination of both variants. SCALANCE X202-2IRT, for example, has two electrical
ports and two optical ports and supports IRT communication.
Beginning with the SCALANCE X200, you can configure, diagnose and address switches of
the SCALANCE X device series as PROFINET IO devices using STEP 7.
PROFINET with STEP 7 V14
Function Manual, 09/2016, A5E03444486-AG
Description
2.2 Setting up PROFINET
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