| Communication protocol | |
 | |
| Purpose | Real-time Ethernet for industrial Automation |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | PROFIBUS & PROFINET International |
| Introduction | 2003 |
| Based on | Ethernet, Profibus |
| OSI layer | Application layer |
| RFC(s) | IEC 61784-2, IEC 61158 |
Profinet (usually styled as PROFINET, as a portmanteau for Process Field Network) is an industry technical standard for data communication over Industrial Ethernet, designed for collecting data from, and controlling equipment in industrial systems, with a particular strength in delivering data under tight time constraints. The standard is maintained and supported by Profibus and Profinet International, an umbrella organization headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany.