PROFINET-INspektor® NT | PROFINET - Ethernet diagnostic and monitoring tool 124030100

PROFINET-INspektor® NT | Intelligent measuring point for online analysis and PROFINET network monitoring

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT is an important diagnostic tool for certification, commissioning and inspection of new installed PROFINET networks. Depending on the pre-defined trigger functions, the events are registered in the PROFINET-INspektor® and summed up and stored per device. Hereby, the INspektor® detects quality values like network load, data throughput, refresh rate, telegram gaps and telegram jitter, that mirror the current status of communication quality. These parameters serve as commissioning and inspection criteria for new installations, but also as important information for maintenance and (remote) service.

PROFINET-INspektor® NT as continuous network monitor

A permanent analysis of the network status is essential to ensure the PROFINET communication clocked in real time or to overview the amount of extrinsic communication (e.g. Ethernet by camera systems and displays). The PROFINET INspektor® NT is permanently integrated into the plant network and permanently monitors the logical telegram traffic during running production conditions. The plant operator knows the current status of the network at any time and is therefore able to initiate concrete countermeasures before the fieldbus fails and the plant comes to a standstill.

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT is a passive data collector that analyzes telegram traffic in PROFINET and Ethernet networks in terms of events like:

• Update times
• Telegram jitter
• Telegram gaps
• Error telegrams
• Network utilization
• Broad/multicast loads
• Diagnostic messages and device failures

This information reflects the current status of the communication quality on the PROFINET and forms the basis for condition-based maintenance. By storing data in the device, events in the network can be tracked and evaluated directly via the display or in detail via the integrated web server.

The installation location of the PROFINET-INspektor® NT is recommended as a fixed installation within the network connection between the automation device (controller) and the first IO device or switch, as the majority of communication typically takes place within this connection.

The active scan function of the PROFINET-INspektor® NT allows the user to record and document an up-to-date topology plan of a PROFINET/Ethernet network, including all important device information, at any time. This scan can then be evaluated with the PROscan® Active software or used cyclically with PROmanage® NT for permanent network monitoring.

Integrated web interface

Thanks to the PROFINET INspektor® NT embedded web server the network state can be displayed without any additional software on any PC with an internet browser. Via the potential-free contact a visual alert can be set.

PROFINET-INspektor® NT Features

• Acceptance according to the PROFINET Design Guideline and Commissioning Guideline of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International
  • Independent analysis and evaluation of PROFINET real-time communication


• Topology determination incl. asset management
  • Detailed description and presentation of the PROFINET network


• Complete acceptance report with all relevant event information


• Representation of the PROmesh switches
  • Display of status-relevant port statistics and leakage currents


• Self-learning threshold values
  • Threshold values are automatically determined for alarming after the acceptance test


• Touch display that shows errors directly


• Jitter statistics for all devices


• Option to carry out active or passive network diagnosis


• Uninterrupted monitoring, even at high net load


• Synchronisation via time server

Security features of PROFINET-INspektor® NT

• Detects new and unknown devices in the network


• Registers unauthorized programming or manipulation of the controller


• Identifies even the smallest peak loads in resolving network loads exact to the millisecond


• Recognizes telegram manipulation based on an increased jitter

Firmware version V2.5: new functions

• Query of user-defined OID parameters from devices


• Visualization of the switching input status directly in the display and in the web interface


• Extension of the API interface


• Option of permanent mirror port activation for diagnostic purposes


• Display of individual customer logos on the display


• Various security improvements