PROFINET-INspektor® NT | PROFINET Troubleshooting & 24/7 Monitoring 124030100

Diagnose and Troubleshoot PROFINET Network Issues in Real-Time

Troubleshooting PROFINET network failures during production downtime costs manufacturers thousands per hour. The PROFINET-INspektor® NT diagnoses network issues in real-time—identifying telegram jitter, device failures, cable health problems, and EMC interference before they stop your line. Use it for emergency troubleshooting or continuous monitoring to prevent problems before they occur.

Common PROFINET Issues the INspektor® Diagnoses

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT monitors your network continuously to detect problems before they cause downtime:

• Telegram jitter causing intermittent failures
• Network overload and bandwidth problems
• Cable degradation and EMC interference
• Device communication errors and dropouts
• Configuration mismatches and timing issues
• Telegram gaps and error telegrams
• Update time variations
• Broad/multicast loads
• Device failures and diagnostic messages

This information reflects the current status of your network's communication quality and forms the basis for condition-based maintenance. Events are tracked and stored in the device for evaluation via the integrated display or web server.

Permanent Monitoring vs. Emergency Troubleshooting

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT works both ways:

For emergency troubleshooting: Connect it when problems arise to quickly identify the root cause—whether it's jitter, cable issues, or device failures.

For preventive maintenance: Install it permanently in your network to catch problems before they cause downtime. The plant operator knows the current status at all times and receives maintenance notifications when critical changes are detected.

Intelligent PROFINET Measuring Point for Online Analysis

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT is a diagnostic and troubleshooting tool for certification, commissioning, and inspection of newly installed or existing PROFINET networks. Pre-defined trigger functions register and store events per device, detecting quality values like network load, data throughput, refresh rate, telegram gaps, and telegram jitter that mirror your communication quality. These parameters serve as commissioning criteria for new installations and provide critical information for maintenance and remote service.

Key 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
• Synchronization via time server

Security Features

• 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

Latest Firmware Enhancements (V2.5)

• 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

Installation Options

Standard Installation

One PROFINET-INspektor® is required per PROFINET master system. The INspektor® loops into the connection between the IO controller (PLC) and the first device (switch) for analysis. No additional IP addresses or PLC program adjustments required—the INspektor® works in an entirely manufacturer-independent way, compatible with any control system and IO devices.

Non-Disruptive Installation with Test Access Points

For troubleshooting without downtime, use a feedback-free measurement point like the PNMA II TAP (art. no. 114090100). This allows temporary or permanent connection to monitor both telegram directions without compromising ongoing production. Connect the INspektor® to the M1 and M2 monitor ports via two patch cables—ideal for emergency troubleshooting or adding monitoring to running systems.

Software Integration & Topology Visualization

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT's active scan function records up-to-date topology plans of your PROFINET/Ethernet network, including all device information, at any time.

Built-in Web Interface

Access network status directly from any PC browser—no additional software required. The embedded web server displays real-time diagnostics with visual alerts available via potential-free contact for immediate troubleshooting response.

PROscan® Active V2 - Visual Topology Mapping

Combine the INspektor® NT with PROscan® Active V2 software to visualize network status at a glance. Device status displays with traffic light colors (red, yellow, green) on an interactive topology plan for quick identification of problem areas.

PROmanage® NT V2 - Centralized Multi-Network Monitoring

For enterprise-level visibility, combine PROmanage® NT V2 software with your INspektor® units and PROmesh managed switches. This gives you centralized access to monitor multiple fieldbus and Ethernet networks, with combined diagnostic features from all devices.