Diagnostics, troubleshooting and monitoring of PROFIBUS networks - Type: PROFIBUS Diagnostics BASIC

Stable production starts with stable communication

Most companies only deal with their PROFIBUS network when production stops because of it. We are able to measure PROFIBUS before that happens. We have thousands of measured industrial networks and many years of hands-on experience from real production environments. We do not just measure cables. We help companies identify and eliminate the root causes of industrial communication instability. Our technicians measure your network, identify weak points and prepare a clear report with specific corrective recommendations. Whenever possible, we eliminate issues immediately. Preventive PROFIBUS measurement is a recommended part of annual production line maintenance and reduces the risk of unexpected downtime.

A running production line does not necessarily mean the PROFIBUS network is healthy

• Are you reconstructing a PROFIBUS network?
• Are you experiencing occasional PROFIBUS network failures?
• Do you want to verify the installation quality of your PROFIBUS network?
• Do you want to prevent unexpected breakdowns?
• Have you imported an older production line from abroad and want to assess the condition of its PROFIBUS network?
• Are you taking over a production line from a supplier and want to verify the quality of their work?
• Are you handing over a production line or machine to your customer and want to prove that the delivered network is in proper condition?

One-time diagnostics – choose the program according to your situation

• preventive quick network measurement → BASIC
• occasional network failures → FOCUS
• regular failures or complete network outage → STANDARD
• preventive measurement of all networks → PREVENT

BASIC – Quick preventive network health check (2 hours of technician work)

I want to know the condition of my network.

• we measure basic communication parameters
• we check error rates
• we evaluate cabling condition
• we identify early warning signs

Ideal when:

• you want preventive measurement
• the network runs without failures
• you have a new machine or have made a minor modification

FOCUS – Resolving initial failures (4 hours of technician work)

Problems are starting to appear and I want to know why.

• we analyze network instability
• network measurement at multiple points
• we propose corrective measures
• whenever possible, we fix the issue immediately

Ideal when:

• the network occasionally fails
• major changes have been made to the network
• the problem can be reproduced

STANDARD – Systematic full-day diagnostics (7 hours of technician work)

The network frequently fails or is completely down and I need to find and eliminate the root cause.

• comprehensive diagnostics of individual network segments
• hypothesis verification
• localization of the actual root cause
• proposal of corrective measures
• whenever possible, we fix the issue immediately

Recommended when:

• failures are regular
• the network is completely down and cannot be restored
• the topology is complex
• previous interventions have not helped

PREVENT – Preventive inspection of all industrial networks (1+ days)

To avoid unplanned downtime, we recommend preventive network inspection once per year.

• inspection of selected critical or all networks
• measurement of multiple communication types (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, CAN, AS-i, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP)
• identification of risks and weak points

Prevention is cheaper than unplanned production downtime.

EXPRESS Mode – Priority intervention during network outage

If you experience a sudden network outage and need immediate assistance, we respond immediately.

In EXPRESS mode:

• your case receives the highest priority
• other planned interventions are rescheduled
• we dispatch in the shortest possible time (immediately or within hours if possible)
• the issue is handled by an experienced specialist

The goal is to restore stable production operation as quickly as possible.

EXPRESS mode includes a priority surcharge and is added to the STANDARD service.

Measurement reports

All one-time measurement variants include a service report containing a description of the situation, a list of stations in the network, measured signals and values, warnings about undesirable phenomena, network topology (for PROFINET only), details of the performed measurement, and basic recommendations for improving network condition. Upon request, we prepare a detailed paid report including in-depth analysis of the identified issue and possible solutions.

Free travel within 50 km of Liberec

We do not charge travel costs for customers within the region. For more distant locations, travel costs are charged according to the current rate.

Permanent monitoring of industrial networks

In addition to one-time diagnostics, we also offer permanent network monitoring, which helps to:

• monitor the network continuously 24/7
• detect gradual deterioration of network condition
• alert and intervene faster in case of issues
• analyze long-term statistics

Available 24/7 monitoring options:

LOCAL – On-site monitoring directly at your facility

We install PROFIBUS network analyzers and a supervisory system at your site, giving you continuous control over your network. It is an ideal replacement for portable or permanent analyzers. We do not guarantee that the network will never fail. However, if a failure occurs, you will see exactly what caused it in the alarm overview.

REMOTE – Monitoring connected to FOXON’s monitoring center

We install PROFIBUS analyzers and a supervisory system for your maintenance staff. In addition, analyzer data is connected to FOXON’s monitoring center, where we remotely monitor your networks on your behalf. If undesirable events occur, we notify you in time. We do not guarantee that the network will never fail. However, if it does, we will tell you exactly what caused the outage.

Why FOXON?

• thousands of measured and repaired networks since 2008
• experience from real production across all industrial sectors
• state-of-the-art technical equipment
• certification by PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International)
• we not only measure, but also design and deliver network modernization solutions
• authorized distributor of leading global HW/SW brands for industrial network diagnostics and modernization
• actively involved in research and development of PROFINET network analyzers
• providing diagnostics across the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the entire EU
• creator of the largest permanent PROFINET monitoring system at ŠKODA AUTO, monitoring 25,000 PROFINET stations
• providing industrial network training since 2008
• own training center in Liberec with over 1,500 trained technicians
• diagnostics of PROFINET, PROFIBUS, CAN, DeviceNet, AS-i, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and WiFi networks
• no travel costs within 50 km of our headquarters in Liberec

Which program should you choose?

Contact us, describe your situation and we will recommend the appropriate diagnostic program.

Prevention instead of firefighting

Industrial communication networks such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CAN, AS-i and others, like production machinery itself, wear out over time. Due to operation, interference, mechanical stress and environmental conditions, subtle and occasional errors may appear and remain hidden for a long time. If not addressed in time, they can gradually lead to failures and unplanned production downtime.

Regular or permanent monitoring of communication quality allows these issues to be detected early and in most cases prevented. Preventive network diagnostics increases production reliability and reduces the risk of outages.

Measurements can be performed by your own maintenance team, which we can train at our FOXON Academy training center in Liberec, or by our specialists using professional diagnostic tools. Investment in prevention typically pays back quickly.

FOXON Technical Emergency Support 24/7

For critical industrial network failures outside working hours, at night or during weekends, our technician is available by phone. They will assess the situation and propose the next steps, including on-site intervention if necessary.

📞 Call 24/7 (+420) 488 588 749

Where we have helped

We identify and repair faults in PROFIBUS networks.

Requirements for PROFIBUS network analysis

• Ideally, at least one maintenance technician/electrician and, in some cases, a programmer should be present during measurement. This helps us quickly understand the control system, locate cabinets, stop the machine if necessary, etc.
• We must have at least one available programming PG port in each network segment for connecting the analyzer. Without this port, it is not possible to measure the segment while the line is in operation. We can manage, but the line may need to be stopped temporarily.
• Network measurement is best performed while the machine is running, as electromagnetic interference from motors, drives, power lines, etc., can affect communication quality. If this is not possible, we can measure the network outside production hours, during downtime, or on weekends.