Diagnosis and troubleshooting of CAN, CANOpen, DeviceNet networks - Type: CAN Diagnostics BASIC

Stable production starts with stable communication

Most companies only start dealing with CAN, CANopen, or DeviceNet networks when production is already down because of them. We can measure these networks before that happens. We have thousands of measured industrial networks behind us and many years of know-how from real operations. We don’t offer cable measurements only. We help companies identify and eliminate the root causes of unstable industrial communication. Our technicians will measure your network, identify weak points, and prepare a clear report with specific corrective recommendations. Whenever possible, we fix the issues immediately. Preventive measurement of CAN, CANopen, or DeviceNet networks is a recommended part of annual production line maintenance and reduces the risk of unexpected outages.

A running production line does not necessarily mean the network is in good condition

• Are you building or reconstructing a CAN, CANopen, or DeviceNet network?
• Are you experiencing occasional dropouts on your CAN, CANopen, or DeviceNet network?
• Do you want to verify the installation quality of your CAN, CANopen, or DeviceNet network?
• Do you want to prevent unexpected failures?
• Have you brought an older production line from abroad and want to check the condition of its CAN, CANopen, or DeviceNet network?
• Are you taking over a line from a supplier and want to verify the quality of their work?
• Are you handing over a line or machine to your customer and want to prove the network you delivered is in good condition?

One-time diagnostics – choose the program based on your situation

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

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

I want to know the condition of the network.

• we measure basic communication parameters
• we check error rates
• we assess the condition of the cabling
• we identify early warning signs

Ideal if:

• you want preventive measurement
• the network runs without dropouts
• you have a new machine or you made a minor change to the machine

FOCUS – Resolving first dropouts (4 hours of technician time)

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

• we analyze network instability
• network measurement at multiple locations
• we propose corrective actions
• if possible, we resolve the issue and eliminate the fault

Ideal if:

• the network drops out occasionally
• you made major changes to the network
• the problem can be reproduced

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

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

• comprehensive diagnostics of individual parts of the network
• hypothesis verification
• localization of the true root cause
• we propose corrective actions
• if possible, we resolve the issue and eliminate the fault

Recommended if:

• dropouts are regular
• the network is completely down and cannot be restored
• the topology is complex
• previous interventions did not help

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

We want to prevent unplanned shutdowns, which is why we recommend a preventive network inspection once per year.

• inspection of selected critical or all networks
• we can measure multiple communication types as well (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, AS-i, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP)
• we identify risks and weak points

Prevention is cheaper than an unplanned production shutdown.

EXPRESS mode – priority intervention in case of a network outage

If you have a sudden network outage and need our help quickly, we respond immediately.

In EXPRESS mode:

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

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

EXPRESS mode is subject to 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, topology (PROFINET only), details of the performed measurement, and basic recommendations for improving the network condition. Upon request, we will prepare a detailed paid report including an analysis of the identified problem and possible solutions.

Free travel within 50 km of Liberec

For customers in the region, we do not charge any travel costs. For more distant locations, travel is charged according to the current rate.

Why FOXON?

• thousands of measured and repaired networks since 2008
• hands-on experience from real production across all industrial sectors
• top-level technical equipment
• certification from PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International)
• we not only measure, but also design and deliver network modernization solutions
• authorized distributors of leading global HW/SW manufacturers for diagnostics and modernization of industrial networks
• actively involved in R&D of PROFINET network analyzers
• we provide diagnostics in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and across the EU
• we built the largest permanent PROFINET monitoring system at ŠKODA AUTO; in total we monitor 25,000 PROFINET stations
• we have been training industrial network basics and diagnostics since 2008
• we have our own training center in Liberec and have trained over 1,500 technicians
• we diagnose PROFINET, PROFIBUS, CAN, DeviceNet, AS-i, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, and WiFi networks
• within a 50 km radius of our headquarters in Liberec, we do not charge travel costs

Which program should you choose?

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

Prevention instead of firefighting

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

Regular or continuous measurement of communication quality in the network helps detect these issues early and, in most cases, prevent them. Preventive network diagnostics increase production reliability and reduce the risk of outages.

Measurements can be performed by your own maintenance team—trained at our FOXON Academy training center in Liberec—or by our specialists using professional diagnostic tools. However, investment in prevention typically pays back quickly.

FOXON Technical Emergency Support 24/7

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

📞 Call 24/7 (+420) 488 588 749

Where we have helped

Requirements for performing CAN network analysis

• Ideally, someone from your operations team (programmer, maintenance technician) should be present during the measurement to help us orient ourselves in the machine park, locate control cabinets, stop the machine on request, etc.
• It is also necessary to have access to a 230 V power outlet, ideally near the PLC control cabinet.
• We must be able to connect our analyzer to the network. In CAN networks, we connect to a pass-through port on the CAN connector or to the terminals where the CAN bus cable is connected. It is often necessary to stop the line briefly so that we can connect the tester safely.
• It is better to measure the network while the machine is running, because network quality can be influenced by electromagnetic interference from motors, drives, power circuits, etc. If that is not possible, we can also measure the network outside operation, i.e., after working hours, during a shutdown, or on weekends.