IMATIC S7-1200 supports communication via PROFINET – the open, manufacturer-independent standard (IEC 61158/61784). PROFINET is 100% Ethernet and stands for maximum transparency, open standard communication via TCP/IP, network security and simultaneous real-time communication.

The integrated PROFINET interface in SIMATIC S7-1200 can be used for programming the CPU and for communication with SIMATIC HMI Basic Panels for visualization, but also for communication with other controllers or IO devices such as drives. 

The PROFINET cable is connected by means of a noise-immune RJ45 port with auto-crossover functionality supporting Ethernet connections and providing data transmission rates of up to 10/100 Mbit/s. For quick and error-free installation or changes on site, with FastConnect Siemens offer a sophisticated quick-assembly system consisting of cables, plug-in connectors and assembly tools. 

One of the advantages, thanks to PROFINET, is the integrated Web Server of the SIMATIC S7-1200. By means of the integrated Web server, information about the CPU as well as process data can be retrieved via a standard web browser. Data can also be archived from the user program during runtime. Furthermore, in firmware version 4.0, the CPUs possess the PROFINET iDevice functionality. The simplest way to configure multiple S7-1200 CPUs into a master-slave architecture: Each CPU process image is individually written and read.