EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is the Ethernet solution for industrial automation, characterized by outstanding performance and particularly simple handling.

The advantages of Ethernet, such as high data transmission rates, easy methods of integration into existing networks, and a wide range of services and interfaces are also found in the Beckhoff Ethernet products.

PROFIBUS is widely used as a fast bus for decentralized peripheral components (PROFIBUS DP). In addition to PROFIBUS DP Beckhoff also supports the standard for drive communication, PROFIBUS MC.

PROFINET is the open Industrial Ethernet standard of the PNO (PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation).

EtherNet/IP™ is the Industrial Ethernet standard of the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendor Association). It is based on Ethernet TCP/IP and UDP/IP.

The effective utilization of the bus bandwidth allows CANopen to achieve a short system reaction time at comparatively low data rates.

DeviceNet^® is a sensor/actuator bus system that originated in the USA, but meanwhile is increasingly being used in Europe and Asia. DeviceNet^® is CAN-based (Controller Area Network).

IO-Link serves to connect sensors and actuators to the control level by means of an inexpensive point-to-point connection. As an open interface, IO-Link can be integrated in all common fieldbus systems.

Interbus is a sensor/actuator bus with low configuration expenditure. The summation frame protocol of this master/slave system offers high efficiency in cyclic communication.

SERCOS was originally developed as a fast fiber-optic bus system for drives. Thanks to the Beckhoff SERCOS Bus Coupler, the advantages such as high data rate and short cycle times can now be provided for the I/O peripherals, too.

CC-Link (Control & Communication Link) is an open bus system for communication between the control and fieldbus level. It is predominately used in Asia.

Modbus RTU is an open, serial communications protocol based on the master/slave architecture. Due to its open standards, Modbus TCP is common for the use of Ethernet in the fields of automation.

The classic serial interfaces, RS232 and RS485, continue in wide use. The Beckhoff RS485/RS232 I/O modules use a simple, published serial communication protocol that is easy to implement.

EnOcean^® enables the battery-free transmission of switching signals and measured values and is mainly used in building automation.

BACnet (Building Automation Control Network) is a standardized, manufacturer-independent communication protocol for building automation.

The integration of subsystems is possible using communication terminals.