Industrial Networks & Industrial Communication Solutions
Industrial Networks, Ethernet, Fieldbus & Communication Products in South Africa
Nkokhi Group supplies and sources industrial network and industrial communication products for factories, mines, processing plants, water-treatment facilities, power-generation projects, OEM machinery and industrial automation systems throughout South Africa.
We supply and source industrial Ethernet switches, communication modules, PLC communication cards, fieldbus modules, gateways, protocol converters, remote I/O communication modules, fibre-optic networking equipment, industrial wireless solutions and automation networking accessories.
Our industrial networking solutions support major automation platforms including Siemens, Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, Omron, ABB, Beckhoff, WAGO, Phoenix Contact, Weidmüller, Advantech, Moxa, Hilscher and other industrial automation manufacturers.
Whether you require a replacement PLC communication module, an industrial Ethernet switch, PROFINET module, EtherNet/IP adapter, Modbus TCP gateway, PROFIBUS interface, EtherCAT communication module or a specialised protocol converter, Nkokhi Group can assist with identification, sourcing and supply.
Industrial Network Products
Nkokhi Group can source a wide range of industrial networking equipment and communication modules, including:
Industrial Ethernet Switches
- Managed industrial Ethernet switches
- Unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 industrial switches
- Gigabit Ethernet switches
- PoE industrial switches
- DIN-rail Ethernet switches
- Redundant Ethernet switches
- Fibre-optic Ethernet switches
- Ring-network switches
- Industrial network switches with SFP ports
- Harsh-environment Ethernet switches
PLC Communication Modules
- PLC Ethernet communication modules
- PROFINET communication modules
- EtherNet/IP communication modules
- Modbus TCP communication modules
- PROFIBUS communication modules
- DeviceNet communication modules
- CANopen modules
- CC-Link communication modules
- EtherCAT communication modules
- Serial communication modules
- RS232 / RS485 / RS422 modules
- Fibre-optic communication modules
Protocol Gateways & Converters
- PROFINET to Modbus TCP gateways
- PROFINET to EtherNet/IP gateways
- EtherNet/IP to Modbus TCP gateways
- Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP gateways
- PROFIBUS to PROFINET gateways
- CANopen gateways
- DeviceNet gateways
- Ethernet to serial converters
- Serial-to-fibre converters
- Industrial protocol converters
- OPC UA gateways
- MQTT industrial gateways
Industrial Remote I/O Networking
- Remote I/O stations
- Ethernet remote I/O
- PROFINET remote I/O
- EtherNet/IP remote I/O
- Modbus TCP remote I/O
- PROFIBUS remote I/O
- EtherCAT I/O
- IO-Link masters
- Digital I/O modules
- Analogue I/O modules
- Safety I/O modules
Major Industrial Network Protocols
Industrial automation systems use different communication technologies depending on the PLC, machine architecture, required speed, distance, topology and application.
1. PROFINET
PROFINET is an Industrial Ethernet communication standard widely used for PLCs, remote I/O, drives, HMIs, controllers and automation systems.
Siemens describes PROFINET as an open Industrial Ethernet standard supporting real-time communication and integration with other fieldbus systems.
Common applications include:
- Siemens SIMATIC PLC systems
- Remote I/O
- Variable-frequency drives
- Servo drives
- HMIs
- Industrial switches
- Safety systems
- Motion-control applications
- Factory automation
Common PROFINET products
- Siemens CP communication processors
- Siemens CM communication modules
- Siemens ET 200 communication interfaces
- PROFINET IO controllers
- PROFINET IO devices
- PROFINET industrial switches
- PROFINET gateways
2. EtherNet/IP
EtherNet/IP is an Industrial Ethernet protocol based on Ethernet TCP/IP and UDP/IP and associated with the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP).
It is widely used with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley automation systems.
Common applications include:
- ControlLogix
- CompactLogix
- Micro800
- Remote I/O
- Drives
- Safety systems
- Industrial robots
- Machine automation
- SCADA systems
Rockwell’s network architecture historically includes EtherNet/IP, ControlNet and DeviceNet, all using CIP technology.
3. Modbus TCP
Modbus TCP provides Modbus communication over Ethernet TCP/IP.
It is commonly used for communication between:
- PLCs
- Energy meters
- VSDs
- Protection relays
- HMIs
- SCADA systems
- Remote I/O
- Instrumentation
- Building-management systems
Modbus TCP is particularly useful where different manufacturers’ equipment needs to exchange process data over Ethernet.
Industrial Ethernet infrastructure can also carry multiple protocols simultaneously, such as PROFINET and Modbus TCP, depending on the network architecture.
4. PROFIBUS
PROFIBUS is a long-established industrial fieldbus technology used extensively in process and factory automation.
Common versions include:
- PROFIBUS DP
- PROFIBUS PA
- PROFIBUS FMS
Applications include:
- PLC communication
- Distributed I/O
- Motor control
- Instrumentation
- Process automation
- Drives
- Older automation installations
Nkokhi Group can assist with sourcing PROFIBUS DP communication modules, connectors, repeaters, gateways and interface cards.
5. EtherCAT
EtherCAT is a high-performance Industrial Ethernet technology commonly used for deterministic automation and motion-control applications.
Typical applications include:
- Servo systems
- Robotics
- Motion control
- CNC machinery
- High-speed I/O
- Packaging machinery
- Machine automation
Beckhoff’s industrial networking portfolio supports EtherCAT together with interfaces for technologies including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS, CANopen and CC-Link.
6. CANopen
CANopen is based on CAN bus technology and is widely used for:
- Mobile machinery
- Industrial machines
- Drives
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Embedded control systems
- Material-handling equipment
It is particularly useful where compact and reliable device-level communication is required.
7. DeviceNet
DeviceNet is a CAN-based industrial network technology used for connecting:
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Motor starters
- I/O devices
- PLCs
- Industrial equipment
It remains relevant when maintaining or repairing legacy automation installations.
8. CC-Link
CC-Link is an industrial networking technology widely associated with Mitsubishi Electric automation.
Applications include:
- PLC systems
- Remote I/O
- Drives
- Factory automation
- Machine tools
- Manufacturing lines
9. IO-Link
IO-Link is a point-to-point communication technology used to connect sensors and actuators to an automation system.
It can provide more information than conventional discrete sensor wiring, including:
- Sensor identification
- Diagnostic information
- Parameterisation
- Process values
- Device status
Beckhoff identifies IO-Link as an open interface that can be integrated into common fieldbus systems.
10. OPC UA
OPC UA is commonly used for higher-level industrial communication and interoperability between automation equipment, SCADA, MES, ERP and IT/cloud systems.
Typical applications include:
- SCADA
- MES
- Historian systems
- Industrial IoT
- Cloud connectivity
- Machine-to-machine communication
- Data integration
Siemens describes OPC UA as a vendor-independent interface capable of connecting devices across automation levels and supporting secure data exchange through authentication, signing and encryption.
Major Industrial Network Manufacturers
Nkokhi Group can source networking products from many leading industrial automation manufacturers.
Siemens
Popular Siemens industrial communication families include:
- SIMATIC NET
- S7-1200
- S7-1500
- ET 200
- CP communication processors
- CM communication modules
- SCALANCE industrial Ethernet switches
- PROFINET
- PROFIBUS
- OPC UA
Siemens’ current automation networking portfolio supports technologies such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP through MultiFieldbus solutions.
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
Common families include:
- ControlLogix
- CompactLogix
- MicroLogix
- Micro800
- GuardLogix
- Stratix industrial switches
- EtherNet/IP
- DeviceNet
- ControlNet
Schneider Electric
Common automation and networking families include:
- Modicon
- M340
- M580
- Quantum
- Premium
- Modbus TCP
- Modbus RTU
- Ethernet communication modules
- Industrial Ethernet switches
Mitsubishi Electric
Common families include:
- MELSEC
- FX Series
- Q Series
- iQ-R
- iQ-F
- CC-Link
- CC-Link IE
- Ethernet communication modules
Omron
Common families include:
- CJ Series
- CS Series
- NJ Series
- NX Series
- EtherNet/IP
- EtherCAT
- Industrial Ethernet
- DeviceNet
Siemens documentation, for example, identifies support for communication with Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi and Omron PLC families through various Ethernet and fieldbus interfaces.
Beckhoff
Common networking technologies include:
- EtherCAT
- PROFINET
- EtherNet/IP
- Modbus TCP
- PROFIBUS
- CANopen
- IO-Link
- CC-Link
ABB
Industrial communication solutions include:
- ABB PLC communication
- Ethernet-based communication
- PROFIBUS
- Modbus
- EtherNet/IP
- PROFINET
- Industrial networking interfaces
Phoenix Contact
Common products include:
- Industrial Ethernet switches
- Managed switches
- PROFINET components
- EtherNet/IP components
- Modbus gateways
- Serial converters
- Fibre-optic networking equipment
WAGO
Common solutions include:
- WAGO I/O systems
- Ethernet controllers
- PROFINET
- EtherNet/IP
- Modbus TCP
- EtherCAT
- CANopen
- IO-Link
Hilscher
Hilscher specialises in industrial communication technology and multi-protocol networking.
Applications include:
- PLC communication
- Industrial gateways
- PC-based automation
- PROFINET
- EtherNet/IP
- EtherCAT
- PROFIBUS
- DeviceNet
- CANopen
Moxa
Common products include:
- Industrial Ethernet switches
- Managed Ethernet switches
- Serial-to-Ethernet converters
- Fibre Ethernet equipment
- Industrial wireless networking
- Secure industrial networking
Advantech
Common products include:
- Industrial Ethernet switches
- Communication gateways
- Remote I/O
- Industrial computers
- Ethernet I/O
- Serial communication equipment
Hirschmann / Belden
Hirschmann industrial networking products include:
- Managed Ethernet switches
- Unmanaged switches
- Fibre-optic networking
- Industrial routers
- Redundant networking
- Industrial cybersecurity solutions
Industrial Network Product Models & Families
Nkokhi Group can assist with sourcing and identifying products such as:
| Network | Typical Products / Families |
|---|---|
| PROFINET | Siemens CP/CM, ET 200, SCALANCE |
| EtherNet/IP | Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Stratix |
| Modbus TCP | Schneider Modicon, gateways, remote I/O |
| PROFIBUS | Siemens CP/CM, ET 200, PROFIBUS interfaces |
| EtherCAT | Beckhoff EtherCAT terminals and couplers |
| CANopen | CANopen gateways, I/O and controllers |
| DeviceNet | Allen-Bradley DeviceNet modules and scanners |
| CC-Link | Mitsubishi CC-Link and CC-Link IE equipment |
| IO-Link | IO-Link masters and sensor interfaces |
| OPC UA | Industrial gateways, PLCs and SCADA interfaces |
| Industrial Ethernet | Managed/unmanaged switches and fibre equipment |
| Serial | RS232, RS422 and RS485 communication modules |
Industrial Network Applications
Our industrial networking products can be used in:
Mining
- Conveyor systems
- Crushers
- Screens
- Pumps
- Dewatering systems
- Mobile mining equipment
- Processing plants
- Control rooms
Water & Wastewater
- Water-treatment plants
- RO plants
- Pump stations
- Chemical dosing
- SCADA
- Remote telemetry
- PLC networks
Manufacturing
- Production lines
- Packaging machines
- Robotics
- Assembly lines
- Machine tools
- Process control
- Material handling
Energy & Power
- Generator systems
- Substations
- Energy monitoring
- Motor control
- Power distribution
- SCADA
- Remote monitoring
Oil & Gas
- Process control
- Instrumentation
- Remote I/O
- SCADA
- PLC systems
- Industrial Ethernet
OEM Machinery
- PLC communication
- HMI communication
- Remote I/O
- Servo drives
- VSDs
- Safety controllers
- Machine-to-machine communication
Industrial Network Switches
Industrial Ethernet switches are essential for connecting PLCs, HMIs, remote I/O, drives, SCADA computers and other automation equipment.
Nkokhi Group can source:
- 5-port industrial Ethernet switches
- 8-port industrial Ethernet switches
- 10-port industrial switches
- 16-port industrial switches
- 24-port industrial switches
- Managed industrial switches
- Unmanaged industrial switches
- Gigabit switches
- PoE switches
- Fibre switches
- SFP switches
- Ring-network switches
For demanding installations, the switch specification should be selected according to environmental conditions, redundancy requirements, bandwidth and network topology.
Industrial Fibre-Optic Networks
Fibre optics are particularly useful for long-distance industrial communication and electrically noisy environments.
We can source:
- Industrial fibre switches
- Fibre media converters
- SFP modules
- Single-mode fibre equipment
- Multimode fibre equipment
- Industrial fibre transceivers
- Fibre Ethernet communication modules
Applications include:
- Mines
- Large factories
- Water-treatment plants
- Power stations
- Remote pump stations
- Long-distance PLC networks
Industrial Wireless Networks
Depending on the application, Nkokhi Group can also source:
- Industrial Wi-Fi
- Wireless Ethernet bridges
- Industrial wireless access points
- Wireless I/O
- Industrial routers
- Cellular gateways
- LTE/4G industrial routers
- 5G industrial routers
Wireless networks can be useful where conventional cabling is impractical, including mobile machinery, remote equipment and difficult-to-cable locations.
Industrial Network Troubleshooting & Replacement
Nkokhi Group can assist with identifying replacement networking equipment when an existing module or communication device has failed.
Please provide:
- Manufacturer
- Full model number
- Part number
- Serial number, where applicable
- Photograph of the nameplate
- PLC model
- Existing network protocol
- Application
- Quantity required
- Delivery location
For PLC communication modules, the exact part number and hardware revision are important because apparently similar modules may have different firmware, protocol or hardware compatibility.
Tips for Buying Industrial Network Equipment
Tip 1 – Identify the Network Protocol
Determine whether the system uses:
- PROFINET
- EtherNet/IP
- Modbus TCP
- PROFIBUS
- EtherCAT
- DeviceNet
- CANopen
- CC-Link
- IO-Link
- OPC UA
Do not select a replacement based only on the connector.
Tip 2 – Check the PLC
Always identify the PLC manufacturer and exact CPU/controller model.
For example:
Siemens S7-1500 + PROFINET
is a very different requirement from:
Allen-Bradley ControlLogix + EtherNet/IP.
Tip 3 – Check the Part Number
Provide the complete manufacturer part number whenever possible.
Tip 4 – Check Firmware Compatibility
Some communication modules require specific firmware or engineering-software versions.
Tip 5 – Check Network Speed
Confirm whether the application requires:
- 10 Mbps
- 100 Mbps
- 1 Gbps
- Fibre Ethernet
Tip 6 – Check Environmental Conditions
Industrial networking equipment may need to operate in:
- High temperatures
- Low temperatures
- Dust
- Moisture
- Vibration
- Electrical noise
- Outdoor environments
Tip 7 – Check Power Requirements
Confirm:
- 12 VDC
- 24 VDC
- 48 VDC
- 110 VAC
- 230 VAC
and the required power consumption.
Tip 8 – Check Managed vs Unmanaged
Managed switches provide additional network-management and diagnostic capabilities, while unmanaged switches are simpler to deploy.
Tip 9 – Check Redundancy
Critical automation systems may require:
- Ring topology
- Network redundancy
- Dual power supplies
- Redundant communication paths
Tip 10 – Send Photographs
A clear photograph of the existing communication module can significantly improve identification and quotation accuracy.
Why Choose Nkokhi Group?
Nkokhi Group supplies and sources industrial automation and electrical equipment for customers across South Africa.
Our industrial network sourcing service can assist with:
- Industrial Ethernet equipment
- PLC communication modules
- Network switches
- Protocol converters
- Gateways
- Remote I/O
- Fibre communication equipment
- Serial communication modules
- Replacement automation hardware
- Obsolete and difficult-to-find industrial networking components
We can assist customers who need new, replacement, alternative or obsolete industrial network equipment.
Parts-on-Demand Process
1. Send your requirement
Provide the part number, photograph or equipment details.
2. We identify the equipment
Our team checks the manufacturer, model and communication requirements.
3. We source the product
Where required, we can source products through our international supplier network.
4. Receive your quotation
The quotation can include the equipment, shipping and applicable delivery information.
5. Order & Delivery / Collection
Once payment and order requirements are confirmed, the equipment can be processed for delivery or customer collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an industrial network?
An industrial network is a communication infrastructure used to connect PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, remote I/O, SCADA systems, controllers and other industrial equipment.
What is the most common industrial Ethernet protocol?
There is no single protocol used across every industrial sector. PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP are among the major Industrial Ethernet technologies used in automation systems. Other important technologies include EtherCAT, CC-Link IE and various legacy fieldbus systems.
What is the difference between PROFINET and EtherNet/IP?
Both are Industrial Ethernet technologies, but they belong to different automation ecosystems and use different communication architectures and engineering environments.
PROFINET is strongly associated with Siemens and the PI ecosystem, while EtherNet/IP is associated with CIP and the ODVA ecosystem.
Can Nkokhi Group supply Siemens communication modules?
Yes. Nkokhi Group can assist with sourcing Siemens industrial communication products, including SIMATIC networking and PROFINET-related equipment.
Can you supply Allen-Bradley communication modules?
Yes. We can assist with sourcing Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation communication modules, Ethernet equipment and networking components.
Can you supply obsolete industrial network equipment?
We can assist with sourcing obsolete, discontinued and difficult-to-find industrial networking equipment, subject to availability.
Can you supply industrial Ethernet switches?
Yes. We can source managed and unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches, including copper, fibre, Gigabit, PoE and redundant-networking configurations.
Can you supply PROFINET equipment?
Yes. We can source PROFINET communication modules, remote I/O, switches, gateways and related accessories.
Can you supply Modbus TCP gateways?
Yes. We can source Modbus TCP gateways and protocol converters for integrating equipment from different manufacturers.
Can you supply PROFIBUS equipment?
Yes. We can assist with PROFIBUS communication modules, connectors, repeaters, gateways and related components.
Can you identify an industrial communication module from a photograph?
Yes. Send us a clear photograph showing the manufacturer’s label, model number and part number. Additional photographs of the PLC and network connection can also help.
Do you supply industrial networking equipment in South Africa?
Yes. Nkokhi Group supplies and sources industrial automation and networking equipment for customers in South Africa.
What information should I send when requesting a quotation?
Send the manufacturer, model number, part number, quantity, photograph and application, where available. For replacement PLC communication modules, also provide the PLC CPU model and existing network protocol.
Request an Industrial Network Quotation
Looking for an industrial network module, PLC communication module, industrial Ethernet switch, PROFINET module, EtherNet/IP module, Modbus TCP gateway, PROFIBUS interface, EtherCAT equipment or industrial network replacement part?
Send Nkokhi Group:
📷 Photograph of the existing equipment
🔢 Part Number / Model Number
🏭 Manufacturer
🔢 Quantity Required
⚙️ PLC / Machine Model
🌐 Network Protocol
📍 Delivery Location
Our team can assist with identification, sourcing and quotation.
Nkokhi Group – Industrial Networking Solutions
Industrial Networks | PLC Communication | Industrial Ethernet | Network Switches | Protocol Gateways | Remote I/O | PROFIBUS | PROFINET | EtherNet/IP | Modbus TCP | EtherCAT | CANopen | CC-Link | OPC UA
Serving industrial automation, mining, manufacturing, water treatment, energy, OEM and engineering applications across South Africa.