The IE/PB Link module has been phased out since August 1, 2008 (see entry ID 30824055) and will be discontinued as of April 1, 2011. From that date on the module can no longer be purchased as new part. As of April 1, 2011, the module will be classified as "replacement parts" and continues to be available via our repair service for another 7 years in exchange for a defective module.

The IE/PB Link PN IO (6GK1411-5AB00) can be used as alternative standalone solution (as router) for vertical integration. The IE/PB Link PN IO costs less and offers the same scope of functions for this type of application with S7 and dataset routing.

For the use with Component Based Automation as proxy for PROFIBUS devices (CBA proxy), this function is supported by the PROFINET CPUs of SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-400.