When you are evaluating industrial networking fieldbus equipment, the central question is not always which model is better-it's which role the device has to play. Do you need a gateway that connects a fieldbus protocol such as PROFIBUS to an Ethernet network, or a switch that lets PLCs and HMIs exchange data at the network level? The four devices here cover that split at listed prices from $34.99 to $249.99. Each fits a different corner of a control network, so the buying decision starts with the network role you are trying to fill.
Quick take: If a PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet path is your goal, the Softing FG-100-PB Fieldbus Gateway PROFIBUS/Ethernet, 1 Channel is the most direct title match at $233.89. If you want a New Ethernet/IP gateway module and prefer to stay below the two higher-priced gateways, the Invertek OPT-2-ETHEG-IN is listed at $152.98. If you only need an industrial Ethernet switch, the N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch is the no-frills entry at $34.99. The Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway Used is the highest listed option at $249.99 and carries a plain gateway identity in its title.
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway Used | USD 249.99 | |
| Softing FG-100-PB Fieldbus Gateway PROFIBUS/Ethernet, 1 Channel | USD 233.89 | |
| Invertek OPT-2-ETHEG-IN Ethernet IP Fieldbus Gateway Module | USD 152.98 | |
| N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch | USD 34.99 |
Decision matrix
| Scenario | Reasonable starting point |
|---|---|
| Need a PROFIBUS fieldbus gateway with an Ethernet link | Softing FG-100-PB Fieldbus Gateway PROFIBUS/Ethernet, 1 Channel |
| Want a New Ethernet/IP fieldbus gateway module priced below the two higher-priced gateway listings | Invertek OPT-2-ETHEG-IN Ethernet IP Fieldbus Gateway Module |
| Prefer a gateway-style industrial networking device and are comfortable with a used unit | Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway Used |
| Need a basic industrial Ethernet switch at the lowest listed price | N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch |
Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway Used
The Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway Used is listed as a used unit, with the product title pointing directly to an industrial Ethernet fieldbus gateway role. The device is described as a working pull and is meant to come as pictured, which can make sense for a control cabinet rebuild when a factory-fresh box is not necessary. The clear drawback is the listed price: at the top of this comparison, you are paying for a gateway designation and used condition at the same time. Choose this listing when a gateway is the actual missing link and the used state is acceptable.
Softing FG-100-PB Fieldbus Gateway PROFIBUS/Ethernet, 1 Channel
Softing's FG-100-PB is itemized as a Fieldbus Gateway PROFIBUS/Ethernet, 1 Channel, so it names both protocol sides in the product title. The New - Open box condition is a useful middle ground: it is not new-sealed, but it is not used either. For a scenario that needs PROFIBUS to Ethernet conversion, the model and title line up cleanly with the task. The main downside is cost relative to the switch in this set: it sits near the top of the listed price range. You would choose this when the protocol pair matches your fieldbus and you want a dedicated gateway rather than a generic module.
Invertek OPT-2-ETHEG-IN Ethernet IP Fieldbus Gateway Module
The Invertek OPT-2-ETHEG-IN Ethernet IP Fieldbus Gateway Module is listed as New, with the Model and MPN both matching OPT-2-ETHEG-IN. Its title and type also point specifically to Ethernet IP fieldbus gateway duty, which differentiates it from the N-TRON switch in role. The product is described as new in box, but the same notes say the merchandise was not tested in the warehouse and that installation should be done by qualified personnel. That means the module carries the expected caveats of an untested, new component. Buyers who want an Ethernet/IP module and a New condition will likely land here.
N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch
The N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch is the one title in this group that reads as an Ethernet Switch rather than a gateway. It is a used unit, and its listed price is the most accessible entry point in this comparison. The N-Tron brand name and the 708TX model number appear in both the title and the attributes. If all you need is a switch to connect automation equipment over Ethernet, this gives you the networking piece without a gateway layer. The limitation is exactly that: it does not appear to perform fieldbus-to-Ethernet translation on its own, so it is not a replacement for a gateway in a PROFIBUS or Ethernet/IP gateway role.
Final recommendation by use case
- For PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet in a single channel, the Softing FG-100-PB Fieldbus Gateway PROFIBUS/Ethernet, 1 Channel is the direct hardware match.
- For a new Ethernet/IP gateway module that sits below the two higher-priced gateways in price, the Invertek OPT-2-ETHEG-IN Ethernet IP Fieldbus Gateway Module fits.
- For a gateway-style device when used equipment is acceptable, the Burkert 00307390 / ME43 Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Gateway Used covers that role.
- For the least expensive industrial Ethernet switch, the N-TRON 708TX Industrial Ethernet Switch is the practical pick.
