Choosing an industrial networking fieldbus gateway usually comes down to one question: how much serial-network flexibility does your cabinet actually need, and what is that flexibility worth? This head-to-head lines up two PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet gateways from opposite ends of the price spectrum: the Moxa MGATE 4101-MB-PBS at $969 and the Softing FG-100-PB at $233.89.
Quick verdict: If you need a direct PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet link and cost is the main constraint, the Softing FG-100-PB is the lower-cost pick. If your panel mixes PROFIBUS with legacy serial devices or needs a wide DC supply range, the Moxa MGATE 4101-MB-PBS is the gateway that fits.
| Gateway | Price | Condition | Notable specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moxa MGATE 4101-MB-PBS | $969.00 | Open box | 1-port, 12-48VDC, RS-232/422/485 |
| Softing FG-100-PB | $233.89 | New - Open box | PROFIBUS/Ethernet |
Where the Softing wins: The FG-100-PB gives you the same core PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet function as the Moxa, but at a much lower listed price. For a straightforward bridge between a PROFIBUS segment and an Ethernet network, it does not force you to pay for serial interfaces you may never use. If your network layout is simple, this is the no-extras way to get a PROFIBUS segment onto Ethernet.
Where the Moxa wins: The MGATE 4101-MB-PBS is the more flexible gateway. Its listed DC input range and serial interface support make it a better fit for older equipment and variable power supplies. That flexibility is what separates it from the Softing, and it makes the Moxa a better choice when you are retrofitting an older machine rather than building a greenfield PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet link.
Moxa MGATE 4101-MB-PBS
If your control cabinet includes legacy serial devices alongside PROFIBUS equipment, the Moxa gateway gives you both connections in one unit. The 12-48 VDC power range covers common industrial supplies, and the RS-232/422/485 interfaces let you adapt to existing wiring without an extra converter. The condition is open box, so you are getting the gateway without a factory-sealed package. That is the main caveat; otherwise, it is a capable gateway for panels that need more than just PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet. For maintenance teams that keep spare gateways, the condition is usually acceptable, and the serial flexibility is the practical reason to choose it.
Softing FG-100-PB
The Softing FG-100-PB is the straightforward option for a single PROFIBUS line that needs to reach Ethernet. It comes as new stock, so the hardware itself has not been previously installed. This fits projects where the network design is simple and you want to avoid paying for serial interfaces you won't use. The single-channel architecture is fine for one PROFIBUS segment, but it is not the right tool for a multi-segment fieldbus layout. If your plant only needs one PROFIBUS segment on Ethernet, this gateway keeps the project lean and leaves room in the budget for other components.
Final choice by use case: For a direct PROFIBUS-to-Ethernet bridge on a tight budget, choose the Softing FG-100-PB. For a cabinet with legacy serial devices, or one powered from a wide DC bus, the Moxa MGATE 4101-MB-PBS is the one that matches the hardware you already have. Both are 1-port/1-channel gateways, so if you need to bridge multiple PROFIBUS segments, look at a multi-port gateway instead.
