Files with the GSD extension are associated primarily with industrial networks using Profibus or Profinet technologies. These are the tools most often used in industrial automation. Communication in such a network is based on a master / slave or master / master scheme. GSD files store information about devices in the network and configuration data related to communication. Most often, such devices are sensors or motors, but also relays and robots.

The Profibus network is based on the industrial Ethernet standard.