Abstract: For sharing process data from a first controller to a least a second controller, the first controller and the second controller including respectively a first runtime environment and a second runtime environment to execute at least a distributed automation application and including respectively a first process data manager and a second process data manager to manage respectively a first process image and a second process image, the first process data manager and the second process data manager being linked respectively to a first set of communication devices and to a second set of communication devices via a first communication line and being linked between them via a second communication line, a system includes: the first controller retrieving process data from the distributed automation application or from a communication device of the first set of communication devices the first controller updating the first process image with the retrieved process data, the first controller sending the process data on

Abstract: A control device having an integrated switch and being configured to logically enable and disable an Ethernet port of the integrated switch. Further disclosed is a device network consisting of at least two field devices, a primary control device and a primary switch, a secondary control device and a secondary switch, which are connected in a daisy chain loop topology. And wherein the secondary control device is configured to logically enable and disable an Ethernet port of the secondary switch. Further disclosed is a flat network consisting of such a device network. Further disclosed is a method for controlling a redundant connection in a flat network, consisting of detecting failure of the primary control device, initiating failover, enabling the Ethernet port of the secondary switch, and disabling the Ethernet port of the primary switch.

Abstract: A control device having an integrated switch and being configured to logically enable and disable an Ethernet port of the integrated switch. Further disclosed is a device network consisting of at least two field devices, a primary control device and a primary switch, a secondary control device and a secondary switch, which are connected in a daisy chain loop topology. And wherein the secondary control device is configured to logically enable and disable an Ethernet port of the secondary switch. Further disclosed is a flat network consisting of such a device network. Further disclosed is a method for controlling a redundant connection in a flat network, consisting of detecting failure of the primary control device, initiating failover, enabling the Ethernet port of the secondary switch, and disabling the Ethernet port of the primary switch.