Abstract: A networking system is discussed. The system may be used for industrial networks, where deterministic behavior is often valued. Bounded message travel times may be achieved for a first set of network traffic. Additional traffic may be routed over the networking system without interfering with the message travel times associated with the first set of network traffic. Systems and methods for assigning priority to various sets of network traffic are discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for redundantly and reactionlessly connecting networks to each other, such as communication networks, particularly Ethernet networks, wherein there is a plurality of network devices which communicate and exchange data with each other via data lines in the network which has at least one, preferably a plurality of network segments, characterized in that at least more than one RSTP protocol instance is implemented on the network devices for coupling network segments so that one network segment can be connected per RSTP protocol instance.

Abstract: A networking system is discussed. The system may be used for industrial networks, where deterministic behavior is often valued. Bounded message travel times may be achieved for a first set of network traffic. Additional traffic may be routed over the networking system without interfering with the message travel times associated with the first set of network traffic. Systems and methods for assigning priority to various sets of network traffic are discussed.