Abstract: A method for transferring application-specific packets in a network of an industrial automation system, wherein virtual networks can be set up in the network where the application-specific packets are classified into at least one of isochronic classes, real-time classes and basic classes, at least one virtual network (VLAN) with one network identifier per class is provided, and where the application-specific packets is transmitted over the virtual network selected according to its class, together with the corresponding network identifier such that the functions of application-specific protocols are enabled to be efficiently made available on new generations of standard hardware while retaining customary functionality.

Abstract: A device and method for time synchronization in a communication network, wherein a virtual clock is produced by a controller in each network node based on the PROFINET-Standard and/or the Precision Transparent Clock Protocol. In contrast to known methods for estimating the time, the time of the virtual clock does not undergo sudden changes. The virtual clock includes a controlled, continuous path. As a result, the virtual clock is particularly suitable for time-critical applications. Here, the estimation of the time of a reference clock is improved by 18-35%. Accordingly, a markedly greater number of network nodes may be synchronized with a predetermined level of accuracy for the time synchronization.

Abstract: A potential communication partner receives an inquiry which prompts it to notify the inquiring party of its interface in machine-readable form. When the interface data for the potential communication partner are available, the interface data can be transferred to a program, and communication with the remote partner can be started, the communication including a request for a functionality which is provided by the remote partner.

Abstract: A device and method for time synchronization in a communication network, wherein a virtual clock is produced by a controller in each network node based on the PROFINET-Standard and/or the Precision Transparent Clock Protocol. In contrast to known methods for estimating the time, the time of the virtual clock does not undergo sudden changes. The virtual clock includes a controlled, continuous path. As a result, the virtual clock is particularly suitable for time-critical applications. Here, the estimation of the time of a reference clock is improved by 18-35%. Accordingly, a markedly greater number of network nodes may be synchronized with a predetermined level of accuracy for the time synchronization.

Abstract: A communication method for use with a decentralized bus system B, to which a plurality of communication participants are connected, including a first master M1, which is assigned to a first master system MS1, and a second master M2 and a slave S3, which are assigned to a second master system MS2 that is associated with at least one application and provided with a filter table FT containing data entries. A message M having a header (provided with data entries corresponding to the filter table data entries) and message data is formed and transmitted from the first master M1 over the bus B. The message M is detected, and at least some header data are evaluated in the second master system MS2, including being compared to the filter table data entries. The message data D are made available to the application when the header and filter table data entries coincide.

Abstract: A communication process and system for communicating between communication participants (S1, S2, S3, S4) that are provided for control and/or monitoring of a technological process, the communication participants connected in communication with each other by way of a bus system (B) and can be identified using their addresses. Each communication participant manages a first group of references as so-called service access points (SAPs), and for at least one of the service access points, a second group of references is managed. Access to an individual reference from this second group of references is carried out using the address of the accessing communication participant. A source address lookup table may be provided to convert participant addresses into a unique natural number corresponding to a particular reference.

Abstract: A communication method for use with a decentralized bus system B, to which a plurality of communication participants are connected, including a first master M1, which is assigned to a first master system MS1, and a second master M2 and a slave S3, which are assigned to a second master system MS2 that is associated with at least one application and provided with a filter table FT containing data entries. A message M having a header (provided with data entries corresponding to the filter table data entries) and message data is formed and transmitted from the first master M1 over the bus B. The message M is detected, and at least some header data are evaluated in the second master system MS2, including being compared to the filter table data entries. The message data D are made available to the application when the header and filter table data entries coincide.

Abstract: A potential communication partner receives an inquiry which prompts it to notify the inquiring party of its interface in machine-readable form. When the interface data for the potential communication partner are available, the interface data can be transferred to a program, and communication with the remote partner can be started, the communication including a request for a functionality which is provided by the remote partner.

Abstract: Communication process for communication between communication participants (S1, S2, S3, S4) provided for control and/or monitoring of a technological process, which are connected in communication with each other by way of a bus system (B) and can be identified using their addresses, whereby each communication participant manages a first group of references as so-called service access points, wherein for at least one of the service access points a second group of references is managed, whereby the access to an individual reference from this second group of references is carried out using the address of the accessing communication participant.