Abstract: A redundant network switch for an Ethernet network includes a first uplink port and a second uplink port that are connectable to an Ethernet network; a plurality of downlink ports that connect end devices to the Ethernet network; and a first switching component connected to the first uplink port and a second switching component connected at least to the second uplink port, wherein each downlink port is connected to at least one of the first switching component and the second switching component, wherein each of the first switching component and the second switching component is configured to, upon receiving an Ethernet frame from an uplink port or from a downlink port, forward this Ethernet frame to an uplink port or downlink port that leads towards the destination of this Ethernet frame.

Abstract: A system and method for operating measuring devices in a process plant includes providing at least one measuring device for detecting at least one measuring variable, the measuring device having comprises at least one memory means for storing actual configuration data; providing at least one controller unit having at least one additional memory means in which projected configuration data is stored; the controller unit does not have write access to the measuring device with respect to the actual configuration data; and wherein the at least one measuring device and the at least one controller unit are connected via at least one network; comparing the actual configuration data and the projected configuration data, and when the configuration data correspond, allowing a data communication.

Abstract: A system and method for operating measuring devices in a process plant includes providing at least one measuring device for detecting at least one measuring variable, the measuring device having comprises at least one memory means for storing actual configuration data; providing at least one controller unit having at least one additional memory means in which projected configuration data is stored; the controller unit does not have write access to the measuring device with respect to the actual configuration data; and wherein the at least one measuring device and the at least one controller unit are connected via at least one network; comparing the actual configuration data and the projected configuration data, and when the configuration data correspond, allowing a data communication.