Abstract: This is achieved in an arrangement of a network forming a network topology with network components connected via data lines of a computer with an operating system and holding software for detecting the network components and the network topology is stored. An analysis tool is connected at a connection to the network to be examined and includes a computer and software developed for this combination and stored on this computer. This analysis tool has a processing unit, an integrated or external display, a network card for exchange of data via the connection with the network components in the network to be examined, and programming for automatically detecting all of the network components connected to one another in the network using the network card for automatically detecting all of the active switching nodes in the network via the connection with the network.

Abstract: A transfer system for the exchange of data between dispersed devices in stored program controls with feedback over the process that is to be controlled. For the real time data transfer between a plurality of central processing units as well as between I/O components and the respectively allocated central processing units, aside from a system bus with nonpersistent access behavior, at least one lateral bus is provided, the transfer protocol of which includes a priority-persistent access behavior and at which at least two central processing units are connected. Moreover, at least one I/O bus is allocated to each central processing unit. The transfer protocol of the I/O bus, which is connected to at least one I/O device, includes a priority-persistent access behavior. Devices for configuring, controlling and observing are connected to the system bus in the waiting area. Sensors and actuators are connected to the I/O devices.