Abstract: The invention concerns a heterogeneous automation system (10) including a first physical network (15, 17, 20) in which all connected devices can communicate on the basis of a first communication protocol and at least one second physical network (52, 58, 59; 54, 56, 57, 60) which is connected to the first network (15, 17, 20) by way of a first control device (25, 30) functioning as a gateway, and in which all devices (54, 56, 57, 60) connected thereto can communicate on the basis of a second communication protocol, wherein the first and second networks and the first and second communication protocols are different. The object of the present invention is to provide a system and a connecting apparatus, by means of which communication is simplified, in particular upon start-up, configuration and maintenance of the system, in the entire automation system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heterogeneous automation system (10) including a first physical network (15, 17, 20) in which all connected devices can communicate on the basis of a first communication protocol and at least one second physical network (52, 58, 59; 54, 56, 57, 60) which is connected to the first network (15, 17, 20) by way of a first control device (25, 30) functioning as a gateway, and in which all devices (54, 56, 57, 60) connected thereto can communicate on the basis of a second communication protocol, wherein the first and second networks and the first and second communication protocols are different.