Abstract: A device includes a plurality of interfaces for Ethernet-APL-and PROFINET-based connection to field devices of an industrial plant, in particular a process or manufacturing plant, and includes an interface for PROFINET-based connection to a higher-level automation device of the industrial plant, wherein the device is configured to serve as a communication switch between the higher-level automation device and the field devices, where the device is further configured to serve as a PROFINET IO device in the context of the connection to the higher-level automation device, and to serve as a PROFINET IO controller in the context of the connection to the field devices, to serve as an Ethernet-APL gateway in the context of the connections to the field devices and the higher-level automation device.