Abstract: A unit is disclosed for validating a communication network of an industrial automation and control system. The validation unit can include a planner module configured to store plan data defining a designed communication network of an industrial automation and control system, and a collector module configured to collect effective data defining a deployed communication network of the industrial automation and control system. A difference detector can detect differences between the designed communication network and the deployed communication network using the plan data and the effective data such that faults or errors in a deployed communication network of the industrial automation and control system can be efficiently detected.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method and an apparatus for adapting at least one set of parameters to at least one Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) of an electrical power network having a plurality of switching devices (CB). The method includes: a) reading the current network status of the electrical power network, wherein the network status includes the status of the plurality of switching devices; b) simulating at least one network fault in the electrical power network; c) deducing at least one new set of parameters for the at least one IED using a simulated fault current induced by the at least one simulated network fault under consideration of the present network status and the network topology of the electrical power network; and d) setting the at least one set of parameters in at least one of the at least one IED.