Abstract: A system is provided which includes at least two production units, which interact in a production process, and a verification module. Each production unit of the at least two production units includes a service module and is configured to transmit first information about one or more features of the production unit to the verification module. The verification module is configured to transmit, to at least one of the at least two production units, second information designating whether the at least two production units exhibit an admissible configuration or whether the at least two production units exhibit no admissible configuration.

Abstract: A communication system which has a PROFINET IRT system with first communication devices for isochronous transmission. A special IRT bridge device is created, so that a traditional standard Ethernet communication device can also transmit real time-critical data over the PROFINET IRT system. The bridge device has a timer, which is synchronized in time with the timers of the first communication devices. In addition, a device for analysis of the transmission point in time of a real time-critical data telegram received by the communication device and a control unit are provided, such that the control unit controls the forwarding of the respective real time-critical data telegram to at least one second communication device as a function of the analyzed transmission point in time.

Abstract: For an industrial network, for example a PROFInet IRT net for a motion control or in general a network with an isochronous time structure for transmitting time-critical data, it is the object according to the invention to considerably simplify the handling during installation or during maintenance and device replacement. For this purpose, a port-independent, topologically predefined real time network is introduced which provides the compliance with the at least similar safety standard as the PROFInet IRT while dispensing with the (target) specification of a network interface being used. The apparatus according to the invention is illustrated.

Abstract: A communication system which has a PROFINET IRT system with first communication devices for isochronous transmission. A special IRT bridge device is created, so that a traditional standard Ethernet communication device can also transmit real time-critical data over the PROFINET IRT system. The bridge device has a timer, which is synchronized in time with the timers of the first communication devices. In addition, a device for analysis of the transmission point in time of a real time-critical data telegram received by the communication device and a control unit are provided, such that the control unit controls the forwarding of the respective real time-critical data telegram to at least one second communication device as a function of the analyzed transmission point in time.

Abstract: For an industrial network, for example a PROFInet IRT net for a motion control or in general a network with an isochronous time structure for transmitting time-critical data, it is the object according to the invention to considerably simplify the handling during installation or during maintenance and device replacement. For this purpose, a port-independent, topologically predefined real time network is introduced which provides the compliance with the at least similar safety standard as the PROFInet IRT while dispensing with the (target) specification of a network interface being used. The apparatus according to the invention is illustrated.