Abstract: A method of dynamically establishing a communication connection for mobile equipment (ME) to a process controller of an industrial processing facility (IPF) configured to run an industrial process. The process controller has a computing device includes a processor with a memory storing a different ME classes including a first ME class that the ME is in. The computing device is configured to implement dynamic establishment of a communication connection for ME to the process controller, including reading a representation of a first industrial protocol for the ME while docked at the process controller, translating the representation into a first industrial protocol address, and setting the first industrial protocol address as a first configuration instance in its industrial protocol infrastructure block to render the ME an attached ME. After undocking the ME, the process controller communicates with the ME while controlling the industrial process.

Abstract: A method of dynamically establishing a communication connection for mobile equipment (ME) to a process controller of an industrial processing facility (IPF) configured to run an industrial process. The process controller has a computing device includes a processor with a memory storing a different ME classes including a first ME class that the ME is in. The computing device is configured to implement dynamic establishment of a communication connection for ME to the process controller, including reading a representation of a first industrial protocol for the ME while docked at the process controller, translating the representation into a first industrial protocol address, and setting the first industrial protocol address as a first configuration instance in its industrial protocol infrastructure block to render the ME an attached ME. After undocking the ME, the process controller communicates with the ME while controlling the industrial process.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first controller having at least one interface and at least one processing device. The at least one interface is configured to communicate with a second controller and with a controlled network having multiple EtherNet/IP-compatible input/output (I/O) modules and multiple EtherNet/IP-compatible controlled devices. The at least one processing device is configured to detect a fault associated with the second controller while the second controller is in communication with at least one of the I/O modules and at least one of the controlled devices. The at least one processing device is also configured, upon detection of the fault associated with the second controller, to resume the communication with the at least one I/O module and the at least one controlled device without the at least one I/O module updating the at least one controlled device to a failsafe condition.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first controller having at least one interface and at least one processing device. The at least one interface is configured to communicate with a second controller and with a controlled network having multiple EtherNet/IP-compatible input/output (I/O) modules and multiple EtherNet/IP-compatible controlled devices. The at least one processing device is configured to detect a fault associated with the second controller while the second controller is in communication with at least one of the I/O modules and at least one of the controlled devices. The at least one processing device is also configured, upon detection of the fault associated with the second controller, to resume the communication with the at least one I/O module and the at least one controlled device without the at least one I/O module updating the at least one controlled device to a failsafe condition.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to install a software release, where the software release is to be installed on a first device and/or a second device. The method also includes initiating installation of the software release on the second device and determining whether or not a user wishes to continue with the installation of the software release. The method further includes initiating installation of the software release on the first device if the user wishes to continue. In addition, the method includes restoring a second software release on the second device if the user does not wish to continue. The first and second devices may represent redundant devices, such as a redundant set of controllers in a process control system or a redundant set of I/O modules that facilitate communication between one or more controllers and one or more process elements in the process control system.