Ultra-high-availability 'mesh' network system
April 2004
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
News & Events
Infrastructure
Foxboro Automation Systems has introduced new, 'mesh' network technology for the I/A Series system. The new technology incorporates commercial off the shelf (COTS) Ethernet switches, ports, and fibre-optic media in advanced meshed configurations that provide multiple communications paths between network stations. The new technology can be utilised to configure ultra-high-availability, high-performance (100 Mbps/1 Gbps), Switched Ethernet process control networks and field networks for new I/A Series systems. The technology can also be used to efficiently extend existing I/A Series systems.
"With its advanced redundant/fault-tolerant configuration and no single point of functional failure, the Ethernet-based I/A Series 'Nodebus' established a clear standard for process control network availability when Foxboro first introduced the system more than 15 years ago," said Steve Young, vice president of Foxboro Automation Systems. "Today, the widespread use of intelligent, fieldbus-based devices, plus the increasing information requirements of today's plants, place even greater demands on process control networks. With our new mesh network technology for the I/A Series system, we once again raise the bar for process control network availability and performance. Unlike conventional redundant networks, our new mesh networks can be configured to maintain non-stop communications even when faced with multiple points of failure, such as the simultaneous loss of a communications port and a wire break. To the best of our knowledge, this capability is unprecedented in the process control industry."
Upon rapid detection of one or more network faults, the advanced diagnostics automatically reconfigure the communications path to maintain system communications. "In effect, the network is smart enough to heal itself," said Young. The new mesh technology can be utilised to configure plant wide process control networks as well as to provide a secure, high-performance link between I/A Series control processors and their associated fieldbus (I/O) modules. Where appropriate, I/A Series workstations, control processors, device integrators, and fieldbus modules can all be placed on a common mesh network.
For more information contact Keith Guest, Protea Automation Solutions, 011 719 5700, [email protected], www.protea.co.za
Further reading:
Compressing cyberattack timelines and targeting ungoverned AI identities
Information Security News & Events
Sophos AI Security 2026 report finds attackers are moving beyond experimentation and operationalising AI for attacks using identity as the primary initial access vector, rather than inventing new attack types.
Read more...
SAFPS urges taxpayers to remain alert to fraud
Security Services & Risk Management News & Events
The SAFPS warns taxpayers about evolving SARS scams this tax season, highlighting common fraud tactics, practical prevention tips, and trusted reporting channels to stay protected.
Read more...
Dallmeier extends software maintenance up to 10 years
Dallmeier Electronic Southern Africa
Surveillance News & Events
Dallmeier is expanding its software maintenance offering and now provides an additional maintenance package for cameras and recorders, enabling customers to keep their video security systems up to date for up to 10 years.
Read more...
Video surveillance market faces faster growth, and 2026 price shock
Surveillance News & Events
Novaira Insights has released its 2026 edition of The World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software, highlighting a stronger global growth profile in 2025, tentative improvements in China’s market outlook, and unprecedented price increases in 2026.
Read more...
Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.
Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.
Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.
Read more...
printer friendly version