First device with an embedded gateway to support a second communications protocol

摘要

An industrial control system and a method of controlling an industrial control system having two communications protocols is described. The method comprises sending, by a controller, communications over a first communications network to a first device, the communications intended to control the first device and a second device, the communications transmitted to the first device from the controller in a first communications protocol; translating, by the first device, the communications from the controller in the first communications protocol intended for the second device into a second communications protocol; and transmitting, by the first device, the translated communications to the second device over a second communications network using the second communications protocol, wherein the first device is used to control or monitor one or more first processes in an industrial system and the second device is used to control or monitor one or more second processes in the industrial system.