This presentation is concerned with the design of industrial networks. Starting from real industrial premises, design and installation of factory communication systems are considered. Particular attention is devoted to the deployment of off-the-shelf available Industrial Ethernet and IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN components, along with the analysis of security aspects and the design of external connections.

This presentation deals with GDNet, a proprietary Real-Time Ethernet protocol, typically adopted in automation systems for plastic machineries. After the analysis of some critical design aspects, the implementation of devices compliant with the protocol is described. Subsequently, outcomes of some practical measurements are presented, along with a discussion of the obtained results.

This presentation discusses why Real-Time Ethernet is emerging as the network technology of choice for control of high performance drives. Both EtherNet/IP with CIP Sync and CIP Motion profiles are presented as examples of Real-Time Ethernet solutions which provide high performance drive control and peer-to-peer motion synchronization.

This presentation shows an implementation of the Profinet I/O protocol which makes use of an IEEE802.11 Wireless LAN. The application is relevant to an industrial plant for the production of foamed seat cushions. Due to critical timing requirements, the Point Coordination Function (PCF) has been adopted to ensure deterministic transmission times in accessing the wireless channel. The presentation reports on most important design issues and shows outcomes of some practical measurements.

This presentation is concerned with the real-time control of magnetic windings employed by RFX, a nuclear fusion machine operating in Padova (Italy). The traditional solution in digital control systems for nuclear fusion is the use of reflective memories which provide a shared memory space to the connected units and handle internally data update propagation via a fiber optic channel. In RFX, conversely, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet networks are employed. The presentation discusses some implementation details of networks and shows some practical results, along with a comparison with those results obtained from the adoption of reflective memories.

This presentation deals with the integration of automation devices into process automation systems. After an initial discussion concerning automation levels and available devices, an example of a specific commercial tool for integration is given. Subsequently, the presentation focuses on the NE105 NAMUR recommendation: "Specifications for Integrating Fieldbus Devices in Engineering Tools for Field Devices".

This presentation focuses on the connection of devices to networks for industrial applications. Communication standards taken into account are both wired and wireless, namely: Ethernet, ZigBee and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB). Features and areas of application of each standard are outlined, along with a description of some available components for implementing the network connection. Finally, the access of networked devices to web services is considered.

This presentation focuses on the reliability of wireless sensor networks products. After introducing some of the most important features affecting reliability, their impact on the battery life is considered. Subsequently, some examples of practical implementations are shown along with a discussion on design choices and obtained results.

The public discussion focuses on future trends in factory and, from a more general point of view, industrial communication systems, including technologies such as, but not limited to, industrial Ethernet, industrial wireless and industrial ICT.