Network coupler for coupling networks, network system and method
The network coupler enables efficient communication and control across networks with different protocols by translating and representing participants, overcoming integration challenges in network systems.
WO2026132033A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-25BECKHOFF AUTOMATION GMBH
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BECKHOFF AUTOMATION GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing network systems face challenges in efficiently connecting networks with different protocols, limiting communication and control capabilities between networks with incompatible protocols.
Method used
A network coupler that includes a protocol translator and participant representatives to translate and control network participants across multiple protocols, enabling communication paths between networks with different ISO/OSI layer specifications.
Benefits of technology
Facilitates communication and control of tertiary network participants across multiple networks, allowing for novel organizational possibilities and efficient integration of networks with diverse protocols.
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Smart Images
Figure EP2025087703_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
The invention relates to a network coupler (10) that couples a first network (100) with primary network subscribers (26), which communicates according to an Ethernet-based first network protocol (P1), to a second network (200), which is subordinate to said first network and has secondary network subscribers, which communicates according to a second network protocol (P2). The network coupler (10) comprises a protocol translator (8) for translating between the first network protocol (P1) and the second network protocol (P2), a control unit (9) communicating according to the second network protocol (P2) for controlling a subordinate second network (200), and a plurality of subscriber representatives (4) communicating according to the first network protocol (P1). The subscriber representatives (4) comprise a secondary subscriber representative (3) for mapping at least one secondary network subscriber (22) communicating according to the second network protocol (P2) according to the first network protocol (P1) and a tertiary subscriber representative (5) for mapping at least one tertiary network subscriber (24) of a third network (300) according to the first network protocol (P1), communicating according to a third network protocol (P3) based on Ethernet, wherein the third network protocol (P3) differs from the first network protocol (P1) with regard to the specification of the layer 1 of the ISO / OSI layer model, namely with regard to the physical layer, but corresponds to the first network protocol (P1) with regard to the specification of at least one further layer of the ISO / OSI layer model.
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