
Real–Time Networks and Protocols for Factory Automation and Process Control Systems
Volume 107, Issue 6 | June 2019
Guest Editors:



Special Issue Papers
Scanning the Issue
By S. Vitturi, T. Sauter, and Z. Pang
Industrial Communication Systems and Their Future Challenges: Next Generation Ethernet, IIoT, and 5G
By S. Vitturi, C. Zunino, and T. Sauter
This paper presents a comprehensive state of the art of industrial networks, and addresses new perspectives and trends for future directions of research.
Coexistence Standardization of Operation Technology and Information Technology
By M. Felser, M. Rentschler, and O. Kleineberg
This paper takes into consideration the standards concerned with networks of the operation technology (OT) and investigates the coexistence with those of the information technology (IT).
Fault Tolerance in Highly Reliable Ethernet-Based Industrial Systems
By I. Álvarez, A. Ballesteros, M. Barranco, D. Gessner, S. Djerasevic, and J. Proenza
This paper addresses reliability in distributed real-time control systems, and presents a survey of fault tolerance mechanisms to make Ethernet-based industrial networks reliable.
Performance and Reliability Aspects of Clock Synchronization Techniques for Industrial Automation
By N. Kerö, A. Puhm, T. Kernen, and A. Mroczkowski
This paper deals with synchronization aspects of distributed nodes connected to industrial networks, specifically, real-time Ethernet networks.
Real-Time and Reliable Industrial Control Over Wireless LANs: Algorithms, Protocols, and Future Directions
By F. Tramarin, A. K. Mok, and S. Han
This paper is concerned with the deployment of the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN for time-critical distributed applications, such as networked control systems.
WIA-FA and Its Applications to Digital Factory: A Wireless Network Solution for Factory Automation
By W. Liang, M. Zheng, J. Zhang, H. Shi, H. Yu, Y. Yang, S. Liu, W. Yang, and X. Zhao
This paper introduces the Wireless networks for Industrial Automation–Factory Automation (WIA-FA), recently approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission, for real-time industrial communication.
High-Performance Wireless Networks for Industrial Control Applications: New Targets and Feasibility
By M. Luvisotto, Z. Pang, and D. Dzung
This paper describes the design and the first feasibility tests of a new generation of real-time industrial wireless networks, able to achieve performance figures in the same order of magnitude of the wired counterparts.
A Perspective on IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking for Industrial Communication and Automation Systems
By L. Lo Bello and W. Steiner
This paper addresses the time-sensitive networking and provides an overview of its introduction in the industrial communication scenario, along with an analysis of the future directions of research.
An Introduction to OPC UA TSN for Industrial Communication Systems
By D. Bruckner, M.-P. Stănică , R. Blair, S. Schriegel, S. Kehrer, M. Seewald, and T. Sauter
This paper is concerned with the adoption of OPC UA TSN for real-time industrial communication. This new protocol architecture could become the solution for establishing a unified communication, from the sensor to the cloud.
Extending Accurate Time Distribution and Timeliness Capabilities Over the Air to Enable Future Wireless Industrial Automation Systems
By D. Cavalcanti, J. Perez-Ramirez, M. M. Rashid, J. Fang, M. Galeev, and K. B. Stanton
This paper investigates the use of TSN on wireless systems for real-time industrial communication. Specifically, it addresses next-generation wireless standards such as IEEE 802.11ax and 5G cellular systems.
6TiSCH: Industrial Performance for IPv6 Internet-of-Things Networks
By X. Vilajosana, T. Watteyne, M. Vučinić , T. Chang, and K. S. J. Pister
This paper focuses on the standardization activity of the IETF, to integrate IPv6 on industrial wireless networks, as a decisive step toward the implementation of IIoT systems.
Wireless Network Design for Emerging IIoT Applications: Reference Framework and Use Cases
By Y. Liu, M. Kashef, K. B. Lee, L. Benmohamed, and R. Candell
This paper introduces a reference framework for the design of wireless systems in the context of IIoT applications. It makes use of some practical examples to address the feasibility of the proposed system.
Toward Cloud-Assisted Industrial IoT Platform for Large-Scale Continuous Condition Monitoring
By G. Wang, M. Nixon, and M. Boudreaux
This paper presents a new architecture for networks deployed in process control systems, which includes device and process characteristics. The architecture, which is based on an IIoT system, allows to perform fault detection and prediction.