Method of accessing distributed field equipments by a host through a plurality of intelligent network gateways

摘要

A method of accessing data from distributed field equipments by a host through a set of intelligent network gateways is disclosed. The intelligent network gateways link the host on a local area network to the field equipments that are connected to a control network. Initially, configuration software residing in the host is employed to install the intelligent network gateways and the field equipments as a set of virtual equipment data servers, which are capable of continuously accessing, updating, and storing data from the field equipments. The virtual equipment data servers always possess the field equipments' most recent data and are able to communicate to any application program with a standard communication protocol. The method and apparatus facilitate the integration of a variety of field equipments with high-speed data links in a factory environment.