Method for operating an automation system and data infrastructure

A method for operating an automation system comprising:

• a first controller and at least a second controller configured for executing at least an automation process and for controlling a plurality of field devices, and
• an external data infrastructure comprising a message-distributing module configured for switching data communication between communication subscribers of a communication network, the method comprising the following steps:
• using the message-distributing module in a first identifying step, defining a first communication network, detecting the controllers of the automation system, assigning the first controller and the second controller to the first communication network and identifying the first controller and the second controller as first communication subscribers of the first communication network,
• using the first controller in a first sending step, sending out a first network message within a framework of a data communication between the communication subscribers of the first communication network controller to the message-distributing module of the external data infrastructure,
• using the message-distributing module in a second identifying step, identifying the second controller as one of the communication subscribers of the first communication network that is addressed by the first controller,
• using the message-distributing module in a forwarding step, forwarding the first network message sent out by the first controller to the second controller, and
• using the second controller in a receiving step, receiving the forwarded first network message.