Virtual network gateway

A method used in an industrial process control system the system having at least one controller connected to a first network operating using a first communication protocol and at least one control node connected to a second network using a second communication protocol comprising:

• coupling a network interface to the second network and to a local area network coupled to the first network;
• converting supervisory control and data received from the controller in the first communication protocol to the second communication protocol and coupling the converted supervisory control and data over the local area network to the network interface and the second network to the control node, and
• converting information and data received in the second communication protocol on the local area network from the network interface and the control node to the first communication protocol and coupling the converted data and information to the first network and the controller.

A communication system for an industrial process control system having at least first and second hierarchical control layers and at least one controller connected to a first network operating using a first communication protocol located on the first control layer, and at least one control node connected to a second network using a second communication protocol and located on the first control layer, the communication system comprising:

• a network interface located on the first control layer communicatively connected to the second network and to a local area network connected to the first network;
• and
• a virtual gateway located on the second control layer, the virtual gateway communicatively connected to the local area network and arranged to convert communication traffic received from the controller in the first communication protocol to the second communication protocol for transmission of the converted communication traffic over the local area network to the network interface and the second network, and to convert communication traffic received from the network interface and the control node in the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol coupling the converted communication traffic to the controller on the first network.