Internet web interface including programmable logic controller for controlling output devices based on status of input devices

An interface module for receiving data requests from a remote location in order to provide access to a programmable logic controller from a communication network, the module comprising:

• a central processing unit;
• a real time operating system operating the central processing unit;
• a network interface for communicating with the communication network at a nominal data transfer rate of not less than 100 Mbs;
• a back plane driver for communicating with the programmable logic controller through a back plane of the programmable logic controller;
• a protocol stack;
• a client task for communicating with the back plane driver and the protocol stack for initiating received requests;
• a server task for communicating with the back plane driver and the protocol stack for responding to received requests;
• and
• a protocol task for communicating with the back plane driver and the protocol stack for receiving and responding to protocol task requests.