Process control system devices with dual hardwired and wireless communication ports

A field device for use in a process control system within a process control environment, comprising:

• a communication unit of the field device for generating or receiving communication signals;
• a first communication port of the field device connected to a hard-wired communication link for providing communications to or from the communication unit via the hard-wired communication link;
• a second communication port of the field device;
• and
• a radio frequency wireless transceiver connected to the second communication port to provide communications to or from the communication unit via a wireless communication link.

An input/output communication device for use in a process control system within a process control environment, comprising:

• a first communication port connected via a first hard-wired communication link to a controller for providing communications to or from the controller via the first hard-wired communication link;
• a second communication port connected via a second hard-wired communication link to one or more field devices disposed within the process control environment for providing communications to or from the one or more field devices via the second hard-wired communication link;
• a third communication port;
• and
• a radio frequency wireless transceiver connected to the third communication port to provide communications to and from the input/output communication device via a wireless communication link.

An input/output communication device comprising:

• a first communication port connected via a hard-wired communication link to a controller or to one or more field devices for providing communications to or from the controller or one or more field devices via the hard-wired communication link;
• a second communication port;
• and
• a radio frequency wireless transceiver connected to the second communication port to provide communications to and from the input/output communication device via a wireless communication link, wherein the input/output communication device provides communications in a process control system within a process control environment.