Self-configuring communication networks for use with process control systems

An apparatus for configuring a wireless enabled field device, comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is programmed to:
• receive identification information associated with the wireless enabled field device, wherein the wireless enabled field device is at least one of a sensor or an actuator;
• compare the identification information to configuration database information;
• retrieve configuration information associated with the wireless enabled field device based on the comparison of the identification information to the configuration database information;
• update a consolidated list of currently active wireless enabled field devices with the identification information associated with the wireless enabled field device;
• and
• send the configuration information to the wireless enabled field device via at least one wireless communication link to communicatively couple the wireless enabled field device to the processor based on the configuration information.

A machine readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to at least:

• receive identification information associated with the wireless enabled field device, wherein the wireless enabled field device is at least one of a sensor or an actuator;
• compare the identification information to configuration database information;
• retrieve configuration information associated with the wireless enabled field device based on the comparison of the identification information to the configuration database information;
• update a consolidated list of currently active wireless enabled field devices with the identification information associated with the wireless enabled field device;
• and
• send the configuration information to the wireless enabled field device via at least one wireless communication link to configure and initiate communication of the wireless enabled field device in a process control system.