CIMNET: a prototype network for time critical applications in the factory

A network based on a reduced protocol profile is well suited for industrial applications that require cheap and fast communications. A pilot project whose aim is to demonstrate the practical feasibility of such an environment is presented. The implementation approach is described, pointing out the advantages coming from the solution adopted, which is based on the availability of multiple processes carrying out different protocol functions that the user can see as a collection of procedures linked together forming a common library. Some significant manufacturing message service (MMS) services are also described, and their performance is discussed in terms of response times.<>