Virtual wired control networks: a wireless approach with Bluetooth

One of the most compelling challenges of the next few years is the integration of different types of wired and wireless networks into a system that enables the intercommunication between devices ranging from control and monitoring devices to consumer electronic equipment. This paper discusses the possibilities of integrating state-of-the-art wireless technology into common control networks. Given a suitable architecture an algorithm is proposed, that self-installs wireless control nodes into existing fieldbus networks. As a case study, the BlueLon project is presented. It tries to integrate Bluetooth technology into the distributed fieldbus system of LonWorks.