The aim of the project. The aim of the project is to connect intelligent sensors and actuators to Ethernet/internet (TCP/IP over Ethernet) networks. Topics: Communication system requirements of intelligent sensors and actuators in industrial environments. The hardware and software architecture of the intelligent sensors, and available components. Investigation of the applicability of the IEEE 1451 standard. COTS (commercial off the shelf) software components (real-time operating systems, TCP/IP protocol stacks, etc.), their availability and their resource requirements. Possible LAN architectures, topologies, the practical aspects of LAN deployment. Measurement methodologies for TCP/IP over Ethernet networks. Investigation of the real-time performance of TCP/IP over Ethernet.