Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Thomas Tröster

Thomas Talanis

Frank Volkmann

Joachim Feld

Josef Braun

Stefan Roth

The invention relates to a method for planning an automation system project, a method for authenticating a user during access to an automation device in an automation system, an automation system and a computer program for planning an automation system project. To improve the security concept in automation systems, the provision of a single sign-on authentication method for an automation system is proposed. A user is thus able to simultaneously register at all automation devices within an automation project using a single authentication. A fundamental part of the invention is thus to centrally project plan the single sign-on method. In other words, the basic provision of the basis for the subsequent authentication already takes place during the project planning of the automation project based on a project database. This procedure allows the realization of a single sign-on method for the complete projected automation system and thus simultaneously for all automation devices contained in the automation system.

Method for authentication in an automation system

The invention relates to a method and a system for access licensing for an automation device. In order to simplify access licensing for an automation device it is proposed to use client-side licenses. Thus the license is no longer linked to the automation device.

Access licensing for an automation device

The invention relates to a system and method called autotopology of a network or advertising based network management which enables the analysis and automatic graphical and hierarchical representation of any hierarchical or flat network topology, especially a switched Ethernet (SE). The autotopology can be used for self-configured networks (for example by using zeroconf) and for any otherwise configured networks, especially using DHCP or manually configured networks. The use of zeroconf is called autoconfiguration. Autoconfiguration and autotopology enable a comfortable and safe administration of a network. Administration of a self-configured network using the autotopology data proceeds in a separate and low-priority sub-network (link local) so that the productive operation of the network remains undisturbed. The topology of the network is used as a clear possibility of administering a network. Administration of the network is possible immediately after determination of the topology.

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Dittenheim, Germany

Thomas Tröster