DE102009044140A1 - Electrical connector with coding and method for monitoring the configuration of a network - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for monitoring the configuration and cables are interconnected, wherein a target configuration of a network is created and stored in a database of a computer of the network and in which the target configuration using information obtained by reading the RFID tags be checked once or repeatedly.

Description

The The invention relates to an electrical connector according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for monitoring the configuration a network.

Out The prior art plug connections are known which together have to be connected electrical contacts that in the field of automation technology depending on the type of bus standard used, different contact or have pin assignments. To prevent connector parts accidentally plugged together for different bus systems It is known, the connector parts with geometric To provide special features (eg with bars on one of the connector parts and corresponding recesses on the other of the connector parts), the mating unrelated connector parts prevent.

In order to develop such connectors so that more security is guaranteed against faulty circuits, is in the WO 2008/000656 The same applicant provided at least one of the connector parts with an RFID tag (RFID = Radio Frequency Identification, referred to in the German literature radio identification or radio detection module, which preferably contains a transponder and a transceiver and can be integrated into a higher-level data processing system to the Data to be processed on the day), in which data are stored or stored, which can be read by a corresponding receiving unit on the corresponding connector part, wherein in the case of mating non-compatible connector parts directly at the connector or at a higher-level data processing unit issued a warning.

When Particularly preferred variant is also an advantageous connector proposed, in which the plug part and the socket part respectively in a connector adapter housing belonging to the connector or a female adapter housing are mountable and at each RFID tag and inductors on the plug or the female adapter housing are arranged.

These Solution has proven itself, but should with Help the invention be further developed.

The Invention solves this problem by the subject matter of the claim 1. The arrangement of at least the antenna of the RFID tag on the locking sleeve is particularly advantageous because such shieldings and the like. The operation of the RFID tag can not adversely affect.

Besides It is a special goal, reliability and safety networks in industrial automation (preferably data, but also signals and energy) increase by the network before unconsciously made changes (incorrect plug connections, Interchanging cables, misconfiguration, etc.) and / or more consciously Manipulation (unauthorized and incorrect access to connectors or entrances, intrusion of third parties into the network) becomes.

These The object is achieved by the subject matter of the claims 2 and 7 solved. Claim 7 provides a method for monitoring the configuration of a network with devices that use Connectors and cables are interconnected, in which a Target configuration of a network is created and stored in a database a computer of the network is stored and in which the target configuration under Use of information obtained by reading the RFID tags be won, once or repeatedly checked becomes. The reading out of the RFID tags allows it to be extra easy way to monitor the configuration of the network. Misconnections can be avoided in a simple way become.

• – Automatisisierungsgeräten, i. an die an Schnittstellen mehrere Steckverbinder angeschlossen sind, ii. und ein RFID-Schreib-Lese-Geräte, und deren Schnittstellen mit RFID-Antennen versehen sind, wobei die RFID-Antennen mit dem RFID-Schreib-Lese-Gerät verbunden sind,
• – Netzwerkkabel i. zumindest für eine Datenübertragung und/oder vorzugsweise auch für eine Übertragung von Signalen und Energie, ii. die mit Steckverbindern an einem oder an beiden Enden ausgerüstet sind iii. und die RFID-Transponder an beiden Enden der Kabel oder an beiden Steckverbindern aufweisen, und iv. die mit RFID-Antennen an beiden Enden der Kabel oder beiden Steckverbindern ausgerüstet sind, wobei die RFID-Antennen mit den RFID-Transponder verbunden sind und v. wobei die RFID-Transponder mindestens einen eindeutigen Identifikator gespeichert haben und die RFID-Transponder optional einen frei beschreibbaren Speicher aufweisen, und
• – wenigstens einem Rechner mit einer Datenbank, gekennzeichnet durch folgende Schritte: a) es wird eine Soll-Konfiguration eines Netzwerks erstellt und in der Datenbank gespeichert, b) die Automatisierungsgeräte erfassen eine Ist-Konfiguration, indem die Identifikatoren in den RFID-Transponder der Steckverbinder zumindest beim Einstecken und vorzugsweise wiederholt, insbesondere zyklisch in der Betriebs phase ausgelesen und zusammen mit dem Identifikator für den betreffenden Port bzw. Eingang des Automatisierungsgeräts an einen Rechner im Gerät selbst oder in einem übergeordneten Steuerungsrechner oder Leitstand gemeldet werden, c) der wenigstens eine Rechner – vorzugsweise im Automatisierungsgerät selbst oder in einem übergeordneten Steuerungsrechner oder Leitstand – vergleicht die vom Benutzer definierte Soll-Konfiguration mit der von den Geräten erfassten Ist-Konfiguration zyklisch, wobei in dem Fall, dass die Ist- und die Soll-Konfiguration übereinstimmen, keine Aktionen erfolgen und wobei in dem Fall, dass Unterschiede zwischen der Ist- und der Soll-Konfiguration festgestellt werden, eine Alarmaktion eingeleitet wird.

Claim 2 provides a method for monitoring the configuration of an industrial network

• - Automation devices, i. to which several connectors are connected at interfaces, ii. and an RFID read-write device, and whose interfaces are provided with RFID antennas, wherein the RFID antennas are connected to the RFID read-write device,
• - Network cable i. at least for a data transmission and / or preferably also for a transmission of signals and energy, ii. equipped with connectors on one or both ends iii. and the RFID transponders on both ends of the cables or on both connectors, and iv. equipped with RFID antennas at both ends of the cables or both connectors, the RFID antennas being connected to the RFID transponders and v. wherein the RFID transponders have stored at least one unique identifier and the RFID transponders optionally have a freely writable memory, and
• At least one computer with a database, characterized by the following steps: a) a setpoint configuration of a network is created and stored in the database, b) the automation devices acquire an actual configuration by putting the identifiers into the RFID transponder of the connectors at least when plugged in and preferably repeated, in particular cyclically read in the operating phase and reported together with the identifier for the relevant port or input of the automation device to a computer in the device itself or in a higher-level control computer or control center, c ) the at least one computer - preferably in the automation device itself or in a higher-level control computer or control station - cyclically compares the user-defined desired configuration with the actual configuration detected by the devices, in which case the actual and the target Configuration, no action is taken, and in the event that differences between the actual and the target configuration are detected, an alarm action is initiated.

automation devices of the type mentioned above, for example, devices network infrastructure (such as a switch or a router) or I / O devices (input / output devices), such as in particular sensors, actuators, initiators, controllers, etc.). For expiry of the above programs is a preferably in Computer stored program, wherein step b) by means of an engineering tool or by reading out the network cabling in the real plant after commissioning is executable.

advantageous Embodiments are to be taken from the subclaims.

following The invention will be described with reference to the drawing based on embodiments explained in more detail, wherein also further advantages of the invention become clear. It shows:

1 a perspective view of a connector part partially shown in a blasting view and a socket part of a connector according to the invention.

1 shows a plug connection with a first connector part - a plug part 1 - And a corresponding second connector part - a female part, in a female adapter housing 4 with flange 8th used and can not be seen here

To G are the plug part 1 and the female part respectively in an advantageous manner as R145 male and female part formed, each in a belonging to the connector one or multi-part plug adapter housing 3 or a female adapter housing 4 can be mounted in order to use the designed itself for an office environment connector parts in harsh environments, such as in the field of automation technology. It is also conceivable to form the plug and the socket part in a different way, so in another connector standard and in particular as a male and female part for photoconductive cable, but also non-standard connectors.

At least one or both of the plug and socket parts has a wirelessly addressable coding device, which is designed as a radio identifier (RFID tag 6 ) is trained. Here is the RFID tag 6 each advantageous to the adapter housing housings 3 . 4 arranged, wherein the corresponding connector part - z. B. the socket part 4 - Has at least one receiving device or a combined transmitting and receiving unit, with which it is possible, at least data from the RFID tag 6 to query and preferably also data in the RFID tag 6 to write. For data and possibly energy transmission with the RFID tag 6 can each at this and possibly the corresponding connector part inductances 9 different design (see 3 or 4 ) on the plug part 1 and at the socket 2 be arranged, the z. B. as printed inductors 9 can be formed on a film or as a permanently integrated inductors.

To 1 are in particular the inductances serving as antennas 9 outside on the adapter housings 3 . 4 arranged.

The adapter housing 3 the male part has an outer locking sleeve 2 on, which is designed here as a sliding sleeve, but which can be configured according to other embodiments as a rotary sleeve (eg., In the manner of a bayonet closure). If such a locking sleeve 2 is present, at least the inductance is preferably at this locking sleeve 2 arranged outside.

The corresponding connector part - in this case the socket part - or a superordinate control device connected to it are designed in such a way that either an individual designation or address into the RFID tag occurs during or after the initial installation 6 of the connector part 1 is written, which is later sent out of this again or is queried and / or that at least in the RFID tag 6 query pre-stored information and can be transmitted to a higher-level data processing device which stores this information.

It is thus possible to ensure in a simple manner that only associated connector parts are connected to each other, as in the case of faulty circuit a warning z. B. to egg ner LED 7 is shown.

In addition, in the case that the RFID tag 6 of a connector connector part 1 is writable from the other connector part, possible to assign the connector part an individual address and store it in the connector part.

For reasons of space, it is ideal for RFID tags 6 , the display device 7 and the device each on the adapter housings 3 . 4 and if present, preferably the locking sleeve 2 to arrange.

In terms of handling, it is advantageous if the errors are already detected and displayed in advance of the closing of the electrical contacts, so that the display device (LED 7 ), for example, even before the mating of the two connector parts 1 . 2 shines.

Becomes one of the connector parts on a housing -. B. a distributor housing - arranged, the Transmitting and receiving unit with which the data in the RFID tag inscribed or queried from this, also on this housing be arranged.

To a development of the invention, the connector parts are characterized the connector characterized in that before, at or after the contact closure the electrical contacts of the two connector parts at a first mating of the one connector part in the RFID tag of the second connector part information - in particular a data address - to be written, stored there become. If the connector is loosened later - z. B. for maintenance or repair work - is so verifiable before or after re-mating, whether the prestored address of the connector part to be contacted correct is. In this way, faulty circuits can be and repair work are largely avoided.

additional can be stored further information, so Type and type of connector to be used as well as others Dates.

The connector insert - the actual inner connector 1 - here z. B. an RJ45 plug part - includes the electro-mechanical connections and contacts for the signal and data lines, a fastening component for the terminals and contacts and in many cases connections for a braided screen. The braided shield protects the signals or data to be transmitted from interference by electromagnetic radiation present in the environment.

The connector adapter housing 3 possibly with the locking sleeve 2 is used to attach the connector insert 1 and fixing the connector insert in the corresponding counterpart 2 . 4 preferably including flange 8th , In addition, it serves to protect against mechanical shocks, the penetration of liquids and other substances and against disturbance of the data and signals to be transmitted by electromagnetic fields.

The connector parts (or inserts) 1 as well as the connector adapter housings 3 . 4 are preferably modular combined, that is in a connector adapter housing 3 . 4 Depending on the application, different inserts can be mounted for different signals / data to be transmitted or for different transmission standards.

For the optimal functionality of the RFID coding, it is advantageous not the RFID transponder on the connector insert, but as shown on the connector adapter housing 3 . 4 and there particularly advantageous - if available - on the locking sleeve 2 - To be mounted: By mounting the RFID transponder on the connector adapter housing 3 . 4 . 2 It is avoided that the wireless readout of the RFID transponder by means of a corresponding reader exerts disturbing influences on the signal or data to be transmitted.

Vice versa improves the external installation of the RFID transponder its readability, because less absorbent material of the connector is to penetrate or by the greater distance from the substantially metal connector insert to expect significantly lower interference are.

The especially in the case of shielded lines, because in this Case the screen significantly complicate reading the RFID transponder when would not even prevent. Metallic connector adapter housing would be reading out one on the connector insert completely prevent applied RFID transponders. The Mounting the RFID transponder on the connector adapter housing is advantageous, because thereby the reading is not or only clearly weaker is hampered.

The assembly of the RFID tag or RFID transponder on the connector adapter housing 3 . 4 . 2 is also in terms of flexibility in the assembly of a cable and the combination connector adapter housing and connector parts, because the user is optional in the assembly and can use any combination.

In addition, through the assembly of the RFID transponders on the connector adapter housing 3 . 4 replacement of a connector insert in the event of an error is facilitated because the configuration of the corresponding device does not have to be changed.

It is also a realization of the identification functionality through an RFID-based connector coding as well as an RFID-based Recognition device in an associated (not here shown) automation device accomplished.

The RFID detection device consists of antennas and a read-write electronics in the housing of the automation device, wherein the antennas are preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the slots or sockets. Such a design shows 2 of the WO 2008/000656 ,

Preferably, an inseparable (or separable only by destruction) attachment of the RFID transponder, consisting of an RFID chip and an antenna, on the connector adapter housing 3 . 4 , An RFID chip with a permanently written and / or a writable (single and / or multiple) memory area is preferably used. In this case, use of the fixed memory area z. For coding a one-to-one manufacturer identifier. There is also a use of the one-time and / or multiple writable memory area z. For example, for the coding of the associated network address or the associated slot and preferably also a control of the device behavior (eg., Configuring or switching off individual slots) by intervening in the device control based on the determined identification number, which from the fixed and / or the writable memory area of the RFID tag has been read out.

It is a special goal, reliability and safety networks in industrial automation (preferably data, but also signals and energy) increase by the network before unconscious changes made (incorrectly inserted connectors, Swapping of cables, misconfiguration, etc.) and / or deliberate manipulation (Unauthorized and incorrect access to connectors / ports or entrances, intrusion of third parties into the network) becomes.

The Security and reliability of the network is ensured by repeating the actual configuration once or preferably, in particular cyclically aligned with the target configuration of the network becomes.

With agreement There are no actions taken from the actual and target configuration. In case of deviations between actual and target actions are initiated, eg. B. an alarm message, the disconnection of the connectors affected by the deviation or the decommissioning of the entire network.

• a) Automatisierungsgeräte, insbesondere netzwerkfähige Geräte (Switches, Router, Automatisierungsgeräte mit Netzwerk-Anschluss, etc., und/oder Feldbusgeräte wie Sensoren, Aktoren, Initiatoren usw.), – die einen Speicher für die Konfiguration von Funktionen (Geräteparametern) und Netzwerkparametern besitzen, – die ein RFID-Schreib-Lese-Gerät enthalten, – deren Steckverbindungen bzw. Steckerverbindereingänge mit RFID-Antennen ausgerüstet sind und – wobei die RFID-Antennen mit dem RFID-Schreib-Lese-Gerät verbunden sind.
• b) Netzwerkkabel (Kabel im Netzwerk) in der Regel für die Datenübertragung, und/oder für die Übertragung von Signalen und Energie), – die mit Steckverbindern an einem oder an beiden Enden ausgerüstet sind, – die RFID-Transponder an beiden Enden der Kabel oder an beiden Steckverbindern aufweisen, – die mit RFID-Antennen an beiden Enden der Kabel oder beiden Steckverbindern ausgerüstet sind, – wobei die RFID-Antennen mit den RFID-Transpondern verbunden sind, – die RFID-Transponder einen eindeutigen Identifikator gespeichert haben und – die RFID-Transponder einen frei beschreibbaren Speicher besitzen
• c) wenigstens eine Datenbank (einen Speicher eines Rechners), in der die Soll-Konfiguration des Netzwerks inkl. der Soll-Verkabelung und der Soll-Netzwerkparametern sowie die Soll-Konfiguration der Automatisierungsgeräte im Netzwerk hinterlegt sind.

In order to fulfill this purpose, the system of connectors and automation devices described below is based on RFID coding. Specifically, the system comprises the following components:

• a) automation devices, in particular network-capable devices (switches, routers, automation devices with network connection, etc., and / or fieldbus devices such as sensors, actuators, initiators, etc.), - have a memory for the configuration of functions (device parameters) and network parameters - which contain an RFID read-write device, - whose plug connections or plug connector inputs are equipped with RFID antennas, and - wherein the RFID antennas are connected to the RFID read-write device.
• b) Network cables (cables in the network) usually for data transmission and / or for the transmission of signals and energy), - which are equipped with connectors at one or both ends, - the RFID transponders at both ends of the cables or at both connectors, - which are equipped with RFID antennas at both ends of the cable or both connectors, - wherein the RFID antennas are connected to the RFID transponders, - the RFID transponders have stored a unique identifier and - the RFID transponder have a freely writable memory
• c) at least one database (a memory of a computer) in which the desired configuration of the network including the nominal wiring and the nominal network parameters and the desired configuration of the automation devices are stored in the network.

• – die Zuweisung der jeweils zugelassenen und gültigen Funktionen und Netzwerkparameter (Netzwerkadressen, Subnetzwerke, Netzwerkvariablen, Freischalten von Versorgungsenergie über die Steckverbindungen, etc.) zu den spezifischen Steckverbindungen bzw. Eingängen des betreffenden netzwerkfähigen Automatisierungsgeräts,
• – die Zuweisung der jeweils zugelassenen und gültigen Verbindungen zwischen den Steckverbindungen bzw. Eingängen zweier Automatisierungsgeräte, sowie
• – die Zuweisung der für eine spezifische Verbindung zwischen den Steckverbindungen zweier netzwerkfähiger Automatisierungsgeräte zugelassenen Netzwerkkabel zu den spezifischen Steckverbindungen.
• – die Zuweisung von eindeutigen Identifikatoren zu den Steckverbindern und den Steckverbindungen der Geräte, wobei i. die Identifikatoren der Steckverbinder in den RFID-Transpondern an den Steckverbinder abgelegt sind, und ii. die Identifikatoren der Steckverbindungen sich durch die feste (nicht änderbare) Geräteprogrammierung ergeben.

The target configuration for the network is preferably defined via

• - the assignment of the respectively valid and valid functions and network parameters (network addresses, subnetworks, network variables, activation of supply energy via the plug-in connections, etc.) to the specific plug-in connections or inputs of the relevant network-capable automation device,
• - the assignment of the respectively valid and valid connections between the plug-in connectors connections or inputs of two automation devices, as well
• - The assignment of the network cable approved for a specific connection between the plug-in connections of two network-capable automation devices to the specific plug connections.
• The assignment of unique identifiers to the connectors and the connectors of the devices, i. the identifiers of the connectors in the RFID transponders are deposited on the connector, and ii. the identifiers of the plug-in connections result from the fixed (unchangeable) device programming.

• a) es wird z. B. mittels eines Planungstools eine Soll-Konfiguration des Netzwerks erstellt, wobei vorzugsweise die oben genannten Daten definiert und verknüpft werden,
• b) die so erstellte Soll-Konfiguration wird in die Datenbank auf dem netzwerkfähigen Automatisierungsgerät geladen. Das erfolgt entweder über eine am Gerät vorhandene Netzwerkschnittstelle oder mittels eines speziellen Konfigurationsgeräts über eine spezielle Schnittstelle (Alternativ kann der Benutzer dem netzwerkfähigen Automatisierungsgerät die Soll-Konfiguration anlernen („Teach In”), indem ein vorab verkabelter und konfigurierter Zustand des Netzwerks und der netzwerkfähigen Automatisierungsgeräte erfasst und im Konfigurationsspeicher der Automatisierungsgeräte abgespeichert wird.)
• c) die Automatisierungsgeräte erfassen die Ist-Konfiguration, indem die Identifikatoren in den RFID-Transpondern der Steckverbinder zumindest beim Einstecken, vorzugsweise wiederholt, insbesondere zyklisch in der Betriebsphase ausgelesen und zusammen mit dem Identifikator für den betreffenden Port bzw. Eingang des Automatisierungsgeräts an einen Rechner im Gerät selbst oder in einem übergeordneten Steuerungsrechner oder Leitstand gemeldet werden; und
• d) der Rechner im Gerät selbst oder in einem übergeordneten Steuerungsrechner oder Leitstand vergleichen die vom Benutzer definierte Soll-Konfiguration mit der von den Geräten erfassten Ist-Konfiguration, vorzugsweise zyklisch. Falls die Ist- und die Soll-Konfiguration übereinstimmen, erfolgen keine Aktionen. Falls Unterschiede zwischen der Ist- und der Soll-Konfiguration festgestellt werden, wird eine Aktion eingeleitet, z. B. eine Alarmmeldung, die Abschaltung des von der Abweichung betroffenen Steckverbindungen oder die Stilllegung des gesamten Netzwerks.

With such an arrangement, a method for monitoring the configuration of an industrial network can be realized, comprising the steps of:

• a) it is z. B. by means of a planning tool a target configuration of the network created, preferably the above data are defined and linked,
• b) the target configuration created in this way is loaded into the database on the network-capable automation device. This is done either via a network interface present on the device or by means of a special configuration device via a special interface (Alternatively, the user can teach the target configuration to the network-capable automation device ("teach-in") by providing a pre-wired and configured state of the network and the network-capable Automation devices are detected and stored in the configuration memory of the automation devices.)
• c) the automation devices detect the actual configuration by the identifiers in the RFID transponders of the connector at least when plugged in, preferably repeated, in particular cyclically read in the operating phase and together with the identifier for the relevant port or input of the automation device to a computer be reported in the device itself or in a higher-level control computer or control station; and
• d) the computer in the device itself or in a higher-level control computer or control station compare the user-defined target configuration with the actual configuration detected by the devices, preferably cyclically. If the actual and the target configuration match, no actions take place. If differences between the actual and the target configuration are detected, an action is initiated, e.g. As an alarm message, the shutdown of the affected by the deviation connectors or the decommissioning of the entire network.

1

plug part

2

locking sleeve

3

Plug adapter housing

4

Jack adapter housing

6

RFID tag

7

display

8th

flange

9

inductors

10

locking sleeve

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2008/000656 [0003, 0036]

Claims (7)

Electrical plug connection with a first connector part - in particular a plug part ( 1 ) and a corresponding second connector part - in particular a socket part ( 2 ) - with pluggable electrical contacts, wherein the connector is provided with a coding device which is designed to avoid a misconnection by mating mismatched connector parts, including at least one of the connector parts ( 1 . 2 ) as a coding device a wireless addressable RFID tag ( 6 ), wherein on the corresponding connector part or on a housing, on which the corresponding connector part ( 1 . 2 ), at least one device ( 8th ) for receiving the RFID tag ( 6 ) is arranged, the plug part ( 1 ) and the female part ( 2 ) in each case in a connector adapter housing belonging to the connector ( 3 ) or a female adapter housing ( 4 ) and wherein the RFID tag ( 6 ) and / or associated inductances ( 9 ) on a locking sleeve ( 10 ) of the plug adapter housing and on the female adapter housing ( 2 ) are arranged. Method for monitoring the configuration of a industrial network with - automation devices, i. to which several connectors are connected at interfaces, ii. and an RFID read-write device, and their interfaces are provided with RFID antennas, wherein the RFID antennas with the RFID read-write device are connected, - network cable i. at least for a data transmission and preferably also for a transmission of signals and energy, ii. equipped with connectors on one or both ends are iii. and the RFID transponders on both ends of the cables or on both connectors, and iv. those with RFID antennas equipped at both ends of the cables or both connectors are, with the RFID antennas connected to the RFID transponders are and v. wherein the RFID transponder is a unique identifier have stored and the RFID transponder a freely writable Have memory, and - at least one computer with a database, characterized by the following steps: a) a set configuration of a network is created and stored in stored in the database, b) the automation devices capture an actual configuration by placing the identifiers in the RFID transponders the connector at least during insertion and preferably repeated, in particular cyclically read in the operating phase and together with the identifier for the relevant port or input of the automation device to a computer in the device itself or in a higher-level control computer or Control room will be reported, c) the at least one computer - preferably in the automation device itself or in a higher-level Control computer or control station - compares the user Defined target configuration with that captured by the devices Actual configuration is cyclic, in which case the actual and If the target configuration is the same, no actions take place and in the event that differences between the actual and the target configuration is detected, becomes an alarm action is initiated. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the alarm function an alarm message, the shutdown of the deviation affected connectors or the decommissioning of the entire network. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized that by means of a planning tool a target configuration of the network , preferably defining the above data and be linked Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the created target configuration into the database, preferably on the networkable Automation device is loaded. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the desired configuration of the automation devices, which are stored in the network, is defined via i. the assignment of the respectively permitted and valid functions and network parameters (network addresses, subnetworks, network variables, enabling of supply energy via the plug connections, etc.) to the specific plug-in connections or inputs of the relevant network-capable automation device, ii. the assignment of the respectively valid and valid connections between the plug-in connections or inputs of two programmable controllers, as well as iii. the assignment of the network cables approved for a specific connection between the plug connections of two network-capable automation devices to the specific plug connections. iv. the assignment of unique identifiers to the connectors and the connectors of the devices, where v. the identifiers of the connectors in the RFID transponders are stored on the connector, and vi. the identifiers of the plug-in connections result from the fixed (unchangeable) device programming. Method for monitoring the configuration of a Network with devices using connectors and cables are interconnected, in which a desired configuration of a Network created and stored in a database of a computer of the network is stored and in which the target configuration using of information obtained by reading out the RFID tags be checked at least once or repeatedly becomes.