Ethernet powers our home and office networks and it is increasingly being used to automate control processes on the plant floor. Here's why.

Embedding networking into low-cost sensors presents particular cost and complexity challenges. Pyxos is an embedded control networking platform with tiny ICs that is designed to be built into low-cost sensors and actuators.

Integrating networks of sensors has been a goal for years, from the creation of device profiles and industrial networking standards through to the adoption of ad hoc wireless sensor and control networks. Web services promise to ease the integration of these disparate and distributed elements.

Integration fuses all data into a single information source, providing a comprehensive view into your operations.

Some people say WiFi and ZigBee can work side by side; others say they cannot.

Product News is but a sampling of the many, many products we've seen recently. The ones included this month reflect a trend, are different enough to make me sit up and take notice, or are nice implementations of current technology.

The term "data model" refers to the way in which information flows through a network. Here are five major data models, each appropriate for a particular type of application.

GE Infrastructure (www.geinfrastructure.com), which GE calls one of its "newest growth engines," has introduced four new technology solutions to the Chinese market. Company officials made the announcement during an event held in Shanghai called the Futurescape of Technology. Overall, the event showcased more than 30 new products that can support the growth of China, especially in the critical infrastructure sector.

While the ZigBee specification has been ratified, the product certification process is yet being developed. Still, vendors continue to fill the pipeline with products that are "ZigBee ready"—i.e., conform to the IEEE's 802.15.4 standard—and to make other announcements that will position them as leaders in this space.