The technology can be used to configure ultra-high-availability, high-performance, 100Mbps/1Gbps switched Ethernet process control networks and field networks for new I/A systems. It can also be used to extend existing I/A Series systems. “Unlike conventional redundant networks, our new mesh networks can be configured to maintain nonstop communications even when faced with multiple points of failure,” says Steve Young, vice president for the vendor. Upon detection of one or more network faults, the system’s diagnostics automatically reconfigure the communications path to maintain system communications. “In effect, the network is smart enough to heal itself,” Young says.