A method is provided for exchanging a first programmable logic controller which performs a control function by running through a process cycle including multiple successive process steps. Provision is made for the first programmable logic controller and a further programmable logic controller as network subscribers of a network. Data are transferred between network subscribers of the network in accordance with a communication cycle defined in a communication scheme and including successive time intervals. The communication cycle is additionally synchronized with the process cycle such that transfer information is output to the further programmable logic controller by the first programmable logic controller during a time interval of a first kind of the communication cycle. After the transfer information has been read in by the further programmable logic controller, the control function is performed by the further programmable logic controller instead of the first programmable logic controller.

A method includes wirelessly connecting to one or more controllers using a BLUETOOTH communication protocol, where the one or more controllers have a BLUETOOTH adapter or transceiver. The method also includes sending a command or data to a first controller among the one or more controllers using the BLUETOOTH communication protocol. The method further includes receiving, from the first controller or a second controller among the one or more controllers using the BLUETOOTH communication protocol, a response associated with the sent command or data. Each of the one or more controllers includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) in an industrial process control and automation system.