Systems and methods are provided for integrating data acquisition and machine learning (ML) analytics capabilities in a transformative way. The system may implement a discovery phase, a machine learning phase, and an integration phase using hardware and software components. By incorporating these system components, the significant amounts of data may be acquired and analyzed in near real-time to enhance sensor communications with these OT networks and adjust operation of distributed IoT or edge devices.

To be able to achieve shorter communication cycles, the invention proposes a communication system which is able to connect field devices to a higher-order control device. For this purpose, a connection device is provided which is connectable to a higher-order control device via a transmission medium. The connection device has at least one first port and at least one second port, to each of which a field device may be connected. The connection device has at least one functional device which is switchable between at least one first port and at least one second port. The functional device is designed to generate output data intended for the second port in response to the input data arriving at the first port.