ABOUT OUR NAME
The name  SIXNET comes from our early days working with the distributed I/O network for Texas Instruments PLCs. We networked TI 6MT I/O - hence SIXNET. Many years ago, we went by the name of Digitronics Inventioneering Corporation. Now, we were better known as just SIXNET.

1975 
Digitronics was founded. Created one of the first microprocessor-based real-time instruments to perform complex floating point calculations. By 1980, more than 80% of all computer-based controls in the North American Leather Finishing industry were designed and manufactured by Digitronics.

1981 
Digitronics Inventioneering was incorporated. Even at this early date, the company recognized the need for an open architecture, universal I/O system. The first SIXNET products were delivered in 1982 to create distributed I/O for Texas Instrument PLCs. Within three years, we had created the 6-IBM/N network co-processor for personal computers as the era of personal computers on the plant floor was born.

1986 
The first SIXNET IOMUX controller was installed. With constant improvement, it remained the world's most capable Remote Terminal Unit for more than a decade. In 1992, the Versamux was added to the SIXNET RTU line, bringing large system performance to a low cost RTU.

1993 
Starting with customer wish lists and our vast experience in the industry, we began a concurrent engineering process to create the perfect I/O system. Every aspect of system design was considered simultaneously by the multi-disciplinary design team. The result is SixTRAK, an achievement that speaks for itself. SixTRAK was also one of the first I/O systems to offer a direct Ethernet connection.

1996 
ISaGRAF IEC 61131-3 portable programming was added to the SixTRAK product offering and the age of "PC Integrated Control" had begun. In the following year, the VersaTRAK became the first "RTU for Windows" with its 32 bit processor, Ethernet, radio and telephone communications, and wealth of SIXNET Windows software support.

1998 
SIXNET delivered EtherTRAK, the first direct Ethernet I/O, and RemoteTRAK, remote RS485 I/O. Later that same year SIXNET also introduced its first industrial telephone modem. Since then SIXNET has come out with the "self-dialing" industrial modem and the RS485 industrial modem plus.

2000 
Our first Industrial Ethernet Switch with fully robust environmental and industrial ratings, and optimized for real-time applications. We are also offering Surge and Lightning Protectors as accessories for our Ethernet and modem product lines.

2001 
SIXNET introduced RemoteLog - the first plant floor Internet client for sending real-time status and transactions directly to servers and central databases from highly distributed client locations.

2002 
SIXNET offers one of the first truly open-source Linux-based line of industrial controllers and RTUs. These units provide Windows familiarity with Linux flexibility to give you the "best of both worlds".

2004
SIXNET introduced the IP67 Waterproof Ethernet Switch, followed by the Mini-IPm RTU ( a complete system that fits in the palm of your hand). Before the end of the year, came the break-through of the Real-time Ring™ Switches.

2005
At the start of the 2005 year, the Micro VersaTRAK µIPm came into existence, offering the ideal solution for plant-floor interfaces for data-oriented applications. The Gigabit switches were soon to follow, presenting high speed gigabit ports in both the Ring and Managed Switches.

2006
The new year launched the introduction of the OEM Managed Switch, ideal for embedded applications. In addition, the first 5-port Industrial Managed Switch was also developed. Then, came along the 5-port Remote Access Switch which combines advanced Managed Switch technology along with the remote access of an Industrial modem. In addition to these rugged products came a whole line of IP67 waterproof products. The 5-port IP67 Switches were introduced, along with its accessories and the Kevlar-reinforced Ethernet cable. Industrial Device Servers also came into the picture around mid-year. To end a busy year, the 10, 16 and 18-port Managed Switches came into the family, along with the 16, 25 and 32-port Rack mount Switches.

2007
The Slim Line Series Ethernet Switches were introduced with the beginning of 2007. These switches offer true reliability, performance and value in a compact package. The Etherbus® line of PoE products followed shortly, with a Splitter, Injector, 5-port Switch and power supplies.

Currently 
SIXNET is continuing to develop I/O, automation and connectivity products to fill the growing need for open architecture computer-based industrial control and SCADA systems. Check out our latest and upcoming products on the What's New page.