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You Might Be Wondering ...
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Why is interoperability now a basic requirement?
As OT environments become more digitalised and interconnected with the broader IT landscape, the ability of different systems and network devices to work together seamlessly is no longer a desirable feature but a fundamental requirement. This offers several key benefits, including:
- Streamlined operations: Network solutions with high interoperability are more easily integrated, reduce downtime caused by communication errors, and streamline operational workflows.
- Easier expansion: Compatibility with multiple systems and protocols makes it easier to add new devices and expand the OT network without running into major integration hurdles.
- Simplified management: Network solutions that support multiple protocols allow for centralized management through existing SCADA or PLC/HMI systems, saving valuable time and resources.
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Why is cyber-resilience becoming so important?
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, including the use of AI and machine learning, traditional prevention-focused security measures are often inadequate. Organizations are now prioritizing cyber-resilience, the ability to withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyberattacks to minimize their impact and ensure operational continuity. This reflects a pragmatic shift in cybersecurity thinking.
In industrial environments, this is further complicated by the need to simplify the deployment of network security for OT operators, all the while avoiding any operational disruptions. Bolstering cyber-resilience usually focuses on three key areas:
- Minimising the attack surface: This includes segmenting the network in zones, secure device configurations, and robust vulnerability management tools to reduce exploitable weaknesses.
- Enhancing security incident detection: Continuous monitoring of network traffic, analyzing system logs to identify anomalies early, and implementing IDS/IPS to detect unauthorized access attempts or abnormal activity help protect against potential threats.
- Accelerating incident recovery: Formulating incident response plans and performing frequent secure backups can help resume operations faster after an attack.
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What is a unified network and how is it related to time-sensitive networking (TSN)?
Unified industrial networks and time-sensitive networking (TSN) go hand in hand. More specifically, TSN is the technology that powers the capabilities necessary to unify network infrastructure. Let’s look at a brief definition of these two concepts.
- Unified networks: These are networks that have integrated different systems and types of network traffic (e.g., control data, video, standard IT data) into a single, standardised Ethernet infrastructure. This structure breaks down and converges the traditional silos created by proprietary industrial protocols and isolated IT/OT systems.
- TSN: A set of IEEE 802.1 standards that extends the capabilities of standard Ethernet to enable deterministic and time-synchronized communications. TSN allows different types of traffic with varying quality-of-service (QoS) requirements to coexist on a single Ethernet network.
For industrial operations that require real-time control and synchronization, TSN-powered deterministic and synchronized communication is the foundation for creating futureproof unified networks. The ability to converge IT and OT on a single, robust network ensures timely and reliable data delivery for sensitive applications like robotics and motion control.
With Futureproof Network Infrastructure You Can …
Enable Seamless Communication
Moxa offers reliable edge-to-core networking solutions that meet the requirements of different network layers, support current and future data connectivity needs, and sustain continuous operations.
Minimise Security Risks
Moxa’s secure networking solutions make it easier to protect OT networks from cyberthreats and maximise system availability.
Maximise Operational Efficiency
Moxa provides centralised network management solutions to simplify management, letting you plan, deploy, operate, and maintain your network more easily.
Essential Tips for Building Futureproof Industrial Networks
Worried about the challenges that come with IT/OT convergence? We have some great advice to help you build a network infrastructure ready for tomorrow's demands.
Build Secure Network Infrastructure without Compromising Production Efficiency
While companies are tapping into the opportunities that the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has to offer, digitalization has become a key initiative for industries. Digitalization has allowed the industrial control system (ICS) landscape to develop quickly in recent years. Originally, ICS networks were physically isolated and almost immune to cyberattacks. However, recently, there has been a rise in the sophistication of cyber attacks, which has prompted everyone from IT to OT personnel to produce solutions that enhance industrial network security. Thus, understanding network security requirements will help companies mitigate cybersecurity risks.
Read on to learn more.
Discover Solutions from Moxa
Moxa’s futureproof industrial network solutions are designed to help businesses build infrastructure that caters to the current and future needs of different applications and takes full advantage of merged IT and OT systems.
Let’s Solve Your Industrial Connectivity Challenges
Whether you need help selecting the right technology, validating a project concept, or simply want advice from someone who understands operational technology—our experts are here to help.