Is Your Network Framework Prepared for the Industrial Internet of Things?

Everyone involved in industrial automation is excited about reaping the advantages of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Nevertheless, before companies can commence implementing their networks, the appropriate infrastructure needs to be in position. Here are five prevalent issues that engineers typically face when setting up their industrial networks.Is Your Network Framework Prepared for the Industrial Internet of Things?

Issue #1: Service Disruption

Two crucial elements impact network efficiency at field locations: the caliber and blueprint of devices and network recovery intervals. Industrial networks are often deployed in severe environments, so the devices must be rugged enough to withstand any environmental adversities such as extreme temperatures. Furthermore, industrial-grade recovery intervals are significantly superior to enterprise-grade ones in lessening or even eradicating service downtime on time-critical procedures.

Issue #2: Network Communication Inefficacy

The incorporation of quad-play services (data, voice, video, and control) on industrial networks has heightened transmission complexity and now demands significantly larger bandwidth. When constructing a network for bandwidth-intensive applications, particularly video, as well as for networks expected to expand in the future, it is essential to ensure there is ample bandwidth available for uninterrupted operations. Without adequate bandwidth or a competently devised network, there is a risk of encountering video loss or packet loss.

Issue #3: Susceptibility to Cyber Assailants

Users are profoundly concerned about security on industrial networks since the more devices that are integrated, the higher the chance that one of the devices could be compromised. Should the network fall prey to a compromise, it could enable unauthorized personnel and even hackers to gain access. An ICS-CERT report from 2015 revealed almost 300 cyberattacks on US critical manufacturing infrastructure. Weak protection renders your network highly susceptible to such attacks.

Issue #4: Unsteady Operation for Moving Items

It is frequently emphasized by engineers the necessity for clients to transition smoothly between access points with minimal handover durations; otherwise, this may result in unacceptable delays in the manufacturing process, incurring substantial financial losses for businesses. According to a Markets and Markets projection, plant operation costs can decrease by up to 30% through implementing automated factory floor systems. Stable moving operation is essential to unlock this remarkable potential.

Issue #5: Reduced Efficiency

Engineers must gather real-time network data to promptly rectify errors. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly common for administrators to operate outside the control room despite the instant decision-making required in industrial environments to uphold high efficiency levels. Companies are addressing this obstacle by empowering administrators to check network status via a mobile application, enabling immediate responses to network events.

Enhance Your IIoT Network Connectivity with Intelligent Network Infrastructure

Moxa boasts a quarter-century of experience in designing and deploying industrial networks, having developed cutting-edge technologies to facilitate an intelligent network infrastructure that optimizes your IIoT network connectivity. Our solutions are aimed at attaining enhanced performance, fortified security, streamlined management, seamless mobility, and heightened productivity. Discover more about how Moxa’s intelligent network infrastructure empowers companies to make more informed choices during industrial network implementation or enhancement.

Explore further information on how Moxa’s intelligent network infrastructure enables companies to make better decisions in the course of deploying or enhancing industrial networks through one of the resources provided below:

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