The Latest Foundation of Industrial Interconnection and Networking Solutions

As the Industrial Internet of Things rapidly becomes customary in sectors, the secure fusion of IT and OT technologies – a fundamental aspect of the IIoT – remains a vulnerability for many enterprises. Hence, opting for the appropriate industrial interconnection and networking resolution for your operations, which cannot be emphasized enough, is imperative. However, executing this is more complicated than it seems. Most of the time, this challenging responsibility falls on an IT specialist unfamiliar with OT protocols and automation systems, or conversely, an OT technician with no acquaintance with enterprise IT networking. In this piece, we delve deeper into how fresh technologies are influencing the function of industrial interconnection and networking solutions in your IIoT setups.

Industrial Interconnection Requirements – Present and Future

Linking your previously isolated industrial devices and resources is the initial stage in enabling IIoT applications. Achieving this task entails a comprehensive evaluation of the types of OT resources you need to interconnect as well as the specific interconnection needs, like linking OT resources to a local network or a cloud server. Considering that OT resources in industrial applications chiefly utilize serial or I/O communication interfaces, selecting the appropriate serial and I/O interconnection solutions is crucial for facilitating industrial interconnection. Furthermore, you must factor in additional aspects such as cybersecurity and managing a large number of devices when linking OT resources to remote or cloud servers.

Serial Interconnection

Since a significant portion of legacy machinery, equipment, and field devices still rely on various standard and proprietary serial communication protocols, you may necessitate a serial device server or protocol gateway to enable communication between an Ethernet-based system and these older serial devices.

Remote I/O Interconnection

The function of remote I/O interconnection now extends beyond just amassing and sending digital or analog data. In IIoT applications, where both OT and IT systems need to gather data from I/O devices, remote I/Os play a pivotal role in circulating data to your application systems.

IIoT Device Interconnection

The interconnection devices employed to connect field devices in IIoT applications might also have their individual requirements. For instance, interconnection devices may mandate IT protocols or cloud capabilities to interact with IT systems or cloud servers. When all components are interconnected, issues regarding managing a vast number of interconnection devices and transmitting data securely also need to be tackled.

Industrial Networking Requirements – Present and Future

In addition to facilitating interconnection for formerly isolated OT resources, linking all these field devices also involves establishing a network that can sustain data exchange among various interconnected devices, systems, and even remote locations. Consequently, you might wish to contemplate including the following components into your industrial network infrastructure.

Ethernet Network Nodes

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A diverse selection of managed or unmanaged Ethernet switches are obtainable for constructing the Ethernet cornerstone of your LAN, incorporating remote edge systems, and interconnecting the overall network.

Wireless Network Nodes

For challenging-to-wire scenarios or those necessitating greater mobility, wireless LAN technologies can offer more economical and flexible alternatives instead of, or in conjunction with, wired Ethernet networks.

Network Gatekeepers

Connecting field devices and OT resources to the Internet exposes your network to novel cybersecurity threats. Secure routers and firewalls serve as an excellent initial line of protection that you should also mull over.

Future-ready Industrial Networks

Many IIoT applications not only present fresh business prospects but also mandate more from our existing network infrastructure. To emerge successful in the long-term networking landscape, it is vital to confirm that your industrial networks can contend with forthcoming challenges and opportunities.

Appropriate Solutions

With over three decades of expertise in helping clients overcome industrial interconnection and networking obstacles, Moxa has pinpointed several key criteria for choosing the most appropriate solutions for industrial automation applications. Download our E-book where you can discover considerations for each specific interconnection and networking solution you seek.