Competence: Automation networks
Network technologies of the office environment are entering into the automation. Ethernet, integrated TCP/IP networks, application protocols such as HTTP and SNMP as well as Windows-based systems meanwhile belong to the standard equipment. This development promises many advantages – such as an easier vertical integration, the use of cost-effective off-the-shelf components and the resort to field-tested technologies for the integration and administration of large infrastructures. Most recently, this development has culminated in the introduction of wireless communication technologies, particularly the IEEE 802.11 WLAN. WLANs allow the connection of mobile end devices - like hand-held scanners, forklift terminals or driverless transport systems - save costs (e.g. for the cabling of large engineering constructions) and prevent reliability risks (e.g. trailing cables) of cable usage.
Again, this development also opens a gate to new risks and challenges. Due to the disappearance of the firm physical and technological segregation between automation and office networks the production processes are virtually exposed to every peril of the IT world (e.g. virii, trojans, worms, DoS). The established security precautions used there cannot be applied directly to the automation environment because of its specific requirements (high availability, long operation times, patch-control through the system vendors). The same applies to wireless networks with its increased challenges regarding availability, real-time capability and environmental conditions.
rt-solutions.de supports you in all aspects concerning the deployment of Ethernet/IP-based infrastructure in the automation. rt-solutions.de combines particularly in the fields of WLAN and security a long standing experience in IT infrastructures with a precise understanding of the requirements in the automation. Our know-how is constantly updated due to our cooperation with distinguished research partners working in the respective fields. This allows us to offer our customers leading edge services regarding:
- Security analyses based on international standards (e.g. ISO 17799 and 27001), in parts specifically designed for automation applications (e.g. ISA 99 CIDX)
- Security scans, i.e. the tool-based identification of vulnerabilities in all endpoints and network devices.
- Immediate measures and security concepts for your network, attempting to maximize usage of the available resources.
- Deployment of WLAN technology in automation applications. This includes the planning and test measurement of the RF coverage, product and antenna selection, security and redundancy concepts as well as interoperability tests.
- Realizing the real-time capability of wireless networks including fast roaming and incorporating new technologies (IEEE 802.11e)
- Support for the development of mobile devices with wireless network connection
Conference publications of rt-solutions.de on the topic of "WLAN in Automation" can be found here.
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Automation Networks 
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