Transforming Industrial Networks: The Rise of OT-SDN
In the past quarter-century, the industrial sector has witnessed a revolutionary shift with the introduction of Ethernet to the plant floor. This shift wasn’t just a leap; it was a gateway to unprecedented innovation and productivity, thanks to the first plant-optimized network communication protocols like EtherNet/IP, ModbusTCP, and PROFINET. Today, as we navigate through the complexities of digital transformation, the spotlight is on OT-SDN evolution marks a significant milestone in the journey of industrial communication networks, promising to redefine the landscape of industrial control networks.
The Introduction of Industrial Ethernet
The journey began almost 25 years ago when Ethernet paved the way for easy sharing of device data in the Operational Technology (OT) space. This technological breakthrough was instrumental in connecting cells, machines, and field devices in ways that were previously unimaginable, leading to a dramatic increase in productivity. However, the exponential growth in data transfer and the need for enterprise-wide transformation initiatives brought new challenges, including cyber threats. Despite evolutionary improvements in network speed, protocols, and cybersecurity measures, the fundamental architecture of Ethernet-based networks has remained unchanged for over two decades. This stagnation posed a significant question: What’s next for industrial Ethernet?
Bridging IT and OT: A Collaborative Challenge
The integration of IT standards and best practices into the industrial network has been a complex task. The collaboration between IT and OT teams has been crucial, especially with the growing need for enterprise-wide visibility into control system and device data. IT teams have been pushing for the adoption of their networking best practices, such as regular patching and network segmentation, to enhance security and efficiency. However, the unique requirements of the OT environment, including maximizing uptime and managing a diverse range of device types and ages, have made this integration challenging. This has resulted in a tug-of-war between maintaining operational continuity and ensuring network security and efficiency.
Cybersecurity in OT Networks
As OT networks expanded, so did the sophistication of cyber threats. In response, various cybersecurity standards, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), ISA/IEC 62443, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and NERC-CIP, have been developed. These frameworks share similar fundamentals aimed at guiding companies in adopting cyber security best practices. Despite these efforts, OT teams continue to face significant challenges in training, asset management, security, and process adherence.
Software Defined Networking (SDN) in IT and OT Environments
Years ago, Software Defined Networking (SDN) emerged as a game-changer in the IT domain, offering a centralized controller to manage switches and data flow, thus facilitating efficient network management. This innovation has proved indispensable in the era of cloud computing, where traditional network management tools fell short in addressing its unique needs. When it comes to OT-SDN, this represents the convergence of IT’s advanced SDN concept with the specific needs of the industrial sector. This approach leverages centralized network management, automation, and micro-segmentation to simplify network operations and enhance security.
The Future of Industrial Networks with OT-SDN
As the industrial sector continues to evolve, innovative OT tools become even more critical. OT-SDN stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering a practical approach to reducing cyber risk and increasing uptime across OT environments. By centralizing control, automating processes, and enhancing security, OT-SDN is setting a new standard for industrial communication and control networks.
To discover more about how OT-SDN is leading the charge in transforming industrial networks, download our whitepaper.
