Comment s'assurer que vos commutateurs industriels restent performants ?

In the past, industrial networks have been limited in functionality for two reasons:

1. They were small in comparison to enterprise networks.
2. OT staff and automation engineers didn't have the IT experience needed to take advantage of sophisticated functionality. Networking equipment is configured via command line interface (a text interface). It's fast and flexible, but it's like learning a new language.

As industrial networks evolve to accommodate more advanced technology and automation, Ethernet has found its way to the plant floor. The technology and platforms used in OT are becoming comparable to those used in IT. As a result, we begin to expect industrial switches to offer the same level of functionality as enterprise switches.

Comparing Differences in Switch Performance 

Security is a classic example. Historically, industrial networks had little to no security—except for what we call “security through obscurity.” In other words, most people aren’t able to understand or make use of the data traveling across an industrial network, so it couldn’t be hacked (until someone outside the implementation group figured it out).

Pick up any industry publication and you’ll discover that attacks on industrial networks are increasing—from power stations and water companies to manufacturing plants. To fight back, switch security is increasing in sophistication.

If your industrial switch supports secure-by-design software upgrades-which enable a higher level of functionality-then it can be updated so you can keep pace with cybercriminals as their tactics change. In these situations, when manufacturers notice new vulnerabilities, they release free upgrades to address them.

If your industrial switch manufacturer doesn’t offer regular software updates, then there are two choices remaining:

1. Live with what you have (and hope for the best)
2. Pay for new hardware when you need additional functions

In some cases, security updates aren't about protection-it's an insurance requirement. If your plant falls victim to a breach or cyberattack, your insurance provider may decline to pay out if they discover that hardware security wasn't maintained.

Redundancy is another example of the functionality provided by a high-performance industrial switch. When primary network equipment fails, then the secondary equipment takes over to keep the application running. If a component fails inside an automotive assembly plant, for example, today's technology should be able to react in less than a second so the plant continues its assembly process.

As advancements are made in redundancy, high-performance switches are automatically updated to support this new technology without you having to buy a new switch or invest in an upgrade.

Comparing Differences in Switch GUIs

Remember at the beginning of the piece when we talked about IT being its own kind of language—one you have to learn before you can put it to use?

As Ethernet creeps in, manufacturers are integrating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) into industrial switches similar to how we interact with smartphones and other devices. Today, most industrial switches have these interfaces, but there are distinct differences between what you'll find on a basic switch vs. a high-performance switch.

Basic switches use the GUI provided by the switching chip manufacturer. When a new function or update is developed and available, it's often added to the bottom of the menu screen without much thought given to the operator's workflow.

Comparing Differences in Switch Certifications 

There's one final consideration when comparing basic and high-performance industrial switches: certification. Certification for hardware is expected. But what about software?

Let's use an electrical substation as an example. This type of environment involves lots of electromagnetic interference and requires robust, high-performance switches designed to handle this type of noise.

To prove that industrial switches are built for these types of environments, thorough testing and certification can be done. This serves as third-party verification that the components will perform as promised.

The same concept of rigorous testing and certification is also required for software. To ensure critical infrastructure security, for example, manufacturing and industrial sectors rely on IEC 62443 standards. Hirschmann, a Belden Brand, is among one of the first companies to obtain IEC 62443 certification for its industrial switches.

This certification assures that the switches comply with extreme cybersecurity standards and will continue to improve upon security as new features and updates roll out.

Choosing the Right Switch for Your Environment

In the end, choosing between basic and high-performance switches involves finding a balance between cost and functionality.

Some industries may not need switches with sophisticated functionality or a specific certification. Others, however-automotive, utilities, maritime-need high-performance industrial switches because they rely on sophisticated protocols, require incredibly high network speeds and/or operate in extremely harsh conditions.

Hirschmann switches feature GUIs designed by professional graphical designers and usability experts for intuitive use and a small learning curve. We also provide software upgrades so switches automatically benefit from new functionality and security patches as soon as they're available, prolonging the useful life of the switch.

Our development process is independently certified according to IEC 62443-4-1, which ensures that our switches are secure from Day One and throughout their operation lifetime.

Want to learn more about Hirschmann switches?