Industrial Automation Magazine India

NEXCOM's ISA 141 – dual 5G and dual Wi-Fi security router – is a new turn in the continuous evolution of OT security solutions.

Taipei, March 26, 2024 – The industrial landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the surge of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices. This interconnected ecosystem, while promising improved efficiency and productivity, presents a crucial challenge: Security. Protecting sensitive data, ensuring operational integrity, and safeguarding critical assets are paramount concerns in the IIoT era. As OT networks in manufacturing become increasingly interconnected and more reliant on digital technology, they also become more susceptible to cyber threats. Industry 4.0 emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures within OT networks. Security protocols such as network segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption techniques must be implemented to safeguard critical industrial processes from cyber-attacks.

NEXCOM's cutting-edge ISA 141 security router emerges as a powerful response to these challenges, offering a comprehensive solution for strengthening OT security and key asset protection in industrial environments. At the core of the ISA 141 is Intel's quad-core Atom® x6413E processor, a robust engine designed to meet the computational demands in industrial setups. This processor not only ensures seamless data processing but also supports embedded out-of-band (OOB) management, a key aspect for efficient industrial operations and key asset protection. OOB management simplifies device monitoring and management, facilitating remote actions such as powering on, shutting down, and rebooting – critical for enhanced OT security. Diving further into ISA 141's full features could be unveiled as follows:

·Reliable Backbone: Three 1GbE ports provide a dependable foundation for data exchange within the OT network.

·Enhanced Flexibility: A copper/fiber combo port caters to diverse connectivity needs, allowing the router to efficiently manage data traffic generated by a multitude of IIoT devices, contributing to robust OT and ICS security.

·Uninterrupted Connectivity: Embracing the Industry 4.0 vision, the ISA 141 supports simultaneous 5G data connections through dual 5G. This not only guarantees continuous uptime but also offers load balancing capabilities, minimizing the risk of internet downtime – a game-changer for industries relying on real-time data for critical decision-making.

·Seamless Wireless Protection: The integration of dual Wi-Fi 6E operating in both Access Point (AP) and mesh modes delivers unparalleled wireless protection for a vast array of IIoT devices, including OT machines, IoT sensors, AGVs/AMRs, and more. Wi-Fi 6E, the latest standard in wireless communication, offers higher data rates, lower latency, and operates in the less congested 6GHz frequency band, significantly reducing interference and enhancing reliability for robust OT security.

·Reliability in Harsh Environments: The ISA 141 stands out for its robust design, specifically engineered to withstand harsh environments. With resilience to a wide temperature range (-20°C to 70°C) and a fanless design, the ISA 141 remains operational even in extreme conditions. Its rugged enclosure, coupled with DIN rail mount compatibility, ensures seamless integration into existing OT network infrastructures in challenging settings like manufacturing facilities, warehouses, logistic centers, construction sites, and more.