Water and Effluent Treatment Magazine
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/721218
SEPTEMBER 2016 WET NEWS 11 TECHKNOW • IP-based networks enable inter-operability between devices • Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are in effect virtual leased lines running between two points on the internet NEED TO KNOW 1 Networks using Ethernet as a backbone provide the necessary reliability and resilience 2 The cost of installing fibre optic cabling can far exceed the cost of the actual networking devices 3 The vast majority of asynchronous serial protocols can be transported over an IP network THE VERDICT "The main issue when looking to migrate a serial system to an IP-based solution is how to interface between the two" Ray Lock, Westermo SEPTEMBER 2016 WET NEWS 11 applications, industrial broadband routers are now available that simulate modem properties over a LAN or WAN. Critically these devices are able to cope with the extremes of cold and moisture, and dissipate enough heat in a confined space, such as an unventilated control panel or instrument rack. IP backbone Having to integrate legacy equipment into a new IP-based network can also cause problems, especially for utility companies that have a vast amount of legacy serial devices and systems that are fully functioning and get the job done. In some cases, the expected service life of these assets can be as high as 40 years, so there is a desire to maximise their use. Reliable devices and sensors with serial connections will therefore remain in place and must be seamlessly integrated into the IP backbone. To achieve this, robust and secure legacy connectivity is required to preserve the value of investments and enable smooth migration without disrupting a working system. The main issue when looking to migrate a serial system to an IP-based solution is how to interface between the two. The good news is that the vast majority of asynchronous serial protocols can be transported over an IP network without the existing serial device being aware of any change in the interconnecting media. Devices that require a RS-232 or RS-485 serial port can be connected to the IP network through the latest industrial Ethernet switches which provide a device server solution. With remote access via an internet connection comes the need for cyber security to ensure that the network cannot be interfered with, either through error or maliciously. The latest networking tools enable secure remote connections to the network edge, providing individual secure networks completely isolated from each other. Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are in effect virtual leased lines running between two points on the WAN (the internet). Once a VPN link has been established, IP packets can pass from one node to other nodes with a high degree of certainty that data is safe and cannot be intercepted and read or altered. By using networking tools with strong encryption techniques, it can then be possible to remotely access any device on the network using a PC, smartphone or tablet. This allows the network to be managed from anywhere in the world, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Once a move has been made towards an IP-based solution it is only a short step to being able to integrate any media that can support IP. For example, it is entirely feasible to move to a hybrid solution using both wired and wireless broadband in the same system. The ability to integrate wired and wireless systems increases the flexibility of the new IP-based solution and allows sites that were previously uneconomic to reach to be accessed via wireless broadband. n Ray Lock is network technology director at Westermo. (Concrete Rigid Pipe) costs, based on a DN1800 pipe. Potential cost savings are based on normal ground conditions, including granular bedding costs of £15 per shown is independent of pipe costs). The bulk density of granular bedding material is assumed to be 2.2 and for excavated material is assumed to be 2.0. For details visit our cost calculator: concretepipes.co.uk/calculators/material-cost T: 01179 814500 E: sales@cpm-group.com W: www.cpm-group.com £174.94 Per Linear metre* WaterAid/GMB Akash/Panos Registered charity numbers 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland) www.wateraid.org Generic WIP Ad A5 landscape.indd 1 06/11/2013 11:41:31 We believe everyone, everywhere can have clean water and sanitation by 2030. See how your company can help. Email us at waterindustry@wateraid.org. 2030. An IP-based solution also enables the connectivity for data-intensive devices such as a CCTV system