Edge network architectures move compute, storage and analytics near the point of data generation allowing reduced latency, improved performance and optimised transmission costs. Transitioning to Edge creates its own set of challenges, sites can be remote or geographically distributed, which can mean a lack of dedicated on-site IT personnel and OT spaces may have limited environmental controls.
Whether the location is environmentally protected or not, there will be characteristics that define the type of technology infrastructure required to achieve a secure and high functioning OT resource. Specific capabilities are required to match the physical attributes of chosen OTE (operational technology equipment), include
Security – Physical – users must control the physical access in non-traditional IT spaces, ensuring that data (GDPR compliance) and equipment are protected. Locks, keypads, secure housing and video are essential for off-site or open site equipment.
Data – transmission and processing of sensitive industrial data must be secure and appropriate levels of access and encryption implemented to reduce the vulnerability to cyberattacks as hackers target possibly less secure industrial networks. Cybersecurity systems that protect industrial embedded devices and data from malicious updates during regular software, firmware and configuration updates are increasingly available.
Power – technology requires more monitoring and protection of power sources and delivery. It is essential that OT can be remotely monitored, and the power delivery managed within the specific requirements of the equipment as power surges can disrupt, and even destroy sensitive circuit boards. PDU (power distribution units) within OT cabinets/enclosures will ensure power is constantly monitored and alerts can be set in situations where a service visit is required. Power ratings for edge computing application like retail stores are typically ranging from 5kVA to 10kVA.
Environmental – Sensors around sensitive technology help monitor and respond to extreme temperatures, humidity and other environmental conditions that can impact network performance.
System Software – Increasing processing power is allowing OT to collect, filter and process real-time data from Edge deployments, meaning better understanding of the operation of the equipment.
Connectivity – Intelligent network patching solutions simplify remote management and updates.
Hardware – The Edge environment and equipment needed will dictate the enclosure required for any deployment. In highly protected areas, standard ITE cabinets maybe suitable, while in harsh environments specific rated enclosures will be required to ensure protection and security.
Increasing trends toward pre-configured and populated intelligent enclosures make installation fast, and consistent. A trend is to have identical BOM, ensuring identical Infrastructure components are installed globally. This is becoming a key advantage when deployment is across multiple locations that must communicate, but where dedicated on-site IT staff are not available.
Cabling and Connectivity in a mixed IT/OT environment means standards-based cabling and connectivity solutions guarantee a robust deployment operates as specified and to the highest level of equipment and data performance.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Factory data silos are being replaced as their data lakes offer the capability for AI and machine learning to drive innovations in OT and factories are beginning to integrate AI across production systems. AI drives predictive maintenance and swarm intelligence, and with cognitive and context-aware computing manufacturing is becoming more efficient and effective. Power rating, per cabinet housing AI installations, is on average 50kVA today. With 100kVA predicted for future installations.
Industry 4.0 may finally be with us, as network and connectivity developments, such as edge-to-cloud, low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN), gigabit ethernet, unified IoT frameworks and others become critical to the success of industrial networks and the organisations that deploy and rely on them.
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