Secure remote access to industrial networks and controllers. Without opening to the Internet and infrastructure transformation.
Why and for whom is this important? Secure remote access is always a key issue for OT developers, integrators and operators. Most OT networks are not open to the Internet for security reasons. For IT administration, OT network connectivity not only poses a risk, but also, in our experience, a challenge. And surprisingly, this is also true the other way around: OT operators and developers are also not IT network experts.
Syswind’s mobile remote access solution eliminates this complex problem and provides a simple, uncompromising option for companies dealing with industrial control and remote monitoring.
WHAT IS THE BLOG ABOUT?
- WHAT IS MOBILE REMOTE ACCESS
- HOW MOBILE REMOTE ACCESS WORKS
- WHERE AND WHAT CAN THE PACKAGE BE USED FOR
LET'S START AT THE BEGINNING!
What is a mobile remote access package? Syswind’s solution is a 4G/LTE connection-based direct access to industrial device controllers, such as PLCs. The connection is provided by an industrial gateway, where the signal strength is increased by an industrial antenna, and data communication is enabled by an EU, multi-carrier subscription. If multiple devices need to be accessed at the same time, an industrial switch enables their Ethernet connection. The connection is secured by WireGuard VPN, and the SNAT setting guarantees legitimate communication.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The package consists of only 3 elements.
- 4G/LTE data connection subscription (EU, multi-carrier)
- Network hardware devices (gateway and optional switch)
- Device and network access configuration (VPN, SNAT, device monitoring)
Industrial controllers communicate in relatively small data packets, so the solution is available with an annual data frame of 2, 5 and 10 GB, and can be expanded at any time in 1/5/10 GB units at a favorable price.
The devices have a design optimized for use in an industrial environment. The network devices can be installed in an industrial DIN-rail cabinet, while the antenna can be installed in practically any horizontal way.
We provide the package with a configuration on demand: you get a WireGuard VPN Client, we configure SNAT, and the mobile SIM subscription is also set up.
WHAT BENEFITS DOES CELLULAR REMOTE ACCESS PROVIDE?
The mobile connectivity subscription enables remote access and monitoring of industrial equipment. The connection is made available via a pre-configured, cellular subscription industrial gateway and optional switch. Depending on the installation location, the system uses 2G/4G/LTE with on average 4 dBi gain to establish continuous mobile data access and offer a secure VPN connection.
PRE-CONFIGURED OT ACCESS SOLUTION:
- Requires no modification to existing network and can be installed Plug & Play.
- Does not expose OT devices to Internet threats.
- Establishes an encrypted connection based on WireGuard via a mobile gateway.
PROVIDES STABLE ACCESS TO PLC / SCADA / BMS / IIOT:
- Provides remote service access
- Enables fast troubleshooting
- Supports online maintenance
MEETS BASIC CYBER SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:
- The OT network remains independent from the IT network
- No need to open ports
- Private connection via VPN
What devices are in the package?
TELTONIKA TRB140 4G GATEWAY:
The TRB140 is an ultra-small, lightweight and energy-efficient IoT device that features mission-critical LTE Cat 4 (150 Mbps DL) and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The gateway can be powered by 9-30V DC, making it perfect for environments where an industrial controller or device needs to be securely accesed via the internet. The device operates in temperatures from -40°C to +75°C and humidity from 10% to 90%, while its aluminum housing provides reliable cooling and protection.
POYNTING PUCK-1-V2 IOT/M2M ANTENNA:
The Puck-1 is an omnidirectional, linearly polarized, 5G/4G/LTE SISO antenna that offers wideband coverage from 617 to 6000 MHz. The cellular antenna allows it to be used across a variety of operators and PLC technologies. Despite its small size, it delivers excellent performance, especially in higher frequency bands where performance is critical for LTE transmission stability.
TELTONIKA TSW010 SWITCH (OPTIONAL):
The TSW010 is a DIN-rail mounted, compact industrial switch with 5 RJ45 Ethernet ports supporting 100 Mbps. The device is designed for industrial environments and is protected by a robust housing that withstands high thermal loads. The switch has extremely low power consumption and can be powered by 9-30V DC.
FOR WHAT APPLICATIONS HAVE WE CREATED THE INDUSTRIAL REMOTE ACCESS?
In fact, our solution is completely unlimited and can be used in most industrial environments, when a device, a controller, or even an existing closed OT network needs to be accessed from outside. It can also be an effective tool for remote monitoring service providers for any mobility solution.
APPLICATIONS FOR PLC / SCADA / IIOT
INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION INTEGRATORS:
By accessing PLC remotely, the integrator provides faster and more cost-effective support services, including device monitoring and re-tuning.
Related applications:
- robot integration
- packaging technology
- dosing / mixing systems
- material handling systems
- special production cell construction
INDUSTRIAL SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE PROVIDERS:
Thanks to predictive diagnostics and remote tuning, maintenance companies can provide their service within SLA, but with less on-site work.
Related applications:
- predictive maintenance
- condition monitoring
- vibration and temperature monitoring
- machine refurbishment
APPLICATIONS FOR BMS AND INFRASTUCTURE
BUILDING AUTOMATION (BMS) OPERATORS:
Remote access provides system operators with centralized access to sites, receiving alerts, and performing seasonal fine-tuning remotely.
Related applications:
- HVAC
- boiler rooms, heating centers
- industrial cooling
- BMS data center
PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDERS:
Operators and maintainers can ensure high availability with predictive remote monitoring of the infrastructure.
Related applications:
- waterworks, sewage plants
- district heating plants, gas pressure control
- power distribution stations
- solar parks
APPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE AND METRIC
AGRICULTURAL AUTOMATION INTEGRATORS:
The cellular remote access solution ensures WAN access to automated systems for development even in the absence of an IT system.
Related applications:
- irrigation systems
- silos, feed mixers
- livestock farm control
- greenhouse automation
IOT / METERING / ENERGY INTEGRATORS:
It simplifies the management of measurement points for telemetry integrators and enables continuous data provision.
Related applications:
- consumption metering
- environmental sensor network, meteorological stations
- water, soil and air quality measurement
- temperature and humidity logging
- smart metering
APPLICATIONS FOR LOGISTICS AND COLD CHAIN
WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION DEVELOPERS:
Remote access provides continuous monitoring of OT edge devices, providing rapid troubleshooting capabilities for operations.
Related applications:
- conveyor and sorting systems
- warehouse management automation
- AGV / AMR fleets
- industrial scales
COLD STORES AND COLD CHAIN SYSTEM OPERATORS:
Cold store operators can receive immediate alerts, allowing them to react quickly and prevent harmful events with less on-site intervention.
Related applications:
- food logistics
- pharmaceutical refrigeration
- chemical storage
- warehouse refrigeration
- industrial freezers
SUMMARY
Syswind’s cellular remote access service is aimed at industrial developers and operators. It facilitates ad hoc remote access or continuous monitoring of industrial controllers, but does not increase cybersecurity risk by opening the OT network or controller to the internet. It operates virtually independently of the IT network, so no changes are required in the corporate IT system to access the given device or the closed OT network.
RELATED PRODUCTS
The Syswind cellular remote access package is a secure remote access to industrial networks, PLC / IIoT / SCADA / BMS controllers without opening to the internet and without infrastructure conversion.
The Teltonika TRB140 is a compact industrial 4G (LTE) gateway with Gigabit Ethernet port, Micro-USB, high-performance CPU and RutOS software for advanced network solutions.
The Poynting Puck-1-V2 is a SISO antenna that offers wideband coverage from 617 to 6000 MHz. It covers the full range of LTE/4G and 5G bands for future-proof implementation.
The Teltonika TSW010 is a very simple, unmanaged, DIN-rail mountable, compact industrial switch. It has 5 Ethernet ports supporting up to 100 Mbps.
Our engineers can provide further information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
