What is Industrial Networking?

Industrial networking and IT hardware are essential for keeping industrial processes running smoothly and efficiently. From letting you control machines without having to run around the factory floor to enabling third party vendors remotely maintain their equipment and machines from anywhere. Let’s break down how they work and the key parts that make it all possible.

What is Industrial Networking?

Industrial networking connects devices and systems in industrial settings to enable communication and data sharing. Industrial Networking goes beyond traditional IT, linking equipment like cameras, shop floor machines, sensors, and data pipelines, across large factories. These networks are designed to be accessible for workers wearing gloves and eye protection, ensuring usability and efficiency in manufacturing environments.

Why is Industrial Networking Important?

Industrial networking is essential for enabling real-time monitoring and control of industrial equipment and processes. It allows for the seamless integration of machines, sensors, and control systems, leading to increased automation, efficiency, and productivity. In addition, industrial networking plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of industrial operations.

Key Components of Industrial Networking

Industrial networking includes essential components such as firewalls, switches, Ethernet cables, and Wi-Fi systems. While some of these components are specially designed to withstand harsh industrial conditions, many are standard IT solutions originally created for banks or service industries. In some cases, these setups are enhanced with additional security measures like network detection systems, data loss prevention (DLP), and encrypted network-attached storage (NAS) to ensure reliability and protection in industrial environments.

Network Segmentation in Industrial Environments

Network segmentation is critical in industrial settings to protect vulnerable hardware from exposure to cyber threats. Industrial devices, such as sensors, controllers, and shop-floor machines, often lack robust security features, making them easy targets for attackers. Simply connecting them to the Internet without protection can jeopardize operations. Segmentation creates controlled zones within a network, limiting the spread of threats and isolating critical systems from less secure areas, ensuring safer communication and operation.

For example, consider a factory with both office systems and industrial machinery connected to the same network. Many companies rely on VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) for segmentation, but this approach provides a poor solution. If a malicious actor gains access to one VLAN - camera or IT in most scenarios - they could jump to others without much resistance. To enhance security, a Layer 3 solution, such as a firewalls, should be deployed between office and production subnets. Firewalls can enforce rules, such as allowing only specific communication protocols between the office and production zones while blocking all other traffic. This approach not only minimizes the risk of unauthorized access but also provides better control over how data flows across the network.

Using a DMZ in Industrial Networks

A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a crucial strategy for securing industrial networks by creating a buffer zone that isolates sensitive internal systems from other parts of the network—both internal and external. In industrial environments, even the internal network should be considered untrusted. To address this, companies deploy DMZs or software-defined air gaps to separate IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) asset groups, providing an added layer of security and control.

Communication between the DMZ and the internal network is tightly monitored and restricted, with only specific, pre-approved data flows allowed. Additionally, DMZs, particularly proxy servers running within them, offer valuable visibility into machine behaviors. They provide insights into both security and operational performance, enabling proactive management of potential risks and inefficiencies. This dual benefit of security and operational monitoring makes DMZs a powerful tool for protecting and optimizing industrial networks.