Networking Solutions

Choosing Networking Solutions components

Networking-solution selection at the OT layer is fundamentally about segmentation and security policy: separating control networks from corporate IT, controlling remote vendor access, and enforcing protocol-specific traffic policies (e.g., only allowing Profinet traffic on a specific VLAN). Industrial firewalls have different requirements than enterprise firewalls — they must understand industrial protocols and run reliably in plant environments.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Function: stateful firewall, deep-packet-inspection (DPI) protocol-aware firewall, VPN concentrator, layer-3 router, NAT/PAT gateway, intrusion-detection appliance
Port count: copper and fiber ports for plant connections
Throughput at the application's traffic load — industrial firewalls typically rated 100 Mbit to 1 Gbit
Industrial protocol support: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, DNP3 — protocol-aware firewalls allow rules on protocol-specific fields
VPN protocol support: IPsec, OpenVPN, SSL/TLS — and number of concurrent VPN tunnels
Authentication: local user database, RADIUS, certificate-based, multi-factor
Mounting: DIN-rail (most industrial), 19" rack
Power: 24 VDC redundant input, AC, or PoE
Operating temperature: extended range for harsh environments
Logging and SIEM integration: syslog, SNMP, custom alerting

Common gotchas: configuration is the differentiator on networking solutions — a firewall loaded with default rules is open or closed in ways that may not match the policy. Always export configuration from an existing unit before replacement. Industrial firewalls with protocol-aware rules need correct PLC and HMI IP addressing in the rule base; changes to PLC addressing without firewall update cause silent traffic drops. VPN concentrators have license restrictions on tunnel count; under-licensing manifests as connection refusals only at peak usage.

Typical applications: segmenting the plant control network from corporate IT (NIST 800-82 compliance), securing remote access for machine builder support, separating machine OEM networks from each other in a multi-OEM plant, and enforcing protocol policy on industrial Ethernet (Profinet only on certain VLANs, no public-internet egress from PLC subnets).

For obsolete networking solutions, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Do you stock obsolete industrial firewalls and routers?

Yes. Discontinued Phoenix Contact FL MGUARD first generations, retired Hirschmann EAGLE 20/30, end-of-life Tofino appliances, and earlier Moxa EDR-series are sourced through our supplier network.

Industrial firewall vs. enterprise IT firewall — what's the difference?

Industrial firewalls understand industrial protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP) and can filter on protocol-specific fields. They're built for plant environments (24V DC input, extended temperature, DIN-rail). Enterprise firewalls do general TCP/IP filtering but lack protocol-aware rules.

Will my saved firewall rules transfer to a replacement?

If the model and firmware match, yes — export and import via the OEM management interface. Across firmware revisions, rules sometimes need verification. Across models, rules need re-engineering. Always export from a working unit before swapping.

Can I use one VPN router for multiple sites?

The VPN router has a license-limited number of concurrent tunnels. Higher-tier licenses support more tunnels and more concurrent users. Specify the expected concurrent usage for the right model.

What is the role of NAT in machine integration?

NAT lets you connect machines that all use the same IP subnet (often 192.168.1.x as the OEM default) to one plant network without IP conflicts. Each machine sits behind a NAT gateway that translates its internal addresses to a unique external address.

What is the warranty?

12-month functional warranty on hardware. Damage from over-voltage, surge events without protection, or operation outside rated environment is not covered.

Networking Solutions

ifm efector E70381 AS-Interface Flat Cable Splitter

ifm efector E70580 AS-Interface Bus Termination Module

ifm efector E70581 AS-Interface Flat Cable Splitter

ifm efector E70585 AS-Interface Flat Cable IDC Connector

ifm efector E73005 Sensor Protective Cap

Pepperl+Fuchs MBHC-FB-4R Fieldbus Power Hub Motherboard

Pepperl+Fuchs R2-SP-IC10 Fieldbus and Ethernet Systems

Pepperl+Fuchs R2-SP-IC12 Fieldbus and Ethernet Systems

Pilz 311601 Switches and Hubs

Pilz 380324 Protective Caps

Pilz 773600 Safety I/O Module

Pilz 773601 Safety I/O Module

Pilz 773603 Safety I/O Module

Pilz 773613 Safety I/O Module

Pilz 773614 Safety I/O Module

Pilz 773615 Safety I/O Module

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