by Gary Mintchell | Mar 19, 2025 | Networking, News, Organizations
I am looking over Clearwater Beach, Florida from a terrace at the Hyatt Regency Hotel while on break from the 30th anniversary and 23rd Annual Membership Meeting of ODVA.
This morning’s event included the report of the Technical Review Board and the various Special Interest working Groups. I have some experience from years ago as a member and leader of this type of organization. Members work hard, but at least these days (unlike in my day) physical presence is exchanged with virtual meetings.
The most impressive part of the meeting for me was organization. Eleven chairpeople spoke, yet the time flew. Each rose to the platform, explained the work accomplished during the past year, and concluded with plans for the next 12-18 months. If only more meetings followed this format!
Explaining all the details would have little general interest. Most work was done in the guts of the specifications cleaning up and updating information. Much work went into preparing the specifications for full implementation of IPv6. The hype moment of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) seems past, but the SIGs continued some work on this. Single-pair Ethernet, Power over Ethernet, and collaboration with I/O Link work continued. Work integrating various specifications with the recent concurrent connections continued. Process Industries group continued working on device profiles.
Reports came from these SIGs, showing the breadth of involvement of members:
- System Architecture
- EtherNet/IP System Architecture
- CIP Security
- Infrastructure
- Physical Layer
- CIP Safety
- Distributed Motion and Time Synchronization
- Common Industrial Cloud Infrastructure
- Process Industries
- I/O Link Integration
- Conformance
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 27, 2024 | Automation, Networking
I remember Digi from many years ago as a networking interface of serial to Ethernet. I lost track of the company for some years. It has become active over the past few years, still working on connectivity. This news concerns further connectivity options.
Digi International’s Digi Connect Sensor XRT-M, powered by Digi Axess, has been officially certified for use on the T-Mobile network.
This certification enables provision of reliable and enhanced remote monitoring solutions to T-Mobile customers. The recently launched Digi Connect Sensor XRT-M is tailored for businesses operating in precision agriculture, municipal water utilities, mining, and industrial gas and chemical verticals. It offers cloud-based control, ensuring optimal performance and seamless connectivity for remote monitoring applications. Additionally, Digi Connect Sensor XRT-M is enhanced by seamless integration with the Digi Axess management platform.
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 25, 2024 | Automation, Networking, News, Organizations
Through the wonders of modern digital networking, I attended the annual ODVA press conference from Nuremberg without the expense of travel. They had two announcements. Perhaps I can make the annual meeting in Florida next March.
EtherNet/IP Concurrent Connections for Critical Applications now Available with CIP Safety
CIP Safety on EtherNet/IP technology has been enhanced to allow for the use of Concurrent Connections for applications requiring both high availability and functional safety. Concurrent Connections allow for communication redundancy between multiple producing and consuming devices for the most critical automation processes. CIP Safety provides fail-safe communication between nodes such as safety I/O blocks, safety interlock switches, safety light curtains and safety controllers in both machine and process automation safety applications up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 according to IEC 61508 standards. The use of Concurrent Connections with CIP Safety on EtherNet/IP allows for redundancy and functional safety to be integrated to ensure the best uptime and worker safety.
Concurrent Connections are CIP connections that support fault tolerance via redundant devices. Concurrent Connections enable many CIP connection paths, which allows data to be sent multiple times over multiple paths between the producing and consuming devices, independent of how the devices are physically interconnected. Originators, routers, and targets can all have multiple devices participating, and the Concurrent Connection and any of the duplicated device pairs can fulfill the role and the connection. This reduces time that would otherwise be needed to detect failures and eliminates the time that would have to be spent switching between paired devices. The redundant pair send and receive data continuously, so even if a failure is detected in one of the devices, the control process can continue uninterrupted.
CIP Safety mitigates common errors that can result in hazardous situations via various techniques as described in IEC 61784-3-2. Time stamps are used with time expectation to detect if packets are lost, delayed, repeated or transmitted out of order. Unique device identifiers are used to authenticate the communication between two safety devices. Additional diagnostics and checks are included to validate that the messages are not corrupted in transit and all these features are separate from standard communication methods. When these mitigations are put together as CIP Safety, a single connection between two devices (wired or wireless) can be used for communications certified up to SIL 3 per IEC 61508 and up to Category 4/PLe per ISO 13849-1.
“The availability of Concurrent Connections for CIP Safety on EtherNet/IP creates a whole new level of assurance that industrial networks will be both resilient and safe in the face of device failure or communication errors,” according to Dr. Al Beydoun, President and Executive Director of ODVA. “Concurrent Connections for CIP Safety is a win-win that offers the highest availability and functional safety together to enable the toughest applications to be handled while reducing injuries and increasing output.”
CIP Safety and Concurrent Connections have been available separately to provide industrial network functional safety and redundancy in the case of device errors or failure. The purpose of Concurrent Connections for CIP Safety is to provide automation network designers with a way to leverage both the higher system availability advantages offered by standard Concurrent Connections while maintaining the safety integrity offered by CIP Safety connections.
Process Device Profiles for EtherNet/IP Expanded to Include RTD and Thermocouple Temperature Sensors
New process device profiles for temperature sensors are now available as a part of The EtherNet/IPTM Specification. Process device profiles help system integrators and end users to be able to efficiently commission new devices and to more easily replace devices for optimized plant operations. Process device profiles provide standardization for process variables and diagnostics for smoother vendor interoperability and easier controller data integration from EtherNet/IP network capable field devices. Device profiles are available for Coriolis flow, electromagnetic flow, vortex flow, standard pressure, scaled pressure, and now Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) and thermocouple temperature devices. The value of the standard formatting of process variables, data totals, and diagnostics that process device profiles provide is further enhanced with the new addition of temperature profiles.
The introduction of process device profiles for temperature, in addition to flow and pressure, supports more seamless integration for end users through a greater ecosystem of EtherNet/IP device interchangeability. The temperature device profile contains one instance of the process measurement value object to provide a temperature value and status. The device profile also contains several process device diagnostics instances to provide diagnostic information. Temperature devices measure relative heat or cold using a thermocouple or RTD device. Thermocouples rely on two dissimilar metals joined at one end producing a voltage difference between the two materials to measure temperature. The voltage is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the two ends. RTDs operate based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a metal increases with temperature. RTDs tend to provide greater accuracy while thermocouples can offer a greater temperature sensing range.
“The addition of a new temperature process device profiles for EtherNet/IP provides end users with another valuable tool to enable more efficient device commissioning and replacement,” said Dr. Al Beydoun, President and Executive Director of ODVA. “All EtherNet/IP process device profiles are aligned with the Process Automation Device Information Model (PA-DIM) and NAMUR NE 107 diagnostics. This allows for easier movement of data from the factory floor to the cloud for analysis and action and quicker identification of maintenance issues through standardization.”
EtherNet/IP process device profiles allow for improved vendor interoperability through standardized access to process variables and critical diagnostics such as NAMUR NE 107 status signals as well as more seamless integration with PA-DIM. The addition of temperature devices to EtherNet/IP process device profiles enlarges the ecosystem available devices that offer simpler commissioning and enhanced asset monitoring and integration into higher level PLC, DCS, and cloud-based systems. ODVA is continuing to adapt EtherNet/IP to the full requirements of the process industries through support of technologies including Ethernet-APL, PA-DIM, NAMUR, FDI, and process device profiles. Visit odva.org to obtain the latest version of The EtherNet/IP Specification including temperature process devices profiles for EtherNet/IP.
by Gary Mintchell | Nov 8, 2024 | Automation, Networking, Security
5G private networks appeared to have numerous benefits for industrial and manufacturing companies. I’ve written many times about advances with technologies and applications. This news reports strengthened security capabilities. I’ve had reports of real-world applications of private 5G. How are you all finding it? Useful? A pain to install and maintain?
This news is from a company called Celona which just announced Aerloc, a new suite of security capabilities that provide the next generation of private 5G wireless network security for Industry 4.0. Designed to address the unique challenges of securing increasingly digitized industrial IT and OT systems, Aerloc provides enhanced security and high-speed connectivity without sacrificing agility. New capabilities include extended SIM-based authentication for unified zero trust enforcement, dynamic and distributed policy enforcement, and air-gapping between IT and OT traffic running on a common private 5G network, enabled by Celona MicroSlicing.
Celona also announced expansion of its global channel program, now called the the Celona Frequency Partner Program along with a global partnership agreement with TD SYNNEX to enable resellers and managed service providers to securely deliver private 5G services.
Celona Aerloc delivers the following:
- SIM-based Authentication with Unified Zero Trust Enforcement for IT and OT devices eliminates the need for device-side software or agents. Celona’s open API approach provides native integration with best-in-class security services, such as firewalls, network access control (NAC) systems, and SD-WAN solutions, and is agnostic to their deployment – whether in the cloud, on-premises or in a hybrid setup. Celona Aerloc integrates with other leading enterprise security solutions, including Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR and NGFW, Cisco ISE, and Aruba ClearPass. Celona continues to integrate with other top-tier security vendors through its open API framework to continue to meet evolving enterprise needs.
- Dynamic and Distributed Policy Enforcement to integrate with posture assessment tools, IoT security solutions, and security orchestration automation platforms. Aerloc provides a collaborative security architecture enabling localized and responsive security policy enforcement at a granular level—down to the individual device or user – and at the very edge of the network to significantly reduce the attack surface.
- Air Gap Between IT and OT Traffic using Celona MicroSlicing technology. IT and OT traffic can be securely segmented both physically and logically over the air, on the LAN and within the shared 5G LAN network. This unique intent-based segmentation of IT and OT traffic ensures the separation of critical operational data from general enterprise traffic to maintain security and performance integrity across both environments.
Celona Aerloc is now available as part of the Celona 5G LAN solution.
by Gary Mintchell | Oct 28, 2024 | Automation, Edge, Industrial Computers, Networking, Wireless
- Expands the number of Nokia-owned and best-in-class industry applications integrated on the MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) to drive efficiency, productivity and OT security.
- New applications help to improve worker safety and enable responsive video for machine remote control, leading to higher operational efficiency and strengthening OT environment security.
I may not use a Nokia handset any longer, but the company still releases many products for industrial applications.
Nokia announced six new applications deployed on the Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) to help enterprises improve worker safety, site security, enhance operational efficiency and secure OT environments in manufacturing, mining, ports, and chemical industries.
In line with industry developments, Nokia MXIE on-premises edge solution, part of Nokia’s private wireless offering, supports ecosystem neutrality enabling the deployment of applications to help support growing diverse Industry 4.0 use case needs.
Offered as-a-service, these new applications are Ascom Ofelia, Fogsphere, innovaphone PBX & myApps, Nokia Real-time eXtended Reality Multimedia (RXRM), OneLayer, and Redinent and join our existing portfolio of Nokia, and third-party digitalization applications.
Improving situational awareness to enhance worker safety and site security
Worker safety remains a high priority in industrial settings. The new applications enable digitalization to increase situational awareness, better deal with incidents, and increase the use of real-time data and knowledge which are key to improving worker safety and site security. The new applications include the following:
Ascom Ofelia – Ascom Ofelia helps enterprises shift from separate alarm systems to one unified alarm solution, improving incident management, increasing situational awareness, and ensuring a safer workplace.
Fogsphere – A comprehensive, multi-modal AI platform to enhance workplace safety, security, and operational intelligence, with real-time solutions for PPE compliance, behavioral analysis, emergency management, access control, intrusion detection and vehicle monitoring.
Connecting workers to achieve higher efficiency
Connected worker applications are essential to overcome workforce challenges such as worker shortages, retention issues, and difficulty attracting new talent, which are key to achieving the efficiency and productivity needed to outperform the competition. Applications can give workers real-time information to make their jobs easier and machine tele-operation more efficient. New items include the following:
innovaphone PBX & myApps – Secure, scalable IP telephone system with built-in features like conferencing, voicemail and waiting queues for advanced business communication and smart business applications. Its on-premise MXIE solution ensures full data control and meets ISO27001 standards.
Real-time eXtended Reality Multimedia (RXRM) – Software solution with low latency 360° video and 3D OZO audio capture that helps to improve productivity, employee safety, teleoperations, situational awareness & remote technical support.
Securing OT assets to strengthen the overall security
Asset visibility, zero trust principles and effective vulnerability management in OT environments will be enabled by the new applications including:
OneLayer – Discovers, manages, secures, and classifies all IIoT assets on private networks, including those behind cellular routers. Acting as a zero-trust access broker, it enforces zero-trust security principles within OT environments while delivering zero-touch asset management and operational intelligence.
Redinent – Discovers IIoT assets and helps create inventory, identifies IIoT vulnerabilities and ongoing threats. It informs the security operation center (SOC) about the findings.
by Gary Mintchell | Jun 27, 2024 | Automation, Networking, Wireless
Zebra Technologies has assembled an interesting group of technology companies. Far from its printer days, it promotes wireless infrastructure and worker empowerment often. Seemingly like most technologies, private 5G systems impact on manufacturing plants takes time to reach a critical mass. Relevant press releases come my way more often lately.
This news includes NTT Data announcing a strategic partnership with Zebra Technologies to accelerate innovation in the 5G device ecosystem (the current constraint to growth).
Under this multi-year agreement, NTT DATA and Zebra Technologies will co-innovate to drive the adoption of 5G devices, which is essential for Private 5G adoption. Together, the two companies will enable intelligent asset tracking that allows for real-time monitoring and management of assets in industrial and enterprise deployments, ensuring enhanced visibility, efficiencies, and security capabilities critical to Industry 4.0 supply chain management.
The agreement establishes Zebra Technologies as a strategic partner within NTT DATA’s Device as a Service practice, making it easier for customers to access, upgrade, and simplify 5G device lifecycle management and support.
This news follows NTT DATA’s recent collaboration with Qualcomm, aimed to accelerate the evolution of the 5G device ecosystem. With enterprises accelerating digital transformation, more connectivity is needed to support Industry 4.0 applications and the adoption of AI at the edge.
By leveraging NTT DATA’s Private 5G leadership and Zebra Technologies’ expertise in intelligent data integration, asset management, and frontline coordination, the two companies aim to make the low latency and high-security features of Private 5G enabled devices easily accessible to frontline workers in the automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics industries.
Actually being used.
NTT DATA is deploying a Private 5G network throughout Hyster-Yale Group’s manufacturing operations. Hyster- Yale Group is also leveraging NTT DATA’s Device as a Service to gain visibility into assets and materials and improve communications within its facilities. This network will work with Zebra Technologies’ handheld mobile computers and tablets to track assets and materials as they enter and exit manufacturing sites, providing critical business intelligence, while also seamlessly connecting engineers, onsite teams, production lines, and materials storage locations. All of this comes together through a cost-effective deployment at scale efficiently managed through NTT DATA’s Device as a Service practice.
Benefits of Device as a Services Model
OK, everyone searches for their “as a Service” model. The benefit to the supplier, of course, is reliable, consistent income. The benefit to the customer is, well, something, I suppose. Maybe no capital cost and easy out?
NTT DATA’s Device as a Service offers customers a comprehensive turnkey solution for managing the entire device lifecycle. It provides expert planning, procurement, configuration, deployment, ongoing support, analytics, repair management, and device retirement, all under the stewardship of a trusted partner. This allows customers to use a cost-effective per-user, per-month program model to consume technology products on a pay-per-user subscription basis instead of purchasing/owning the equipment.
