German network infrastructure supplier LANCOM Systems has released a dedicated machine-2-machine VPN gateway for the remote control and monitoring of industrial plants. Using a secure VPN connection, the router enables predictive maintenance for example for wind turbines, transformer stations, and track and signaling systems. Access is via cellular networks and/or fiber optics.
The digitalisation of industrial plants and systems continues inexorably. Combining this with highly secured remote access is the basis for high-efficiency control processes and predictive maintenance.
Robust M2M gateway with LTE/4G and fiber optics
High-security remote access of this type comes with LANCOM’s first dedicated M2M VPN gateway. The device features a highly robust metal housing and was designed for extreme environments with operating temperatures from -20 to +50°C. The router is equipped with a top-hat rail mounting system for operation in electrical cabinets. Power is supplied as 24–48 V DC. The standard equipment includes four IN signaling contacts, a serial RJ-45 port, two Ethernet ports, two fiber-optic interfaces (SFP) and 4G cellular networking. Thanks to its two SIM slots, the router ensures high-availability remote maintenance via LTE.
Industry, energy and transport sectors in focus
The VPN M2M gateway was developed for use in the industrial, energy and transport sectors. Typical scenarios include the remote control and maintenance of wind turbines and substations, machinery, and track and signaling systems. Encryption of remote access over IPsec VPN ensures the highest levels of security in controlling critical systems over the Internet.
Efficiency and operational reliability through software-defined WAN
Like all current LANCOM routers, the new M2M gateway can be commissioned in a highly automated manner by means of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). This allows the physical on-site installation to be performed without specialist networking expertise. The continuous monitoring and updating of the gateways are handled by the LANCOM Management Cloud (LMC). This is hosted in highly secure, geo-redundant data centers in Germany.
