Siemens debuts RUGGEDCOM RST2428P to boost critical infrastructure security with new switching technology

Siemens has launched the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P, an advanced multilayer Ethernet switching platform, designed to provide secure and error-free communications for networks in harsh environments like electric power, transportation, or oil and gas plants.

RUGGEDCOM RST2428P is a secure, high-port density advanced switching platform with Power-over-Ethernet that enables secure communications for high-speed, real-time control applications and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems in harsh environments. It emphasizes high-bandwidth, low-latency communications, and cybersecurity features. As critical infrastructure networks are digitizing rapidly, OT (operational technology) networks must handle large data volumes from increasing IoT devices in the field and connect intelligent electronic devices to IT systems securely.

“In critical infrastructure OT networks, precise time synchronization, reliability, and high availability are non-negotiable”, Jeremy Bryant, general manager at Siemens Ruggedcom, said in a media statement. “Also, we’re seeing an increasing demand for devices that enable end-to-end security in network communications. We’ve designed the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P as a way for utilities to invest in a networking platform that will simplify scaling the network to support higher data volumes and adopt future-ready networking and cybersecurity technologies without having to undergo costly replacements. Whenever they are ready for it.”

RUGGEDCOM devices operate across a wide temperature range from -40 to +85 °C with high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and shock and vibration resistance. Their fan-less design with no moving parts minimizes the risk of mechanical failures over their lifetime. 

The new RUGGEDCOM RST2428P was designed to offer greater flexibility to network operators through its hot-swappable power supply and hot-swappable modular design. It comes with 28 ports, 10 Gigabit bandwidth, and Power-over-Ethernet of up to 500 W capability. 

Additionally, this switching platform is the initial utility-grade RUGGEDCOM switch that will be provisioned with Secure Device ID (iDevID) based on the IEEE 802.1AR standard to digitally assure critical infrastructure operators of the authenticity of the device across the supply chain. 

Additionally, it is also the initial platform to offer advanced functionalities like Precision Time Protocol, seamless failover with HSR/PRP for fault-tolerant networks, and MACsec encryption, over SINEC OS, Siemens’ proprietary operating system for both SCALANCE and RUGGEDCOM devices.

“Industries such as electric power, rail, ITS, water & wastewater, oil and gas will benefit from high availability, micro-second accuracies when installing the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P,” continues Bryant. “Overall, this is another step to facilitating the convergence of IT and OT systems for mission-critical applications in harsh environments.”

Industrial Cyber News Desk

Industrial Cyber News Desk