wireless networks Wireless worries no more
Paul Taylor, Business Manager for Industrial Communications at Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies highlights how two new and innovative product developments can help reduce unfounded nervousness over the reliability and security of wireless systems
For many businesses, the worries over security of wireless systems prevent them ever being installed on site. However, with real protection from potential security risks now available from the latest innovative new products, it is easy to help organisations allay their fears.
T
he basis of the fear concerning wireless communications is
the potential threat to an organisation’s security as the system could sometimes be accessed from outside the exterior of the building – even from a car park in some cases. The thought of a third party gaining access to a wireless system is incredibly worrying for companies. In particular, utilities could suffer from serious, negative consequences if unwarranted access to a site’s communication system is achieved. Security systems implemented at sites to protect water or energy production may be infringed and potentially untreated waste could get into the water system – with potentially disastrous consequences for the company as well as the general public. However, companies need worry no more. Wireless systems provide massive benefits and now the technology exists to encrypt the data transferred by the communication system thereby removing the potential to hack into a system. Two recent technological developments make the selection of a wireless communication system safe, straightforward and highly effective. Siemens uses WPA2 which supersedes WPA (WIFI Protected Access) in its wireless systems. It is essentially unbreakable, providing a safe, secure and useable wireless system
24 Packaging Gazette
for a range of manufacturing, engineering or utility companies to use in their processes. One of the main problems
with breaking in to wireless systems is that the trespasser needs to gain access in ‘real time’ in order to cause any disruption. With new technology such as WPA2 this is no longer possible, meaning that unwarranted access cannot become a reality. Using technology such as WPA2, Siemens can assist companies encrypt the data transferred over a wireless communication system, making it safe and un-useable to potential hackers. Another product innovation which has enhanced the security of wireless systems is iHOP.
It is
designed to ‘hop’ between WIFI frequencies to ensure that a unique, uninterrupted stream of communication is maintained. This new product from Siemens means that businesses no longer need to worry about neighbours and external, unwanted parties tapping in to their wireless communication system. iHop prevents two types of hackers from successfully accessing a system. Firstly, unintentional hackers (such as innocent people from around a business who have set their WIFI to the same frequency as a company and who could potentially cause the channel to be blocked and suffer from interruptions), can be eliminated and therefore alleviate the potential for downtime and loss of productivity in an industrial environment. Secondly, iHOP also prevents intentional hackers who set out to block an organisation’s WIFI channel with the intention of causing interruption and disruption to the communications system. As many IT teams are privy to the fears of ‘Denial of Service Attacks’ where systems are specifically targeted by hackers
to cause major interferences and problems, it is natural to see why there are many concerns in the industry about the security of wireless systems when used in safety critical and efficiency critical areas such as manufacturing sites. However, with the installation of simple technology like iHOP, these worries can be completely eradicated. Wireless systems offer a wide array of benefits for companies which shouldn’t be overlooked. They boast significant ease of installation as the Wireless Access Point can be positioned anywhere and the communication signal can be directed all over a site without the need for wires. They also need less capital expenditure than wired systems and reduced operating expenditure as the maintenance required is much less than upkeep of wires and ensuring all connections are in the correct place. Great flexibility is another major benefit – allowing companies to manoeuvre machinery around a site with minimal inconvenience to processes as there are no wires getting in the way. The start-up cost of such a system is also massively decreased – providing organisations with an easy way to connect add-on projects to the site without the need for more wires and a hugely complex plan of where parts will be stationed. It is important to highlight the areas of industry where
wireless systems are particularly suited and provide massive benefits. For instance, manufacturers using automated guided vehicles can benefit from superior levels of sophisticated data and can see when and where the machine needs to go next to complete its tasks. Automated packing systems and baggage handling systems both benefit significantly from the flexibility of communications offered by a wireless system. Organisations with two or more buildings with a road or land in between can use a wireless system to provide vital communication without the need for massive disruption and expense caused by excavation to lay wires. Lastly, for the world of FMCG where rapid reconfiguration of factory space is essential, the flexibility and mobility of wireless systems is invaluable in allowing these organisations to maximise their efficiency and productivity in such a fast-paced industry. With the security risks associated with hacking into wireless systems and interference in the frequency channels of these systems removed with new technology, it is important for manufacturers and engineering sites to realise the tangible benefits offered by such adaptable and cost-effective communications solutions in order to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. ■
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