Zero Trust OT Security with FWA-1214: Enabling Uninterrupted Manufacturing Operations

Background

With the digital transformation driven by Industry 4.0 and the establishment of smart factories, the demand for OT equipment networking is increasing day by day, posing many challenges to OT security in factories. This is especially evident as digital transformation accelerates, making the limitations of outdated equipment and network architectures more apparent. The widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks and the popularity of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions create an excellent opportunity for upgrading factory network and security architectures.

The expansion of smart factories intensifies the demand for real-time data transmission. Continuous data transmission is crucial for remote monitoring and operations. Since maintaining continuous productivity is a major concern for most factories, the key to transformation lies in how to upgrade the factory's network and security architecture while maintaining high productivity.

Challenges

• Difficulty when upgrading old equipment 

Old production equipment still has reliable productivity, but the devices lack networking capabilities and flexibility to upgrade to 4G or 5G. Replacing a large number of old production equipment requires significant costs, creates down times, and possibly creates temporary bottle necks within supply chains.

• Space limitations

The space reserved during the factory's construction may be fully occupied as production equipment increases. Cabinet space, wiring ducts, and cables may be insufficient, making it challenging to provide additional network connectivity and network nodes.

• Environmental adaptability and durability 

Equipment must offer wide temperature operation and meet standards to withstand harsh environments and electrical requirements.

• Reliable connectivity 

Ensuring uninterrupted data transmission during long service periods is crucial for maintaining data integrity and supporting real-time monitoring.

• Reliable connectivity 

Factories need a comprehensive solution with third-party integration capabilities, covering equipment supply, system integration, and certification support. This reduces communication overhead and simplifies the deployment process.

Advantech OT Security & SD-WAN Solution: FWA-1214

Facing the above challenges, the FWA-1214 is a device capable of stable operation in harsh environments. Implementing wireless network solutions instead of traditional physical wiring can minimize installation and maintenance costs.

The FWA-1214 is designed to operate within a wide temperature range and meets IP40 protection standards. Its compact design and various installation methods allow flexible installation in limited spaces.

For external network connections, i.e., Wide Area Network (WAN) connections, the FWA-1214 provides redundant LTE/5G functionality. By integrating SD-WAN failover features, it offers highly stable and reliable external network connections. When the primary LTE/5G network (WAN1) fails, the secondary LTE/5G network (WAN2) can immediately take over. For internal network connections, i.e., Local Area Network (LAN) connections, the FWA-1214 provides up to 6 1GbE RJ-45 network interfaces, backward compatible with 10/100Mbps speeds. This allows old equipment in the factory to connect to the internet through the FWA-1214.

Through this approach, various sensors and equipment in the factory can upload critical information to the headquarters in real-time via the FWA-1214. The headquarters can manage and maintain various equipment in the factory through the FWA-1214.

Additionally, when connected to the internet, connected devices inevitably face the risk of network attacks and disruptions. OT network security protection is a prerequisite for the successful operation of smart factories. Adding network security equipment to connected devices in the factory within limited space is a significant challenge. The FWA-1214 is equipped with a high-performance Intel CPU, providing strong computing power, allowing users to deploy multiple network functions on it. In addition to the aforementioned SD-WAN features, OT network security applications can also be deployed on the FWA-1214, enabling it to provide network security services in a single device, simplifying deployment complexity and space requirements.  

System Diagram

Conclusion

In the past, factory maintenance of various production equipment often consumed a lot of manpower and cost, and collecting and analyzing production data was time-consuming, unable to keep up with rapid market changes. Digital transformation allows various factory equipment to be networked, uploading critical production data to the headquarters for analysis, while the headquarters can remotely manage and maintain various equipment in the factory. This not only reduces the manpower required for maintenance but also improves the efficiency and quality of maintenance. The analysis results can further respond to market changes in real-time. The key to successful digital transformation lies in how to achieve painless digital transformation without affecting productivity and provide secure and stable internet connectivity. Security and stability are indispensable, and the design of the FWA-1214 offers the feasibility of integrating both. Robust, compact, and reliable system design, redundant dual LTE/5G network design, sufficient Ethernet network ports, and strong computing power. The FWA-1214 turns the path of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation from a thorny road into a broad avenue.

 Why Advantech

• Compact & Flexible Installation

The DIN-rail-ready FWA-1214 features a vertical or horizontal, fanless design ideal for space-constrained environments, enabling easy and versatile deployment

• Industrial-Grade Reliability

Built for harsh conditions with wide temperature tolerance, IP40 protection, and redundant 12–48V power input, ensuring continuous operation in rugged industrial environments.

• 24/7 Reliable Connectivity with Multi-WAN Optimization

Equipped with dual LTE WAN and integrated SD-WAN platform, the system supports automatic carrier switching to maintain connection stability —minimizing downtime and reducing cabling costs.

• Complete Integration Service and Worldwide Ecosystem Partners

Powered by Advantech’s global ecosystem, the SD-WAN solution combines robust hardware and proven software integration to support various deployment needs, offering customers a complete, validated, and scalable solution.

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