The Merlin Range - Industrial cellular routers for remote sites
Westermo launches new Merlin range of industrial cellular routers for remote sites
Compact, rugged, secure wireless routers for demanding utility, infrastructure and transportation applications.
The Merlin Range - Industrial cellular routers for remote sites
SCADA Protocol conversion to DNP3 for remote connectivity
As systems grow over time, and protocols come and go, legacy communication between new and old systems is critical to keep operations uptime to a maximum. Protocol conversion enables one common stream of data to be transmitted or received to the top-end SCADA. In order for this to happen, a specially designed router must act as a leader, enabling it to talk to a variety of industrial protocols, which are acting as followers.
Protocols that commonly need to be converted are DNP3, Modbus RTU, Modbus IP, IEC 104, IEC 101, and MMS. SCADAs are used in industrial settings to communicate with multiple outstations in order to get a holistic picture of a system. One of the main challenges in these types of settings is that as the network grows, more and more systems are being added which causes incompatibility. Implementing a router, like the Merlin 4400, that has the ability to convert protocols eliminates the need for the SCADA to communicate with more than one point of presence on the network. This is critical for the interoperability of multiple systems with multiple protocols.
One of the main advantages of having a protocol converter implemented within an industrial system is the added benefit of a protocol-based firewall. In recent times, cyber-attacks have become increasingly prevalent, making network security a top priority. Protocol converters enable bi-directional conversion, allowing firewall rules to restrict traffic between the SCADA and remote sites. Data requests will only be answered if the request is correct and there is a mapped connection between the protocols. No mapping equals no response. This can naturally secure your network from unknown traffic whilst maintaining vital communication for industrial applications.
In addition to enabling communication with multiple remote outstations and securing it, a router with protocol conversion ability can also be a cost-effective solution to integrate existing assets into one common SCADA.
The Merlin range has been designed to be easy to install and maintain. When coupled with Westermo’s zero touch deployment software activator, the Merlin devices provide cost-effective, reliable and consistent onboarding within large-scale projects.
Enabling Seamless Remote Connectivity: SCADA Protocol Conversion with Merlin 4400
The Westermo Merlin 4400 series provides robust and secure cellular solutions for industrial IoT (IIoT) and machine-to-machine applications in energy, infra-structure, and transportation. Integrated with Westermo's zero-touch deployment software, Activator, the Merlin devices offer cost-effective, reliable, and consistent onboarding for large-scale projects. These products are certified to standards like IEC 61850-3 and EN 50121-4, ensuring compliance and compatibility.
Maintaining Legacy Communication through Protocol Conversion:
Protocol conversion plays a crucial role in establishing communication between new and legacy systems to maximize operational uptime. By deploying the Merlin 4400, a versatile router, communication is facilitated with various industrial protocols acting as followers, eliminating the need for the SCADA system to communicate with multiple network points. This capability ensures interoperability among systems operating on different protocols.
Merlin 4400: Top-notch Cyber-security and Versatile Connectivity
The Merlin 4400 series excels in cybersecurity, offering robust hardware and software features. Equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, cryptographic keys are securely protected, and Secure Boot ensures the use of trusted and signed software. Standard cybersecurity tools, such as high-security VPNs, stateful inspection firewall, user authentication, and 802.1x, provide secure local and transmitted data.
Enhanced Connectivity and Protocol Adaptability:
With legacy serial ports (RS-232/485), the Merlin 4400 bridges the gap between modem-based applications and IP infrastructure. The built-in industrial protocol gateway simplifies integration and communication by enabling access to devices using different protocols through a unified interface.
Activator Software Integration:
Compatible with the Activator zero-touch deployment software, the Merlin 4400 streamlines configuration management. Activator centralizes configuration generation and deployment, reducing errors and improving efficiency during project installations.
Compact Design for Challenging Environments:
Designed for space-constrained settings, the Merlin 4400 features a compact form factor, high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), wide temperature range, and reliable voltage supply. It delivers reliable performance in demanding industrial, smart grid, and trackside environments.
With the Merlin 4400 series, Westermo prioritizes top-notch cybersecurity, providing versatile connectivity through legacy serial ports and an industrial protocol gateway. Activator software integration enhances configuration management efficiency. The compact form factor ensures reliable performance in challenging environments.