Local Management Solutions for Energy

Secure remote access and automation for SCADA and hybrid networks makes any grid smarter

The ongoing convergence of SCADA and IP has introduced additional complexity into networks in the Energy industry. Combined with the remote nature of many sites for generation, transmission and distribution of power, these networks are becoming both more essential and costly to support.

Local management from Uplogix increases uptime and decreases support costs in hybrid networks. By locally monitoring both SCADA devices like RTUs and traditional IP devices like routers and switches, and responding automatically to device issues, Uplogix customers save OPEX by reducing the number of truck rolls. In remote locations such as offshore platforms or unmanned pipeline substations, a truck roll might mean hours of 4x4 driving or actually taking a helicopter at great expense, and possibly danger.

Automation in energy networks diagnoses and fixes common problems within minutes without IT personnel involvement. If the situation requires human involvement, Uplogix local management integrates secure access to remote sites for a fast, easy connection to remote devices for technicians even when the network is down. These out-of-band connections are available using a variety of methods including dial-up, cellular and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

Emerging compliance standards such as the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) Electric Reliability standards, are placing additional pressures on IT departments to ensure that the systems they manage are not only reliable, but also secure from unauthorized access. A complete audit trail of all changes made to the IT infrastructure as well as real-time detection and remediation of compliance breaches are increasingly required.