IT/OT convergence is the incorporation of information technology (IT) systems with operational technology (OT) systems involving manufacturing systems which control the physical events and processes with back-end hardware and software for transmitting, analyzing and processing information.

IT/OT convergence serve as the backbone of everything set to come in the industrial world in line with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) namely edge computing, analytics, remote commissioning, etc. IT/OT convergence will pave the way to better efficiency, productivity and problem-solving.

IT and OT used to be operated separately in terms of employees, responsibilities and priorities. IT departments handled business networks particularly on servers, computers, storage and applications. OT departments managed industrial networks in production plants focusing on equipment, machines, protocols, PLCs and SCADA systems.

However, in today’s world, IT and OT has been brought together with data being shared across the two networks in a connected plant environment where more information can be conveyed from production floors up to the office.

Customer Challenges:

IT/OT convergence requires both speed and bandwidth but existing infrastructure might not be able to support such requirements in addition to provide for future expansion and bandwidth scalability.

Network cabling and connectivity system that is not properly designed or well-maintained may results in downtime on factory floors.

Network complexity and complication emerges since OT environments consist of several protocols to manage as devices from different manufacturers and system require different types of cables and connectivity. Standardizing each device on one single protocol is crucial to ensure seamless communication.

XD Solutions: Ethernet & Data Bus Cable

Belden Category 6 (Cat6) industrial cabling solutions enable IT/OT environment to have the required capacity to transfer gigabytes of data at fast speeds reliably and confidently within a manufacturing facility.

Belden Cat6 cables feature a patented design (Bonded-pair technology) which offers uniform spacing of conductors for superior structural stability and consistent electrical performance. This technology makes them less susceptible to electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) in noisy environments.

Equipment and systems running on various protocols can be converted to Ethernet to reach long distances and remote areas without affecting data transmission.

In manufacturing or automation plants, RS-485 cable is crucial to system operation to ensure the interoperability of devices. Belden RS-485 Cables which have low capacitance and perform well over long distances is an ideal choice for industrial automation applications.

Benefits

Belden Cat6 cables patented Bonded-pair technology provide a smooth high-frequency data transmission within the IT/OT networks in factory floors. This helps to reduce downtime because in such environments, network failure is often unacceptable.

Belden RS-485 cable constructions ensure the highest level of data transmission performance designed for 120 Ohm impedance with twisted pairs, low capacitance and overall dual foil/braid shields to achieve reliable and long-distance communication and preventing data distortion or errors in production plants.

Belden Category 6 Industrial Ethernet copper cable offers a wide range of options for CAT 6 network such as shielding, solid or stranded conductors and high temperature rating and patented Bonded-Pair technology to maximize uptime and performance with superior reliability and longer cable life.

Belden provides a wide range of RS-485 cable options. From power limited tray cable (PLTC) and plenum (CMP) rated cable to low smoke zero halogen cable, Belden delivers high performance RS-485 cables for almost any environment while maintaining maximum system performance.

Belden PROFIBUS/PROFINET cables are constructed with a ruggedized design to withstand harsh environments and temperature extremes in industrial applications with proven reliability, uptime, and performance.