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Industrial Ethernet is a critical component in modern automation systems, enabling seamless communication between the control layer and the management layer. Unlike traditional industrial Ethernet, where different protocols prevent interoperability between upper and lower network segments, modern Industrial Ethernet uses a unified protocol to allow efficient data exchange. To ensure security, a two-tier firewall system is implemented. The first level protects against external threats, while the second level restricts internal access based on user roles and permissions. This allows for granular control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can perform specific actions. Additionally, device management systems maintain logs of all configuration changes, recording who made the change, when, and what was modified. This ensures full traceability and accountability.
In terms of security, encryption plays a vital role in protecting sensitive information. Two main types of cryptosystems are used: symmetric and asymmetric. While symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption, it is less secure due to the need for key distribution. Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, uses a public and private key pair, making it more secure and suitable for Industrial Ethernet applications. Since most messages sent over Industrial Ethernet are short and periodic, fast encryption methods are feasible without compromising real-time performance. However, it's also essential to prevent unauthorized access from external nodes, as this could lead to potential vulnerabilities.
Real-time performance in Industrial Ethernet is ensured through several mechanisms. Limiting network load, using 100M Fast Ethernet to increase bandwidth, and implementing switched Ethernet with full-duplex communication help avoid the limitations of the CSMA/CD mechanism. However, with the integration of IT technologies and the openness of TCP/IP, network security has become a major concern. Threats such as virus attacks and MAC address spoofing can significantly impact the stability and real-time capabilities of the network.
Virus attacks, like those caused by worms such as Slammer or Shockwave, can disrupt network devices, leading to reboots and reconfigurations. These attacks can cause network oscillations, increasing the communication load and affecting the performance of Industrial Ethernet. Similarly, MAC address spoofing can flood the switch’s address table, causing it to behave like a hub and reactivate the CSMA/CD mechanism, which negatively impacts real-time communication.
To mitigate these risks, various security technologies are employed in the information layer, including flow control, access control lists (ACLs), SSL encryption, 802.1x authentication, and secure shell (SSH) for remote access. However, applying these technologies to Industrial Ethernet presents unique challenges. Switches used in Industrial Ethernet prioritize fast packet forwarding to maintain real-time performance, and adding complex security features may introduce latency and cost issues.
At the control layer, switches must balance security with performance. While they can adopt some security measures from the information layer, their primary function remains fast and reliable data transmission. Therefore, Industrial Ethernet must be designed with its own architecture in mind, focusing on reliability, stability, and real-time performance. As automation systems continue to evolve, integrating IT technologies and B/S monitoring methods, it becomes increasingly important to study how network security affects performance, especially under burst traffic conditions. Ensuring sufficient buffer capacity in switches and managing the transition from full-duplex to shared communication will be key to maintaining the integrity of Industrial Ethernet networks.