The perfect network infrastructure – mission possible
Network infrastructure can be described as all the physical components of a network, including hardware and software, which ultimately help enable network connectivity and communication between connected devices, users, and the Internet. The main goal of this network architecture is to provide networking solutions that enable the flow of information between different parts of the organisation.
Why is network infrastructure important?
To put it simply – it can provide seamless connectivity and high availability, security control, and end-to-end network visibility, which is critical for any organisation. Every use case requires a reliable network infrastructure, optimising the performance, and network security of networking devices and applications.
An example of a good network infrastructure could be an IoT gateway for utilities SCADA system. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are a crucial part of the telemetry and utilities sector. These systems enable companies to remotely control and manage PLCs, as well as collect usage data of utilities.
In this use case, our partner chose our industrial IoT gateway, the TRB246, for its client’s solution, in order to facilitate redirected M2M communication.
The most difficult part of this solution is the architecture of its M2M communication. The PLCs monitor a great deal of telemetry data, such as electricity usage, water pressure in pipes, and gas flow, and transmits it wirelessly to the remotely-located SCADA system.
In this network architecture, the client chose to use private APN SIM cards. This type of SIM card increases security but limits communication, so to bypass this limitation, port forwarding was needed.
Port forwarding allowed the redirecting and forwarding of communication requests from the PLCs to a designated port number supported by the SCADA system: the TCP port 20000. This facilitates secure and effective communication via the DNP3 protocol.
Port forwarding and support of the DNP3 protocol are the main features that were necessary in this case, ensuring perfectly functioning network architecture.
Naturally, the question arises....
How can you improve your network infrastructure?
Firstly, you should conduct network assessment. It's important to understand your existing network infrastructure in order to build a resilient one. For this, you must take into consideration all included components, such as connected devices and software that might require improvement.
This initial step allows for identifying potential weak points that might cause damage or hardships for successfully operating network infrastructure. For instance, outdated hardware or software can cause network disruptions, while insufficient throughput can result in disrupted network performance.
Another critical element is creating a redundancy plan to reduce downtime. Redundancy involves having multiple systems or components in place to ensure another can take over smoothly if one fails. You can achieve this by using an uninterruptable power supply (UPS), such as Teltonika’s BAT120, redundant network links, and redundant storage systems.
A great example of where a redundancy plan is necessary is enterprises. Here, downtime not only results in additional spending but also in damaged reputation and angry clients. To solve this issue, the RUTXR1 enterprise router by Teltonika was chosen for uninterrupted enterprise connectivity.
Meanwhile, the router's Wi-Fi signal is enhanced by strategically-placed TAP200 access points connected to the RUTXR1 via PoE injectors. This ensures optimal Wi-Fi coverage without any additional cabling, making the wireless signal available in all parts of the enterprise space. This results in a need for fewer routers to cover the same space, making the networking solution less complex.
Another great feature of the TAP200 is Wi-Fi 5 support, as opposed to the TAP100 supporting Wi-Fi 4. It makes the TAP200 access point better suited for a solution that requires greater network speeds.
The RUTXR1 is both rack-mountable and has an SFP port, which is a common need in the enterprise sector, as it enables long-range fibre-optic communication. Furthermore, this router has two DC power sockets, meaning it can connect to two separate power supplies. To put it simply – if one of them fails, you still have the other one.
The final brush stroke of this network architecture is the RUTXR1's compatibility with our Remote Management System (RMS). If your enterprise has multiple offices or branches, remote management capabilities will save you a great deal of travel costs, allowing your engineers to fix potential connectivity issues remotely.
What else is important for successful network infrastructure?
It’s crucial to establish security policies and protocols to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of your data. It requires identifying the individuals who may connect to your network, the particular data they’re permitted to retrieve, and the method by which they can connect.
For instance, to establish office network security, you must correctly configure a firewall for VLAN, Wi-Fi, and VPN. Since the firewall acts as a gatekeeper or central point managing the network access of end-user devices, it can increase your network security tremendously. It enables you to regulate access to your network, thwarting any unsanctioned attempts at entry.
VLANs are used for when you want to segment your network or assign policies to particular subnets as well as end devices. It is extremely beneficial when you don’t want different departments of an enterprise to see each other’s data. Establishing firewalls for your VLANs can increase your network’s security factor by controlling end-to-end device communication between different departments.
A properly-configured firewall can also improve your network’s security when adding wireless access points. A good example is when you want to set up a wireless guest access with restrictions that wouldn’t allow the guests to exchange information with one another or with any of your end devices, or access your router except via pre-defined ports.
Lastly, a firewall can increase your VPN network’s security when an employee working from home wants to access their work computer. That means that you have to create access to your office LAN, allowing employees to safely access their data without increasing security risks.
We’re here to assist you
In conclusion, a resilient network infrastructure can help you avoid downtime, protect data, and ensure uninterrupted business operations. If you still find something unclear or need additional assistance – contact us!