Advanced Switching Platform From Siemens: Unlocking Secure Connectivity for Critical Infrastructure

The RUGGEDCOM RST2428P is a secure advanced switching platform that offers high-port density along with Power-over-Ethernet capabilities. Designed by Siemens for challenging environments, it ensures secure communication for high-speed, real-time control applications and SCADA systems. It meets the demands of critical industry operations with a focus on facilitating high-bandwidth, low latency communications and incorporating robust cybersecurity features.

As critical infrastructure networks undergo rapid digitalization, operational technology (OT) networks face the challenge of managing substantial data flows from a growing number of IoT devices in the field while ensuring secure connectivity between intelligent electronic devices and IT systems. This necessitates the development of robust and reliable solutions to support the evolving demands of these critical systems.

Siemens launched the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P, an advanced multilayer Ethernet switching platform, designed to provide secure and error-free communications for networks in harsh environments like electric power, transportation, or oil and gas plants.

“In critical infrastructure OT networks, precise time synchronization, reliability and high availability are non-negotiable”, says Jeremy Bryant, General Manager, Siemens Ruggedcom. “Also, we're seeing an increasing demand for devices that enable end-to-end security in network communications. We've designed the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P as a way for utilities to invest in a networking platform that will simplify scaling the network to support higher data volumes and adopt future-ready networking and cybersecurity technologies without having to undergo costly replacements. Whenever they are ready for it."

RUGGEDCOM RST2428P: Driving digitalization with a future-proof solution

RUGGEDCOM devices are engineered to function in extreme temperature conditions ranging from -40 to +85 °C. They exhibit high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are built to withstand shocks and vibrations. These devices boast a fan-less design with no moving components, which reduces the risk of mechanical failures over their operational lifespan. The recently introduced RUGGEDCOM RST2428P is designed to provide enhanced flexibility to network operators, thanks to its hot-swappable power supply and modular design, facilitating easy replacement and maintenance.

The RUGGEDCOM RST2428P has 28 ports with 10 Gigabit bandwidth and the capability for Power-over-Ethernet of up to 500 W. It introduces Secure Device ID (iDevID) based on the IEEE 802.1AR standard, ensuring the device's authenticity throughout the supply chain—a first for utility-grade RUGGEDCOM switches. 

The RUGGEDCOM RST2428P also offers advanced features like Precision Time Protocol, seamless failover with HSR/PRP for fault-tolerant networks, and MACsec encryption, all integrated into Siemens' proprietary SINEC OS operating system, which is shared across SCALANCE and RUGGEDCOM devices.

“Industries such as electric power, rail, ITS, water & wastewater, oil and gas will benefit from high availability, micro-second accuracies, when installing the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P”, continues Bryant. “This is another step to facilitating the convergence of IT and OT systems for mission-critical applications in harsh environments.”