WiFi network security in industry

Markets & Markets, an analytical company, predicts that the global value of Industry 4.0 will reach an astronomical amount of over $ 150 billion by 2020. The main factors driving this development are the growing popularity of IoT and a greater focus on efficiency and production costs.
Network security should be a priority in every company. Although in large industrial plants in which IT infrastructure maintenance departments operate, software is usually updated on a regular basis, often companies that do not have a dedicated person responsible for network security forget about it. How to effectively provide them?
Modernize or Lose
The first step in achieving this goal should be regular firmware updates that increase data security. It contains corrections in the area of ​​known vulnerabilities or vulnerabilities, both software and the WiFi standard itself, minimizing the risk of intruders intercepting company know-how, personal data or information on transactions and financial settlements. How to improve this process. Automatic AP software update processes from a central controller or WiFi network management software help in this. In addition, it is worth monitoring available updates on a regular basis, e.g. via RSS notifications. In turn, when devices cease to be supported by the manufacturer, which he often informs in advance, they must be replaced with new ones,
Not Always More is Better
Each device has a limited number of non-overlapping channels. For example, if we deploy APs operating on the same channel too close together, they will certainly interfere with each other, which can lead to a decrease in the quality of wireless transmission or its complete jamming. In turn, spacing access points too far apart may cause that they do not cover the entire area provided with access to a WiFi network with a wireless signal.
In this case, you can see a simple analogy to the sound level during outdoor concerts, which certainly will not work in a closed club. Similarly is the wireless network, which can be compared to a loudspeaker or megaphone. When the volume level is set to a very high level, it is not enough that communication in the room will be difficult, but also the reflections of this sound from the walls will cause its distortion. For a wireless network, adequate WiFi transmission power is equally important. Often, a larger number of points with weaker transmission power and well-laid out places of installation is able to effectively increase efficiency and smoothness of operation.
The Antenna is Uneven
Access Points available on the market can be divided into two types: with built-in antennas and equipped with external antennas. The indicated devices differ primarily in the type of radiation. Built-in antennas are more directional, while external antennas are omni-directional. Choosing the right AP should therefore depend on the environment in which we work.
Many Devices, Many Channels
The problem with channels in conventional networks is that you can't deploy the same channels close together because I will interfere with each other. Adjacent APs must therefore use different frequencies. Extending such a network is a big challenge. The locations for specific APs should be carefully thought out. Otherwise, their location may affect the entire network. Additionally, please note that all end devices, including computer, telephone or data collector, according to the described wireless network standard, are those that "rule". So they send a connection request to the AP, they require better communication from it.
Virtual Cell Phone
The solution to the problems mentioned above is Virtual Cell technology, which is the architecture of one channel. It enables controlled operation of all access points on the same radio channel. Thanks to its functionality, the network is treated as a whole, and people using wireless devices have access to only one virtual point, regardless of how many access points actually operate within the system. How does a virtual cell take control of a device that initiates communication itself and decides to connect to a specific access point? He doesn't give him a choice to change AP! -In this way, Virtual Cell cleverly uses the imperfection of the WiFi standard, providing devices with AP communication offering the best conditions, without the participation of the algorithms of these devices. In conventional networks, this would be impossible, although we are approaching this level in WiFi 6 - explains Artur Madejski, Product Manager of Fortinet solutions at Veracomp.
Although secure and trouble-free access to a WiFi network should play a big role especially in industrial enterprises, in which broadly understood data security is one of the priorities, this is not always the case. According to the latest "Report on the state of operational technology and cybersecurity", developed by Fortinet, over the past 12 months as many as 74% of companies related to the OT environment have been the victims of hacking and data theft, which negatively affected, among others on productivity, revenue or trust in the brand. To minimize the risk of such cases, there should be an equally secure and efficient access network next to an efficient and effective firewall.

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