ComNet, Communication Networks of Danbury, Connecticut, a USA-based manufacturer of fibre optic transmission and networking equipment, is announcing an expansion to the Reliance product line for the utility and industrial markets.
The RL1000GW router/gateway is the company's first Ethernet router designed specifically for use in electrical utility substations and switchyards, heavy manufacturing facilities, and railway track-side electronic equipment. Fully compliant with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 class 2, it is for use where high levels of electromagnetic interference are routinely encountered.
The router is designed to protect against unauthorised access to a network and easily allows for highly secure firewalls to be set up where multiple levels of authentication must be followed before access is granted. User APA (Authentication Proxy Access) controls remote access and communications to network edge devices. The RL1000GW supports NERC-CIP-5 guidelines and is an ideal platform for deploying a secure communications and networking gateway.
This layer 3 IP router provides an integrated VPN and link protection per ITU-T G.8032. With its internal terminal server, legacy RS-232 and RS-485 serial data RTUs and IEDs can be directly connected to the RL1000GW. It also features a gigabit SFP uplink port for connection to the network.
An internal 2G/3G/4G LTE cellular radio is available for remote deployments requiring a wireless connection to the network.
According to Andrew Acquarulo Jr., ComNet CEO and President, "The security of our utilities and power generation facilities is a real threat. If a utility substation is brought down, the repercussions become unfathomable. ComNet made the decision to bring these router/gateways to market to help secure these types of facilities and we believe these new Reliance product additions will be an effective solution in preventing unauthorised access"
The RL1000GW offers numerous product innovations that will soon be required in many different markets. The high level of unauthorized access prevention will be a benefit to other markets such as physical security and Intelligent Transportation. As more and more of these IP Networks are in place, preventing those who wish to disrupt them becomes paramount.
"The Reliance line represents ComNet's decision to provide highly ruggedised and secure products for the utility and industrial markets. It is a major undertaking, but we believe there is a great need for these products," said Skip Haight, ComNet VP of Marketing. "ComNet will offer a Lifetime Product Guarantee with the Reliance line and this will differentiate ComNet from other manufacturers and creates significant value for the user," Haight concluded.
ComNet offers an extensive line of fibre optic, copper and wireless video and data transmission equipment that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Security, Intelligent Transportation System, utility and industrial markets.
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