by Shane Winson

Various sensors get data from different equipments and send it over communication channels to the central master unit. The SCADA system handles all that data and analyzes all the equipments working in the factory.

The most complex industrial plants use the scada software to mange their complex equipments. There are various input output channels used. They are several hundred thousands in number. All the parameters from hundreds of equipments are managed by Scada systems.

There are many additional devices essential to make a scada system work. HMI Interfaces, controllers and various hardware are required. Various sensors analyze the data that is then sent to the central computer via communication channels.

The main computer is called master terminal unit. In addition to it, there are many remote terminal units that are also connected to the master unit via various links. The remote units gather data from remote devices.

Distributed Control Systems (DCS) are used in factories for control and data acquisition. These are used for confined locations and data is communicated via LANs. Closed loop control is used in such environments.

Open loop control is used in scada systems unlike the Distributed Control mechanism where closed loops are used. LANs are not the only communication links used here and equipments over a large area are controlled in such environments.

Penetration testing is required to secure the vulnerable systems and analyze them for any windows that can be exploited by hackers. Hackers may have different reasons to hack various important systems including power infrastructure. Terrorists may also exploit the various vulnerabilities.

Various hardware and software equipment is used for penetration testing and all systems are monitored to find out any problem or leaks as they occur. Various equipments used in communication are also monitored for security windows.

About the Author:

Tagged with:

Filed under: Business Online

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!