Network Servers and Services Lesson 011: ICS/SCADA Part 2

What communication technology does ICS use?

Fieldbus.

What does PLC stand for?

Programmable Logic Controllers.

Fieldbus

Digital serial data communication protocol used in OT networks to link different PLCs.

Programmable Logic Controller

Type of digital computer used in industrial settings.

What do PLCs enable?

Automation in assembly lines, autonomous field operations, robotics, and other applications.

How are PLCs connected using Fieldbus?

With sensors and I/O devices to connect the real world with the digital world.

What can PLCs be programmed to do?

To conduct an action based on received input sensors.

What does HMI stand for?

Human-Machine Interface.

Human-Machine Interface

Can be a local control panel or software that runs on a computer.

How are PLCs programmed?

Using an HMI.

What do HMIs act as?

The input to the PLC and output for the entire system.

What does an HMI enable a person to do?

To quickly see and monitor what a system is doing at any given time.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

Type of ICS used to manage large scale multi-site devices and equipment in a geographic region from a host computer.

What does ICS encompass?

A single plant/system.

What does DCS encompass?

Small connection of the ICS system in a single area.

What does SCADA encompass?

Different ICS and DCS plants in a WAN.

Due to the scale of SCADA implementations, what are SCADA systems usually operated by?

A piece of software running on a Windows or Linux system.

What does the broad connection reach of SCADA enable?

The gathering and management of data across multiple geographic locations.

What is used to achieve WAN connectivity in SCADA implementations?

Cellular, microwave, satellite, fiber, and VPN-based LANs.

Regardless of the type of connectivity solution used in a SCADA network?

That all field devices connect back to the central SCADA server.

What is a common use case example of a large scale SCADA network?

The usage of a smart meter system used by electric companies.

How is a smart meter on a SCADA network used by electric companies?

Smart meter sends usage data of the SCADA network > The data is relayed to the electric company over the SCADA connection > The electric company reads the data and draws up a report > A bill is generated from the report and sent to you.