PFU Announces "iNetSec FC" for Visualization and Anomaly Detection in Factory Networks

On October 27, 2021, the PFU will detect network equipment and network connection devices (machine tools, control equipment, robots, cameras, etc.) placed in the factory, network configuration and load/abnormality announced "iNetSec FC," which visualizes the status of networks and the scope of impact of failures. We are developing it according to the needs of the factory, such as automatic detection just by connecting the product and "passive detection method" that does not affect production equipment. Scheduled to start shipping from February 2022.

Outline of network visualization device for factories "iNetSec FC" announced by PFU

　iNetSec FC is a product that will be released as a new factory solution using the proprietary technology of the "iNetSec series" developed by PFU for office/IT networks. It consists of the "iNetSec FC Network Visualization Sensor", a device that collects information from the network, and management software that supports Windows Server/Windows.

　When the visualization sensor is connected to the on-site network (OT network) in the factory, it automatically detects and visualizes all network devices such as machine tools and control equipment. In addition to IP addresses and MAC addresses, for IT devices such as PCs and tablets, detailed information such as the manufacturer name, OS, and host name is obtained and displayed using the unique Edge Analyze Technology. In addition, since the connection relationships between devices (network topology) are also visualized, it is possible to determine on the application what device is connected to which device, and where the affected range of failure of this device is.

Automatically detects devices in the network and visualizes the network configuration

　It also has a passive detection method that does not transmit any packets so that it does not affect the production equipment in the factory when detecting devices, and it is used in conjunction with the active detection method that can acquire detailed information (only specific devices are active detection can be set).

　There is also a screen that visualizes the network load and quality (number of transfer errors) for each switch port in chronological order. Sometimes it helps identify the cause.

　This time iNetSec FC adopted "Edge Analyze Technology 2.0" that can automatically detect switching hubs (non-intelligent switches) that do not have IP addresses. According to PFU, switching hubs are often used in factory OT networks, and the switch was adopted as a response to such a network environment. In fact, PFU himself experienced a line stoppage due to a failure of a switching hub at its own factory, which is said to have been the impetus for the development of iNetSec FC.

Even at the PFU factory, a line stoppage occurred due to a switching hub failure, and this was the impetus for the development of this new product.

　The standard price of iNetSec FC (excluding tax, consisting of one network visualization device and management software) is 480,000 yen for the first year and 360,000 yen for the second year onwards. Up to 3,000 managed devices and up to 3 network segments (up to 32 tagged VLAN segments) can be managed per visualization device. In addition, the management software covers up to 10,000 managed devices and up to 100 visualization devices.

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