IoT-finished machines should have built-in smart manufacturing capabilities, especially machines with advanced features such as motion control. Even if factories are not currently connected to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), it is certain that they will be in the future. Fortunately, it is getting easier and easier to connect, monitor, program, and maintain machine and motion control systems using cloud-based remote access. Модуль удаленного ввода-выводаIndustrial routers with VPN capabilities can connect to IIoT-enabled field devices, motion control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). The motion bus remains under the control of a motion controller or PLC and can only be accessed at the system level for remote access. This means that remote access does not affect real-time control, but is primarily used for monitoring and making adjustments.How machines are getting smarter and how secure connectivity to the cloud enables people to access data anytime, anywhere. The key to making machines smart is to access them remotely, collect data, store it, and make it securely available only to those who need it.Secure remote access with a managed VPNLeveraging the IIoT requires secure remote access solutions to collect, store and share data. As threats continue to increase and more systems are monitored and supported remotely, cybersecurity is more important than ever.Managed VPN solutions have become popular in industrial applications because they provide a secure VPN connection while making setup easier by simplifying network configuration. A typical managed VPN solution includes the following components: VPN router, managed VPN server, VPN client, and connected components.After the industrial router and VPN client respectively establish a connection with the cloud-hosted VPN server, a secure connection can be established between the VPN client and the industrial router. Industrial routers establish this connection immediately after booting, but VPN clients only connect after an authentication request from a remote user. After both connections are established, all data going through this VPN tunnel is safe.Most managed VPN solutions offer monthly bandwidth allocations for free for basic operations, then premium plans that offer extra bandwidth. Normal troubleshooting and programming needs should fall under the data requirements on the free plan, but data monitoring may require additional bandwidth depending on the amount of data being transferred over the VPN.The industrial router initiates communication with the server via an outbound connection on the standard port used for HTTPS traffic. This typically does not require changes to the company's IT firewalls and satisfies IT security concerns. In contrast, traditional VPN solutions require opening inbound firewall ports, which are rarely allowed or supported by corporate IT.Another advantage of a managed VPN solution is the extremely simple router configuration. Since the secure router will connect to a predefined cloud server, the router is pre-configured and requires only the most basic network information from the user. rs232 через вайфайManaged VPN RequirementsFor a managed VPN solution, the following requirements should be met:Single Provider for Hardware and Cloud ServicesSimple to set upWeb-based configuration platformSecurely Managed VPNCustom User PermissionsSupport cloud data loggingWireless Communication OptionsSecurity lockAs opposed to coordinating across multiple vendors, using a single vendor not only simplifies purchasing and implementation but also provides support for the entire system. If different vendors are used (for example, one for data logging and another for remote access), it is often difficult to determine which vendor to turn to for help, and each vendor typically blames the other for any problems. Using a single vendor can mitigate these types of issues, especially if the vendor offers free support.The web-based platform offers quick and easy configuration, often as simple as registering an account, configuring and downloading router settings, and installing a security client on your PC.Cloud connectivity must be secure for both data collection and user access. A proven encryption standard, such as TLS 1.2, should be used. Advanced user management, event logging, and two-factor authentication (which requires the generation of a second time-based password at login) are also required for a secure system. The router's internal firewall keeps the factory floor network isolated from the corporate network.The router can be used to collect, store and display data in the cloud platform. This method requires an advanced router with data logging capabilities and cloud connectivity. Cloud data logging often requires an additional license or subscription from the router vendor to collect and store data in the cloud.In addition to wired LAN options, remote access solutions should include Wi-Fi or 4G LTE connectivity options. Wi-Fi provides a simple access point or client connection, while 4G LTE provides access from remote locations without existing Internet access. An important safety feature of a VPN router is the digital input of a switch to enable or disable communication locally, preventing remote control of the machine during maintenance.Managed VPN solutions allow users to remotely access PLC, HMI or SCADA systems in manufacturing plants, and ultimately motion control systems. Advanced routers also allow data to be forwarded to and stored in the cloud. Once the data is in the cloud, it can be monitored in real-time through dashboards or downloaded for further analysis.