Introduction To Network Connectivity and Security

Introduction:

The purpose of this article is to ensure that you and your team are fully informed of all the necessary requirements for a successful MachineMetrics integration when it comes to Network Connectivity and Security. This article will provide a high-level overview of Network Connectivity and Security. 

Note: Before we schedule your integration, this document should be reviewed by the individuals in charge of your IT infrastructure, machine controls, machine maintenance, and facilities.

Topics covered in this article:

• Overview of Network Connectivity: Wired, Wireless, or Cellular 
• Overview of Network Security and Firewalls
• Network Requirements for Machine Connectivity

Overview of Network Connectivity: Wired, Wireless, or Cellular

There are three primary methods of connecting your machines to the MachineMetrics platform: Wireless, wired, or cellular. Review each of the documents below to determine which method of connectivity is right for your shop. 

Wired

Machines connected to a wired network require network drops (CAT5, CAT6) at each machine. This method of connectivity saves you the ‘per machine’ cost of the edge device hardware that you would otherwise need to purchase for a wireless connection.

Go to the Connecting MachineMetrics: Wired Network for more information on how to configure this type of network connectivity. 

Wireless

Machines connected wirelessly will require a wifi-enabled edge device to be installed in each machine. A wireless connection affords you the flexibility to move Machines and avoid the labor of running and maintaining ethernet cable.

Go to the Connecting MachineMetrics: Wireless Network for more information on how to configure this type of network connectivity.

Cellular

MachineMetrics connectivity can be completely separated from your network by purchasing the cellular option supporting AT&T. A dedicated and secure M2M network has been provisioned with access only to the necessary MachineMetrics services. Billing is monthly and approximately $15 per month per machine. One MachineMetrics Edge Device with the cellular modem is required per machine. There are two methods of connecting via cellular network: 

• Connecting MachineMetrics: Cellular Network via USB Modem
• Connecting MachineMetrics: Cellular Network Via Cradlepoint

Overview of Network Security and Firewalls Requirements

At MachineMetrics, we take the security of your data very seriously. We have various security measures in place as well as firewall requirements. It is highly recommended to have your internal IT infrastructure review these articles:

• Security Measures at MachineMetrics
• Firewall Requirements: Edge Device
• Firewall Requirements: Tablets

Network Requirements for Machine Connectivity

The article Data Standards & Requirements for Machine Connectivity outlines the data standards that need to be met in order for MachineMetrics to connect to your machine(s). Each of the standards and protocols has a checklist of items needed for MachineMetrics to connect to and support data flow from the machine.