Major Port Authority: Deploying a Resilient Network for Critical Port Operations | Inotech Nexera)
Modernizing an Industrial Control System for a Leading Manufacturer
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Major Port Authority |
Ports & Maritime |
Needed to eliminate network downtime for their critical Terminal Operating System (TOS) and secure their OT environment |
Implementation of a high-availability industrial network using Cisco REP protocol, fortified with industrial firewalls and Cisco Cyber Vision for threat visibility.”). |
Cisco Industrial Ethernet, Siemens SCALANCE, Cisco Cyber Vision, HPE ProLiant Servers |
The Situation: Facing Critical Operational Risks
As one of the busiest ports in the region, their entire operation relies on the 24/7 availability of their Terminal Operating System (TOS), which manages crane movements, container tracking, and yard logistics.
Their existing network infrastructure was aging and prone to intermittent failures, causing costly operational halts. The flat network architecture also posed a significant cybersecurity risk, as their sensitive OT environment was not adequately segmented from the corporate IT network.
The primary objective was to achieve near-zero downtime for all critical systems and implement a robust security posture compliant with international standards for critical infrastructure.
A Resilient and Secure Industrial Network
Our certified engineers began with a comprehensive audit of the existing infrastructure. The proposed solution was a complete network redesign based on the Purdue Model for industrial network segmentation, creating clear zones and conduits
Implementation
We deployed Cisco Industrial Ethernet switches configured with the Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP) to ensure network convergence in milliseconds in case of a link failure. Industrial firewalls were installed to create a secure DMZ between the IT and OT zones. For real-time threat monitoring, we integrated Cisco Cyber Vision, providing deep visibility into their industrial assets and communication patterns.
Collaboration
The project was executed in carefully planned phases to avoid disrupting ongoing port operations, in close collaboration with the client’s IT and engineering teams.
The Impact: Driving Uptime, Security, and Efficiency
- 99.999% Availability: Achieved near-zero downtime for the Terminal Operating System, eliminating costly operational interruptions.
- Enhanced Security Posture: Full segmentation of IT and OT networks and real-time threat detection capabilities significantly reduced the risk of cyber incidents.
- 30% Reduction in Network Incidents: Proactive monitoring and the resilient architecture led to a measurable decrease in support tickets and network-related issues.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure: The new scalable infrastructure is ready to support future initiatives, such as IoT sensor deployment and automated vehicle systems.
Client Testimonial
“Inotech Nexera was more than a vendor; they were a true partner. Their deep understanding of both IT and OT environments was critical to the success of this project. Our operations are now more resilient and secure than ever before.”
