IT OT Convergence

IP

2 min read

What is IP?

IP stands for Internet Protocol and is the fundamental protocol for addressing and routing data traffic within networks. Every device connected to a network is assigned an IP address by which it can be reached by other devices.

In industrial environments, IP is used to enable communication between PLCs, SCADA, HMI, Drives, Switches and IT systems.

🧠 How does IP work?

  1. Each network device receives a unique IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.10)
  2. IP communication uses packets which are routed via routers and switches to their destination
  3. IP operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model
  4. Two commonly used versions:
  • IPv4 (e.g. 192.168.0.1) – the most widely used in OT networks
  • IPv6 (e.g. 2001:db8::1) – less common in OT, but future-oriented
  1. IP works in conjunction with protocols such as TCP, UDP, ICMP, ARP

Without IP addressing, communication between network components is not possible.

🏭 Application of IP in industrial networks

  • IP addresses for PLCs, IO modules, HMIs and Engineering Stations
  • BOOTP or DHCP used for automatic assignment of IP addresses
  • IP routing between different OT zones via Routers or Firewalls
  • VLAN-separated subnets for segmentation of production, management and guest networks
  • Integration of OT systems with IT networks via IP (e.g. Historian or MES)

Every OT device with an Ethernet interface uses a unique IP address within the network segment.

🔍 IPv4 vs. IPv6

Aspect IPv4 IPv6
Address format 32-bit, e.g. 192.168.1.1 128-bit, e.g. 2001:db8::1
Total addresses ~4.3 billion 3.4 x 10³⁸ (effectively unlimited)
Use in OT Very common Rarely used in industrial networks
Notation Dotted decimal Hexadecimal with colons

🔐 Security aspects

  • IP addresses can be spoofed – use Firewall, ACL and Port Security
  • IP networks can be scanned – segmentation via VLAN is recommended
  • Unknown IPs in the OT network may indicate an intruder
  • Combine IP logging with SIEM for forensic monitoring
  • Limit internet access for IP-based OT components via Proxy or Jump Server

IP is the foundation of network communication, but additional security is required to mitigate vulnerabilities.

📌 In summary

IP is the foundation of communication in industrial networks. With correct IP configuration, subnet management and security, your OT network remains stable and secure.

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