Industrial Networking & Communication for Secure Automation Infrastructure

Industrial networking and communication products provide the core infrastructure that connects controllers, HMIs, drives, I/O, and other Ethernet-enabled devices across machines and plant networks. This category emphasizes secure industrial network design alongside reliable communications, covering industrial switches, routers, remote access, segmentation, and OT network security for automation environments that need controlled connectivity and dependable data flow. Rockwell Automation’s Stratix portfolio is widely used in industrial control applications for Ethernet-based communication, network visibility, remote access, and integration with broader plant architectures.

Product Types in This Category

• Managed industrial Ethernet switches: Stratix 5200 and related managed Stratix platforms are used where network visibility, configuration control, diagnostics, and segmentation are important. They fit applications that need a more structured industrial Ethernet infrastructure across machines, cells, and plant networks.

• Unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches: Stratix 2100 switches are suited to smaller applications that need straightforward, reliable Ethernet connectivity with simpler deployment. They are commonly selected for machine-level communication where full switch management is not required.

• Remote access routers: Stratix 4300 Remote Access Routers are used when secure off-site machine access and controlled remote support are required. These products are commonly considered for remote troubleshooting, programming access, and service workflows for distributed equipment and subnetworks.

• Security appliances and firewall-oriented platforms: Some industrial networking applications require stronger traffic control, zone separation, and industrial network security. Rockwell Automation has offered security-focused options such as the Stratix 5950 Security Appliance for applications where protected communications and segmentation are central to the design.

• NAT and routing infrastructure: Certain industrial networking platforms support routing and network address translation to help integrate machine networks into larger plant architectures. NAT can help address machine-level integration and network separation requirements, though it should be considered separately from dedicated firewall functionality.

How to Choose Industrial Networking and OT Network Security Products

The right selection depends on system size, required visibility, remote support needs, and the level of network control needed in the application.

• Choose unmanaged switches for simple machine-level connectivity where fast deployment and limited configuration are the priority.

• Choose managed switches when the application needs diagnostics, segmentation, traffic control, or a more standardized plant network architecture.

• Choose remote access routers when OEMs, integrators, or maintenance teams need secure remote connectivity for support, updates, and troubleshooting.

• Choose firewall-oriented platforms when the design requires stronger separation between network zones or more controlled communication policies.

• Choose NAT or routing features when integrating machine networks into broader production or enterprise-facing infrastructure.

Why Industrial Network Security and Communication Design Matter

In industrial automation deployments, networking decisions affect uptime, troubleshooting, scalability, and access to production assets. Common considerations include EtherNet/IP support, copper or fiber media, Gigabit network requirements, remote access method, wired or wireless architecture, serial connectivity needs, and whether the application calls for basic switching or a managed communications backbone. Security is often part of the overall network design, especially where the application requires controlled access, segmented traffic paths, or protected communication between machine and plant networks.

Typical Applications

• Machine-level Ethernet connectivity for controllers, HMIs, drives, and distributed I/O

• Managed switching for production systems that need diagnostics, traffic visibility, and segmentation

• Secure remote access for OEM support, maintenance, and program updates

• Plant-floor integration using routing, NAT, and firewall-oriented networking devices

• Industrial control systems that require reliable EtherNet/IP communication and secure network architecture across machine and plant networks