Industrial Network Topology Mapping for IEC 62443 Zones and Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mapping an existing industrial network to standardized zone and conduit models, such as the IEC 62443 model, is challenging due to the underlying connectivity of the infrastructure not being dependent on these models, making it difficult to automate the process.
Innovation Solution
A process that discovers network topology information and creates zones and conduits based on communication activity patterns and endpoints, using automated methods to map an industrial network to a standardized model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated methods are used to map industrial network to standardized models, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to analyze network topology and communication patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically discovering network topology and communication patterns without requiring manual intervention. The automated modeling process independently analyzes the industrial network infrastructure and maps it to standardized zone and conduit models, eliminating the need for expert manual configuration while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network communication activity patterns and using this information to refine the zone and conduit model creation. The automated process analyzes discovered topology information and communication patterns, then adjusts the modeling approach accordingly to achieve accurate standardized representations of the industrial network.
2Measurement precision
If manual modeling approaches are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the tedious nature of the task
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical modeling processes with automated electronic discovery and analysis systems. Instead of manually examining network topology and communication patterns, the system uses automated software agents to discover network infrastructure, analyze communication activity, and generate standardized models, dramatically reducing time while maintaining precision through systematic analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate copies of the actual network structure by discovering and replicating the real topology and communication patterns in the standardized model format. The automated process generates precise representations of zones and conduits that mirror the actual industrial network architecture, ensuring modeling accuracy without manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the system discovers detailed network topology information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential topology information and communication patterns needed for standardized modeling, separating relevant data from unnecessary details. By focusing on extracting specific elements such as network devices, connections, and communication flows required for zone and conduit model creation, the system achieves high measurement precision while managing data processing complexity through selective information extraction.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a process discovers network topology information of a particular computer network and creates a plurality of zones of devices in the particular computer network based on the network topology information. The process also discovers network communication activity patterns and endpoints of the particular computer network and creates a plurality of conduits between devices of the particular computer network based on the network communication activity patterns and endpoints of the particular computer network and association of the devices within the plurality of zones as described above.