In this thesis, I explored the use of the Siemens TIA Portal software environment for the design and optimization of industrial automation systems. The focus was placed on the SIMATIC S7-1500 control system, which supports various industrial communication protocols. These protocols were examined in detail, along with their role in establishing reliable industrial networks that are resilient to cyber and other threats.
The integration of operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT) offers significant benefits but also exposes systems to new cybersecurity risks. Due to OT’s original emphasis on reliability rather than security, such systems are often vulnerable to attacks. A key mitigation strategy lies in the implementation of secure communication standards and strict network segmentation.
As part of the research, I independently set up both a physical and virtual environment within the TIA Portal. In this setup, I conducted tests to measure response times and data transfer speeds between devices. This enabled a practical insight into system performance across different configurations and under realistic simulation conditions.
Throughout the project, I applied my technical knowledge in electrical engineering, with a particular focus on communication networks, secure data transmission, and the functioning of industrial protocols.
The test results demonstrated that TIA Portal enables efficient integration and optimization of industrial systems. With proper network design, use of isolated segments, and deployment of advanced diagnostic tools, system reliability can be significantly enhanced while reducing the likelihood of failures and improving resilience to cyber threats.
|
