< PreviousI n today’s interconnected world, the number of devices connected to the internet climbs every day. According to research firm McKinsey, 127 new devices are connected to the internet every second, with billions of devices connected globally. These numbers increase when we consider local area networks (LANs) consisting of connected, critical embedded systems in sectors such as rail, military and defence, industrial and offshore. Switches are central to the performance of networked architectures, allowing data to be relayed between connected computers and devices, and trafficked out to a larger network via protocols such as Ethernet. Protecting these switches is especially important for critical applications used in harsh environments, on- vehicle networks, both discrete and process manufacturing applications and more. Ensuring the protection of Ethernet switches in demanding environments requires the switch to be ruggedised. However, before an Ethernet switch can be considered as part of a ruggedised solution, it is worth looking at the role of switches and network requirements. Experience developing rugged embedded systems with Ethernet capabilities shows that designing the network first, and then subsequently ruggedising it and the components, ensures the best solution. Network technology features There are several key requirements for network- based applications. These include the ability to establish and manage multiple networks using a single physical device, mirror ports to monitor traffic, daisy chain switches for local network expansion, secure network traffic and ruggedise the network components. DEMANDING APPLICATIONS Whether used for on-board entertainment on trains or video feed transmission from military drones, connectivity is becoming an important factor in non-commercial applications. As more embedded systems adopt networked architectures, Ethernet switches play an increasingly crucial role. Martin Frederiksen, managing director of networked embedded systems expert Recab UK, explains how to select Ethernet switches for demanding operating environments. MARTIN FREDERIKSEN MANAGING DIRECTOR RECAB UK 30KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE ENSURING ROBUST NETWORKS IN DEMANDING APPLICATIONSDEMANDING APPLICATIONS 31 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINESecurity is a rather complex area, but a vital one for critical applications. There are two types of network security: virtual security, primarily from software systems and data encryption, and physical security, where components play a role in maintaining data integrity. An example of network virtual security would be the intruder detection system which detects potential security breaches, logs information about the possible breach and signals an alert on the console or through the serial port. This is complemented by a network’s encryption standards. Physical security comes from the ports of specific switches which is why working with an embedded specialist is invaluable in critical embedded network projects. Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports can convert a network’s copper medium into a fibreoptic channel. Because DEMANDING APPLICATIONS Whatever solution is chosen must depend on the needs of the project and where the application will be used 32KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE fibreoptic technology is dielectric, the medium is protected against electromagnetic (EM) snooping and other malicious attacks. Fibreoptic channels also boast the benefit of being able to transmit data over longer distances, with less signal loss. A common mixed media application uses copper wire networks for local communication and interfaces with fibreoptic networks for higher-speed applications, network-to-network connectivity and long-distance communication. As such, several manufacturers of small form factor Ethernet switches include a combination of ports on their products. Whatever solution is chosen must depend on the needs of the project and where the application will be used. For example, a rail application might call for the use of a switch that is specially designed for harsh rolling stock operating environments.DEMANDING APPLICATIONS Failing to fully plan for operational and environmental requirements, is a costly mistake — but it’s one that can be avoided 33 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE Ruggedisation In many networked applications ruggedisation is a critical consideration. This is true for outdoor applications, on-vehicle networks, factory floor applications in both discrete and process manufacturing and more. For these types of applications, we must consider the environmental conditions. In particular, system designers should note factors such as the operating temperature range, levels of shock and vibration during operation and the quality of the power source. For many critical applications, the size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) of networking devices will also be a key consideration. Selecting off-the-shelf Ethernet switch products for demanding applications requires a clear understanding of the environmental needs and evaluation of each product’s specifications. To thrive in harsh environments, networks must be designed with these needs in mind. For extended temperature operation, that includes everything from PCB layout and part specification to stringent environmental testing to verify performance. The exact requirements will vary from application to application, so there is no one size fits all approach to switch selection or ruggedisation. Unfortunately for most system designers, it is much more complex than specifying the number of ports or the data speeds required. This is where partnering with an embedded system design specialist is beneficial. With connectivity playing an ever-more central role in non-commercial applications, it’s important that these considerations are made to ensure effective, lasting, embedded system performance. Choosing the wrong switch or failing to fully plan for the operational and environmental requirements, is a costly mistake — but it’s one that can be avoided with planning and forethought.NETWORKS SECURITY 34KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE34KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINEI n my experience, IT managers are exceptionally reluctant to delegate responsibility for network security to AV professionals – or anyone else, for that matter. Understandably so, because their heads are on the block if there is a network breach. While AV professionals typically select technology based on functionality and performance, they need to recognise that the solutions they choose must integrate seamlessly and (most of all) securely into corporate systems. Therefore, it is no longer acceptable to implement consumer hardware and software that lacks good security, network visibility or network management tools. Any device connected over a network is at risk of being breached or corrupted. Signage networks running consumer operating systems such as Windows and Android are constantly being attacked by hackers. The IT professionals responsible for constructing and managing the corporate IT architecture should never compromise with these consumer-grade solutions. They need to be convinced that any proposed device is robust, secure and future- proofed. Some IT teams insist that the hardware itself is 100% locked down until prompted by a systems administrator. The solution is to choose a commercial-grade system that is purpose-built for digital signage, that can be configured to await instructions on how, when and IF the player connects to the internet. The ease of use of the new cloud-based, IT-centric model for AV systems is rapidly propelling them towards becoming a core channel in outbound messaging and communications. While it might be a new area of responsibility for network architects and managers, the ground rules they apply remain the same. They have a ‘security first’ mindset and will look to ensure that AV systems connected to the network are hardened and that using endpoint security software keeps any threats out. Endpoints must also have regular security updates to ensure bad actors can’t exploit emergent security vulnerabilities. Today’s AV deployments are large, ambitious and connected. Implementing them requires a careful balance of network efficiency and deployment cost, without sacrificing the security that’s critical to the network’s long-term, trouble-free performance. NETWORKS SECURITY JEFF HASTINGS CEO BRIGHTSIGN 35 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE As painful as it may be for AV managers, in the connected world of cloud-based signage operating over corporate IT networks, security has to take precedence over performance and functionality. Even the flashiest, most impressive AV systems are inherently flawed if there is the potential for the network to become a back door point-of-entry for hackers. 35 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE SECURITY BEFORE PERFORMANCE IN OUR CONNECTED AV WORLDMOVERS AND SHAKERS 36KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR MOVER OR SHAKER PUBLISHED EMAIL US AT: EDITOR.KDSEUROPE.COM MOVERS AND SHAKERS A round up of promotions, structural changes and new recruits across the kiosk and digital signage industry Visualization has hired seasoned senior sales figure, James Belso, to spearhead its end-user and consultant activity. Operating under Visualization’s “trade only” ethos, Belso will be charged with developing Visualization’s business and growing its Partner network. Boasting an impressive pedigree – having worked for Christie Digital Systems for over a decade – Belso has recently been focusing on the Consultant community and key end users. With both a deep technical expertise and strong commercial focus, Belso was instrumental in some major wins including the London Stock Exchange digital transformation. Prior to Christie, Belso has worked with Panasonic and Cabletime (now MediaStar Systems) in sales-focused roles. Visualization Managing Director, Nick Pidgeon, commented, “James’ pedigree and experience precedes him. His relationships and industry experience will further help Visualization expand its offering to our channel Partners. James’ role is non manufacturer funded so our customers can truly expect the best of breed in solutions. He will be purely focused on developing business for our Channel to benefit from. Working closely with our business development director Chris Brittan who manages our Partner network, James and Chris will offer a unique combination within the market.” Commenting on his new appointment, Belso said, “Visualization has an impressive long-standing industry record for its engineering excellence. With the company’s new focus on technical solutions distribution and the energy that Nick and his team bring, I feel this is an excellent opportunity to be part of a business that approaches the market differently. Like myself, Nick and the Visualization team are people focused and that is critical in how I operate with my client base.” Visualization also recently appointed James Hull as Technical Sales Support Engineer. Hull, who also came from Christie, brings over 15 years of experience in video processing, LED displays and projection. VISUALIZATION APPOINTS JAMES BELSO AS COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR 4ICG APPOINTS NEW EUROPEAN OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Scottish headquartered digital specialist 4ICG Group, has appointed a new European Operations Director to lead its growth in Europe. Lydia McKinnon has joined the company to lead the expansion of 4ICG’s team in Malaga in addition to the establishment of its new office in Tenerife, which was announced by the company in March. Another 200 jobs are being created in Malaga, as well as the 150 roles previously announced at its Santa Cruz base in Tenerife. 4ICG Group’s roster of brands includes Software Advisory Service, Pursuit Marketing and Fierce Digital. The company plans to announce the further expansion, with additional locations in Europe, in the next six months. Lydia joins 4ICG with a wealth of experience in senior operations roles at HP and Kura. She will be initially based in Malaga and will spend time in each location as operations dictate. Lydia said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to work with a fast paced, progressive and ambitious Scottish business as they build their presence in Europe. The Malaga office has been a great success so far for 4ICG but will benefit from additional leadership on the ground as we target new business and add to the existing team.”37KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE KDS Magazine is the leading technical journal for manufacturers, integrators and deployers of self service terminals and digital signage. Published on a bi-monthly basis, KDS features news, articles, features from industry leading bodies, and the very latest information on the innovative technology used in our exciting industry. Past issues can be found on our website: www.kdseurope.com, along with news, features and information on events throughout the year. www.kdseurope.com | sales@kdseurope.com | editor@kdseurope.comNext >