A factory with perfect efficiency, uptime, and productivity is one bad actor away from utter failure if it never pays any mind to its network security. Many routers are built for office environments, but automation demands more. Harsh conditions, strict security requirements, and seamless integration with industrial control systems make traditional IT equipment and software less effective. That is where the Stratix 5900 comes in. This security appliance is designed specifically for industrial networks, combining firewall protection, secure remote access, and advanced traffic control into a single package. But how does this all lead to safeguarding your factory?

Firewall Protection for Industrial Control Systems

Firewalls control which traffic is allowed into and out of a network. In industrial settings, this is especially important because unauthorized access can lead to production slowdowns or system failures.

The Stratix 5900 firewall is tailored for automation environments, allowing it to filter traffic based on industrial protocols. This ensures that only authorized devices and commands are processed while blocking anything suspicious, unlike standard IT firewalls, which are built for office traffic.

For example, a standard firewall might block unauthorized web access, but the Stratix 5900 can prevent unauthorized PLC commands or block traffic attempting to disrupt machine-to-machine communication. It also uses Zone-Based Firewalls, which allow network traffic to be segmented into different areas based on security needs. This means the control system can be isolated from general business traffic, reducing exposure to potential threats.

Deep Packet Inspection for Enhanced Security

Network security is not just about blocking or allowing traffic. Sometimes, a cyber threat can be hidden inside what appears to be normal communication. That is why the Stratix 5900 includes Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). Instead of just checking where data is coming from, it analyzes the contents of network traffic.

For an industrial network, this means:

• Detecting unauthorized or harmful commands before they reach automation equipment.
• Identifying unusual traffic patterns that could indicate a cyber-attack.
• Ensuring that only trusted industrial protocols are allowed to operate.

Take, for example, a packaging plant where PLCs control conveyor belts. If an attacker tries to send malicious start/stop commands disguised as normal network traffic, a standard firewall might not notice. DPI catches the irregular command, blocks it, and prevents system disruption.

Secure Remote Access with VPN Support

Industrial facilities often need remote access for maintenance, troubleshooting, or monitoring. The problem is that an unsecured connection can leave the network open to attacks. To solve this, the Stratix 5900 includes built-in VPN support to allow remote users to connect without exposing critical systems to threats and bad actors.

It supports both IPsec and SSL VPNs, which encrypt data traveling between remote locations and the facility. This encryption prevents unauthorized users from intercepting or modifying network traffic, meaning that your remote technician can securely log in, access automation systems, and perform necessary tasks without compromising security.

This is especially useful for facilities that operate across multiple locations. Instead of relying on unsecured remote desktop tools, the Stratix 5900 ensures that off-site engineers can monitor operations without opening vulnerabilities.

Network Address Translation (NAT) for Better Security

A network’s internal structure should not be visible to the outside world. If attackers can see the layout of connected devices, they can identify weaknesses to target. The Stratix 5900 includes NAT, which helps hide the internal network by presenting a single, unified front to external networks.

This makes it harder for attackers to pinpoint specific devices. It also simplifies communication between different sections of an industrial network by mapping multiple internal addresses to a single external address.

For companies that regularly add new machines, NAT makes it easier to integrate them without reconfiguring the entire network.

Industrial-Grade Durability for Harsh Environments

Many networking devices are built for climate-controlled office spaces, but automation facilities deal with dust, moisture, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. Standard routers do not last long in those conditions.

The Stratix 5900 is built to handle industrial environments, with features including:

• A hardened enclosure for dust and impact resistance.
• A temperature range of -25°C to 60°C to allow it to operate in freezing or high-heat environments.
• DIN rail mounting for easy installation.
• A redundant power input to keep the router online in case one goes out.

Seamless Integration with Rockwell Automation Systems

The Stratix 5900 is designed to work with Rockwell products, making it a natural fit for industrial control systems. When used alongside Stratix-managed switches, the security and performance of an industrial network are further optimized. Features like port-based security, storm control, and redundancy protocols help maintain stable communication between automation devices.

Cloud-Ready for Secure IIoT Connectivity

Industrial automation is increasingly shifting toward cloud-based monitoring and predictive maintenance, and secure data transmission is vital for these applications. That’s why the Stratix 5900 supports cloud connections while maintaining strict security controls, making it easier to implement Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions.

With this capability, facilities can:

• Send production data to cloud-based analytics platforms for performance monitoring.
• Enable predictive maintenance by analyzing machine health remotely.
• Allow engineers to diagnose problems remotely to reduce downtime.

Additional Features That Enhance Industrial Security

The Stratix 5900 includes security tools that go beyond standard firewall and VPN protection. These features provide additional layers of defense, ensuring that only authorized users, trusted devices, and legitimate network traffic can interact with critical automation systems.

Access Control Lists (ACLs)

ACLs allow administrators to set rules about which devices or users can access specific parts of the network., as well as allow for precise traffic filtering, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or accidental misconfigurations.

For example, an ACL can ensure that only specific engineering workstations can communicate with machine controllers, preventing unauthorized devices from sending commands that could disrupt production. It also limits vendor access, allowing them to connect only to approved systems while keeping other areas locked down.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Stratix 5900 supports MFA, which requires users to verify their identity through multiple steps before gaining access. Like your work email or even social media accounts, MFA requires an additional factor of login safety, such as a temporary code sent to a secure device or email.

SSL/TLS Encryption

When logging into the Stratix 5900’s web-based management interface, SSL/TLS encryption makes sure that all communication remains secure and unreadable to potential bad actors. Details such as sensitive login credentials or configuration changes will be encrypted.

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

Unlike a traditional firewall that simply allows or denies connections, IPS goes a step further by inspecting traffic patterns and identifying potential cyberattacks before they cause harm. The Stratix 5900’s IPS actively scans network traffic for known threats to block or flag any suspicious activity.

This feature is particularly valuable in industrial environments where older automation equipment may not have built-in security protections. IPS helps defend against malicious code, unauthorized system scans, and brute-force attacks that could target vulnerable networked devices.

Final Thoughts

Protecting an industrial network requires more than just a standard router; that much has become very clear. The Stratix 5900 provides advanced security, industrial durability, and seamless integration with automation systems. It is built to handle the unique challenges of industrial environments, offering features that secure networks, prevent downtime, and ensure reliable remote access. For facilities that need secure networking without interruptions, this security appliance is an essential part of a strong industrial infrastructure and is readily available on our website! We carry many different models of the Stratix line, including the 5900 we just discussed. We also have an excellent technical team on standby that can help guide you to the perfect Stratix router.