Remote maintenance of building technology in practice

These and other customers and partners from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sectors
are already benefiting from the networking solutions from INSYS icom.

Integration of HVAC in the building technology

In modern building management, several functions from the HVAC sector, sometimes also referred to as HVACR, are typically required simultaneously. Therefore, the individual technologies for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration are often integrated into a central building management system and coordinated with one another.

Secure and stable connection to the Internet

  • Compact design for easy integration into small installation spaces
  • Extensive routing functions with simple operability
  • Connection via VPN service for centralised remote maintenance

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Efficient remote maintenance of HVAC systems

HVAC systems are often integrated into comprehensive building management systems, which are often managed by external service providers. The precise control, monitoring and maintenance of the systems are part of comprehensive technical building management – ideally digitalised and managed from a central location. This allows operating processes to be efficiently optimised, reduces the need for on-site personnel, and lowers overall operating costs.

There are usually three main use cases: The classic remote maintenance solution is particularly used by companies that operate service and maintenance contracts for several locations. This way, they have an overview of all properties at any time and can respond quickly in the event of faults. The technical application is also suitable for in-house PV systems that are integrated into the comprehensive building management system via remote access. In addition, EU regulations such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) require that energy consumption and emissions in buildings are accurately recorded and documented. The connection of all systems also lays the foundation for this.

VPN service for targeted remote maintenance

  • Fast and intuitive installation and management
  • Transparent real-time monitoring with optional notifications
  • Compatibility with common HVAC applications and controls

Building technology in industry and functional buildings

Here are some examples of what our routers and remote maintenance solutions are used for in technical building management.

Added value of the INSYS icom solution

For experts and newcomers

Modern user interface, easy operability, guided startup wizard

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Simple remote maintenance access

Efficient remote maintenance and maximum IT security. Granular access and rights management, also for external service providers.

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Third-party compatible

Compatibility of the VPN solution with router solutions and controllers already in use

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Analysis & debugging tools

Tools for analysing the network: ping/icmp, tcpdump, traceroute, …

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Web proxy function

Access to web interface (e.g. from video cameras without VPN client) from smartphone, tablet and browser

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High IT security / KRITIS

Hardened operating system. Market leader in critical infrastructure. Encryption compliant with BSI TR-02102-2. IEC62443-4-1 certified development process.

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Interfaces

In addition to Ethernet, also analogue and digital IOs as well as serial interfaces (e.g. Modbus)

Durch die flexiblen MRcards schafft der modulare Router MRX mit bis zu 17 Ethernet-Ports, seriellen Schnittstellen oder digitalen und analogen I/Os viele verschiedene Anwendungs-Schnittstellen.

Broad router portfolio

Industrial-grade routers: from compact to high-performance – depending on the system type; from LTE to DSL – depending on the required connection type

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All products and services are also regularly tested by an independent organisation. More information is available under IT security.

Data communication for building technology – Frequently asked questions

How does an industrial router differ from a home router?

Routers that are used in industrial environments or in functional buildings differ significantly from conventional home routers in three areas:

Lifetime
Home routers are developed for 2-3 years of use, while industrial routers have a service life of 10+ years. They are qualitatively designed for harsher environmental conditions, e.g. temperature fluctuations in control cabinets or increased EMC/vibration, and stand for durability in the corresponding infrastructure.

Availability
Industrial applications rely on high communication availability. The router system has been developed for uninterrupted 24/7 operation.

Security
Infrastructure and industrial plants are attractive targets for cyber criminals. The router operating system is specially developed and hardened for these applications and offers functions for secure operation in critical infrastructure.

Find out more about the characteristic quality of the industrial routers.

How and where are industrial routers installed?

Industrial routers are clicked onto a DIN-rail in the electrical control cabinet or screwed directly to the housing or a bracket. In the case of cellular routers, the external cellular antenna is routed out of the control cabinet and mounted on the outside wall of the building.

Is the solution from INSYS icom compatible with controllers and third-party devices?

Our industrial routers combined with the remote maintenance service icom Connectivity Suite – VPN can be connected to all control systems, e.g. from Saia Burgess, Wago or Siemens, to enable efficient remote access.
Alternatively, existing devices that are themselves OpenVPN-capable can also be connected to the VPN solution from INSYS icom at any time, as it is ‘third-party compatible’.

Does INSYS icom meet the requirements for KRITIS?

Industries such as the food trade are part of the critical infrastructure (KRITIS) and therefore require special security precautions. INSYS icom products are compliant for use in these areas and are already being used by the relevant players. Key security features include, for example, the fact that our development process is certified according to the important cybersecurity standard IEC 62443-4-1. In addition, regular penetration tests are carried out for all products by an independent organisation. Find out more about IT security in our overview.

As a KRITIS operator, can I use cloud-based services?

The current legal situation does not rule out the use of cloud services. KRITIS customers of INSYS icom certainly use our solutions such as the icom Connectivity Suite – VPN or icom Router Management. Ultimately, implementation depends on company-specific regulations.

What interfaces do the routers have for operation and monitoring?

Our industrial routers can be easily integrated into existing monitoring systems with the following interfaces: REST-API, CLI, SNMP.

Further premium products for technical building management

Router & Gateways

Wide selection for various networking requirements

Device management

Centralised device and configuration management for routers

M2M SIM cards

Maximum availability for remote maintenance of building technology

Any questions left? We will be happy to assist you!