Case Study
Upgrading Communications and Cybersecurity for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant
Project Overview
This project upgraded the communication and cybersecurity infrastructure for a municipal clean water system, replacing outdated radio telemetry with a more reliable broadband network. The upgrade aimed to enhance data transmission speed and security, ensuring seamless communication from remote water sites to a central control center, and protecting the system from potential cyber threats by installing firewalls at each site.
Project Background
The municipal utility was facing communication issues with its old radio telemetry system, which resulted in delays and data loss. The goal was to implement a broadband network to improve real-time monitoring and control, along with strengthening cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and infrastructure.
Planning and Design Phase
The planning phase involved consultations to understand site-specific needs and assess infrastructure limitations. The design replaced radio telemetry with fiber optic and broadband cables, chosen for their reliability and ability to handle high data loads. The design also integrated firewalls at each site to block unauthorized access and VPNs for secure data transmission.
Vendor and Contractor Management
The project team issued a request for proposals (RFP) to source broadband equipment, firewalls, and network hardware from reliable vendors. Specialized contractors were hired to install the infrastructure, with careful planning to minimize disruptions to ongoing operations.
Installation and Implementation
The installation began with trenching for fiber optic and broadband cables, with fiber optic cables used for longer-distance connections. Firewalls were installed and configured to ensure secure data transmission. The new communication network was integrated with the existing SCADA system, ensuring efficient data flow to the central control system.
Conclusion
The project successfully upgraded the water system’s communication and cybersecurity infrastructure on time and within budget. The new broadband network has significantly improved data transmission, reliability, and security, while firewalls provide enhanced protection from cyber threats. The client reported increased operational efficiency and improved decision- making
Future Recommendations
To enhance the system further, the client may consider adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access and conducting regular security audits. Scaling the network as the system grows and ensuring ongoing maintenance will help maintain long-term efficiency and security.