Top 10 Most Used Protocols & OS in Global OT Environments

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Let's find the top 10 most used protocols & OS in global OT environments.

​In global OT environments, specific communication protocols are widely adopted to facilitate efficient and secure industrial operations. Here are some of the most prevalent protocols:​

  1. EtherNet/IP: An application layer protocol utilizing standard Ethernet and Internet Protocols, EtherNet/IP supports a broad range of applications, including process control and factory automation. It enables real-time control and extensive device networking. 

  2. PROFINET: An industrial Ethernet standard developed for real-time communication in automation systems. PROFINET supports various profiles, including PROFINET IO (for input/output devices) and PROFINET CBA (for component-based automation), making it suitable for complex automation tasks.

  3. Modbus: Developed in 1979, Modbus is a serial communication protocol extensively used for connecting industrial electronic devices. Its simplicity and openness have contributed to its widespread adoption in SCADA systems.

  4. PROFIBUS: A widely adopted fieldbus standard for industrial communication, supporting various profiles, including PROFIBUS DP (for decentralized peripherals) and PROFIBUS PA (for process automation). It is commonly used in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and chemical processing.

  5. EtherCAT: A real-time Ethernet protocol designed for high-performance motion control and automation applications. EtherCAT offers fast data transfer rates, low communication jitter, and precise synchronization, making it suitable for applications requiring high-speed control and determinism. 

  6. DeviceNet: Based on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus technology, DeviceNet is suitable for connecting various devices in a single network, including sensors, actuators, and drives. It is known for its robustness, determinism, and ease of installation. ​

  7. CANopen: A higher-level protocol built on top of the CAN bus technology, designed for motion control and industrial automation applications. CANopen provides a standardized communication framework for connecting various devices, such as drives, sensors, and actuators. 

  8. ControlNet: A real-time communication protocol developed for industrial automation applications, based on the Concurrent Time Domain Multiple Access (CTDMA) technology. ControlNet is designed for high-speed data transfer and deterministic control, often used in applications requiring tight integration between various devices.

  9. HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) Protocol: Widely used in process control applications for communication between intelligent field devices and control systems. HART operates over traditional 4-20 mA analog wiring, allowing for digital communication and remote configuration of field devices without disrupting existing infrastructure.

  10. DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol): An open and interoperable communication protocol commonly used in the electric utility and process control industries. DNP3 is designed for communication between master stations (such as SCADA systems) and RTUs or IEDs, enabling reliable data exchange and control over various communication media.


​​In global OT environments, selecting the appropriate operating system (OS) is crucial for ensuring reliability, real-time performance, and security. The following operating systems are commonly employed:​

  1. Windows NT/XP/7/10/11: Various versions of Microsoft's Windows operating systems have been widely used in OT environments, particularly for SCADA systems and HMIs. Their user-friendly interfaces and extensive support make them a popular choice.​

  2. Windows CE/Embedded: Tailored for embedded systems, these Windows versions offer real-time capabilities and are utilized in devices requiring a compact OS with a familiar development environment.​

  3. Linux-based Systems: Known for their flexibility and robustness, Linux distributions are increasingly adopted in OT settings. Their open-source nature allows for customization to meet specific industrial requirements.​

  4. QNX: A commercial Unix-like real-time operating system, QNX is designed for embedded systems requiring high reliability and performance. It is widely used in automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation.

  5. VxWorks: Developed by Wind River Systems, VxWorks is a real-time operating system (RTOS) known for its determinism and performance, making it suitable for mission-critical applications in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.​

  6. Unix and Unix-like Systems: Traditional Unix systems and their derivatives are employed in various OT applications, particularly where stability and scalability are paramount.​

  7. MS-DOS: Although largely obsolete, MS-DOS has been used in legacy industrial systems and may still be found in some older OT environments.​

  8. Integrity: An RTOS by Green Hills Software, offering high security and reliability for embedded systems.​

  9. RTEMS (Real-Time Executive for Multiprocessor Systems): An open-source RTOS designed for embedded systems in critical applications.​

  10. FreeRTOS: An open-source RTOS for microcontrollers and small microprocessors, known for its simplicity and portability.​


It's important to note that the choice of an operating system, protocols in OT environments depends on specific application requirements, hardware compatibility, and industry standards. 

#CPS #OT #XIoT #IoT #IIoT #IoMT #CPSSecurity #OTSecurity #IoTSecurity #CPS보안 #OT보안 #IoT보안


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