Modbus/TCP and Data Encapsulation

The Modbus/TCP method of data transportation works with the AUTOSOL Communication Manager (ACM) OPC server to deliver companies their most valuable data from the field, helping to manage ICS and SCADA systems. The Modbus/TCP delivers users information such as flow measurements from pipelines using its method of encapsulating data across an Ethernet network, instead of a physical medium. The information that is transferred can include vital data such as readings of natural gas or oil. That data is then handed to analysts for examination.

ACM and the Modbus/TCP Method

When paired with ACM’s polling engine, the Modbus/TCP method aims to collect and deliver data to your most vital SCADA systems both reliably and securely. This pairing will deliver control rooms data securely organized and will alleviate concerns that may arise regarding security, maintenance and production for upstream, midstream and downstream markets. Modbus/TCP “is actually a set of layered protocols, providing a reliable data transport mechanism between machines. Ethernet has become the de facto standard of corporate enterprise systems, so it comes as no surprise that it has also become the de facto standard for factory networking,” according to The Modbus Organization. Ethernet “has matured to the point that the cost of implementing this network solution has been dropping to where its cost is commensurate with those of today’s field-buses.”

Extending Modbus/TCP

Getting data from devices using Modbus/TCP protocol can be extended to IIoT devices at the edge using AUTOSOL’s edge-based polling, eACM. Once eACM collects real-time data from any of the thousands of devices that support Modbus/TCP, eACM will publish to a MQTT Sparkplug B broker so that data can be further dispersed to a variety of applications.

Maintaining and upgrading SCADA systems for less money

AUTOSOL has spent more than 35 years in the oil and gas communication field, and has developed numerous custom drivers to support native protocols on a variety of field devices. This work allows companies to continue to use older legacy devices while continuing to upgrade and maintain their SCADA systems. Because ACM can speak with a variety of devices, companies are not constrained by having to settle for using just one brand of monitoring equipment. This flexibility expands company’s options who are looking to upgrade their SCADA control systems. For other additional details, please click to read our release notes and features supported from our list of supported protocols. 

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