The Amphion model 14 – H RSSD, or Remote Service Security Device,  provides a high-performance, secure, and reliable solution for remotely accessing machines.  It works with Ei3’s SaaS applications for M2M and Smart Services including the Ei3 Remote Monitoring Cloud and Argo remote service platforms.   The Amphion model 14 is built to be installed inside a machine control panel on the factory floor and has convenient features that make it easy to complete the installation and set-up process.  Once a factory or a machine is connected to the internet using the Amphion model 14 machine data is monitored and stored within the Ei3 Remote Monitoring Cloud and secure access for remote service technicians can be controlled.  This device is compatible with on-site equipment supplied by most internet service providers including broadband site modems: ADSL, cable, T-1 connections, and is usually positioned behind an existing firewall to connect to the Internet through the existing plant network.  The Amphion’s communicates by using an encrypted connection to the data centers that host Ei3’s Remote Monitoring Cloud.  Industry standard security techniques are used to create a VPN (Virtual Private Network) between the Shop LAN and the service technician.  A large number of IP addresses are supported and existing machine networks are accommodated by using network address translation.

Most importantly, the Amphion is built with a strong firewall to protect the machine’s devices from undesired network access, it protects and isolates the machine’s devices from other network activity or un-authorized access.

For remote networking diagnostic and configuration sessions, a telephone connection is provided so that the Ei3 Corporation NOC (Network Operations Center) can provide out of band technical support.

The Amphion model 14 – N MRFD, or  Machine Router Firewall Device, provides a high-performance, secure, and reliable solution for remotely accessing machines.  It works with Ei3’s SaaS applications for M2M and Smart Services including the Ei3 Remote Monitoring Cloud and Argo remote service platforms.  The Amphion model 14 is built to be installed inside a machine control panel on the factory floor and has convenient features that make it easy to complete the installation and set-up process.  Once a factory or a machine is connected to the internet using the Amphion model 14 it is possible to set-up remote monitoring and provide secure access for remote service technicians.

The MRFD device performs local Network Address Translation to create plant floor network solutions for remote monitoring without having to change any of the IP addresses of any of the machines – even if there are machines that use the same IP addresses.

The Amphion 14-N works by communicating on a Shop-floor Local Area Network, LAN, to a master Amphion 14-H RSSD which is connected through the internet to the data centers that host Ei3′s Remote Monitoring Cloud.  The Amphion 14-N creates network isolation to the machines connected and limits remote service sessions to only access the devices and equipment that are located behind the Amphion.  This feature is used to organize plant floor networks and segregate equipment to allow for third party technicians to access equipment in a limited, controlled, logged and secure manner.

One popular feature of Ei3′s remote monitoring cloud is its ability to gather data from machine controllers – making it very easy to get machines online with extensive lists of parameters being monitored. This method leverages existing machine automation systems to save on hardware costs and installation time. But not every machine has the necessary automation equipment in place to provide data to the Remote Monitoring Cloud. Certain machines might rely on discrete controls, or others may have automation systems that are not well documented or based on closed communications protocols.

There is a practical solution available to collect data from any machine regardless of its existing electronics – its called the Ei3 Databox. The Databox provides a cost effective, easy to deploy solution for acquiring data. Whether you are tracking machine production, quality or energy consumption, the Databox has the inputs needed. Wiring from key process points such as the unit production counter, or the machine speed sensor the Databox readily makes collects the values needed for Ei3′s Remote Monitoring Cloud. Networking connectivity is streamlined because the Databox has advanced networking features to integrates directly to Ei3′s Amphion devices.

The Databox works by running Ei3′s proprietary data gathering program running inside a Rockwell Automation Micrologix 1100 Controller. The Rockwell controller is used because is is a globally available, highly reliable, and cost effective. The Databox program allow for users to configure and scale parameters for use within the Remote Monitoring Cloud, by using either the fount panel LCD screen or web pages from secure web pages hosted in the cloud.

The Databox is the perfect choice for adding to a plant floor network to have a complete remote monitoring solution.