Hydrocarbon Processing - April 2022 - GP-33

DIGITALIZATION & AUTOMATION
Redundancy via KVM technology
keeps critical systems accessible
D. HOSMER, G&D North America, Los Angeles, California
The proliferation of computers and
IT-based systems in industrial process
automation has created a need for advanced
and flexible system access to
these computers. This digitalization trend
creates a significant demand for more
data to be managed, monitored, secured
and evaluated.
In turn, organizations are implementing
redundancy approaches through keyboard-video-mouse
(KVM) technology
to ensure critical systems are available and
instantly accessible to any authorized user.
KVM refers to the interfaces of a
computer. KVM devices help separate
computers and their users. Operators instead
access, extend, switch or distribute
computer signals using dedicated CAT
cables, optical fibers or standard IP-based
network infrastructures and provide
them again at the remote workplace in
high resolution and with imperceptible
latency. That allows for the implementation
of comprehensive redundancy concepts
for security-relevant and missioncritical
applications.
KVM components explained. Fundamental
KVM equipment includes extenders,
switches and matrix systems. KVM
extenders expand computer signals 1:1.
KVM switches enable a 1:n connection
(i.e., several computers can be operated
using fewer peripherals from one console).
If several workplaces access several
computers simultaneously as an n:m
connection, the installation becomes
even more flexible. KVM matrix systems,
which can flexibly map even the largest IT
installations, offer this possibility.
Matrix systems consist of three
components:
1. Computer modules (CPUs),
which forward signals from
computers to a matrix
2. A central module, which connects
user consoles and computers
3. Console modules (CONs)
to connect the consoles on
which users work.
KVM systems enable the operation
of multiple computers remotely in real
time, without software installation, and
independent of the operating system,
thus saving peripherals. One of the main
advantages of using KVM equipment is
the simple implementation of security
concepts. The computers are in a central,
air-conditioned server room, protecting
them from unauthorized access. KVM
systems can be used to implement a variety
of redundancy concepts to increase
cybersecurity significantly. Redundancies
also enable operators to switch to a
redundant system even if a line or system
component fails. Thus, they can continue
their work immediately, securely, intuitively
and in a familiar environment.
Ensuring security through redundancies.
KVM systems offer numerous
options for creating redundancies for
mission-critical applications. Depending
on the complexity and requirements of
individual applications, the respective redundancy
concept can be either relatively
simple or complex. Redundancies back
up either only the KVM system (FIG. 1),
the computer side (FIG. 2), the console
side or the entire application. Redundancy
can be previously ensured by using a
local switch for smaller applications.
Complex application redundancy.
Sensitive security-critical areas and control
rooms go one step further and require
a completely redundant technical
FIG. 2. Redundant computers with remote
access.
FIG. 1. Redundant computer combined with a
KVM switch.
FIG. 3. Technical server room.
Gas Processing & LNG | MARCH/APRIL 2022 33
Hydrocarbon Processing - April 2022

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