Understanding the Value of Accurate Physical Mapping in Modern OT Networks
As industrial environments modernize, the need for accurate, real-time visibility into operational technology (OT) networks has become a top priority. While many tools promise network mapping capabilities, few offer reliable insight into both the physical and logical layers of an industrial architecture, especially in distributed, long-running, or brownfield systems.
Studies show that most OT incidents stem from changes that were undocumented or poorly understood within the network environment, often occurring without the knowledge of corporate or plant IT/OT teams. According to Dragos, nearly 70% of industrial environments contain undocumented assets or connections, leaving organizations exposed to significant operational and cybersecurity risks.
In response to this challenge, DYNICS emphasizes not just the concept of network mapping, but the value of accurate, authoritative network visibility, with capabilities delivered through the DYNICS OT-SDN Controller.
The Challenge: Traditional Network Maps Are Often Inaccurate
In many industrial facilities, network diagrams stored on shared drives are assumed to be correct but rarely reflect the real-world environment and drawings in panels are rarely updated and often have out of date red lined changes if they are red lined at all. Over time, devices get added, cables get moved, and equipment is relocated between systems. These changes occur faster than documentation can keep up, especially when plants are remote or internationally located.
This is a known industry issue. Research from the SANS Institute notes that OT networks frequently suffer from undocumented modifications and shadow devices, creating blind spots that complicate troubleshooting and increase cyber risk.
For organizations responsible for maintaining production uptime, relying on outdated drawings can result in:
- Misdiagnosed network issues
- Unnecessary and expensive travel for engineering staff
- Delays in incident response leading to longer downtime events
- Missed indicators of emerging cybersecurity risk
In short: If you can’t see the real network, you can’t secure or support it.
Where DYNICS Provides Value: Accurate Physical Mapping Through OT-SDN
DYNICS delivers powerful visibility through the OT-SDN Controller, designed specifically for software-defined OT architectures.
1. A Precise, Real-Time Physical Network Map
The DYNICS OT-SDN Controller provides:
- A clean, accurate visual representation of the live physical network
- Exact switch-to-device connections
- Port-level visibility showing what is connected and where
Because SDN enforces control and authentication of connected nodes, every connection reflected in the topology is 100% accurate and trustworthy, something traditional unmanaged networks simply cannot guarantee.
2. Logical Communication Insights Built into the Topology
While not specifically designed to replace traditional logical network mapping tools, the OT-SDN Controller includes useful logical-flow insights:
- Visual identification of which devices are communicating
- A right-panel table listing protocols and communication details
- A communication “conversation” view that displays traffic between any two nodes
Prior to the new user interface, this logical context was not visible on the topology. Today, operators can immediately see relationships and protocol usage directly via a clear, easy to understand network diagram.
Why Physical Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
The true value of the DYNICS OT-SDN topology emerges in real-world operational scenarios.
Consider a plant overseas experiencing periodic network disruptions. The traditional process might look something like:
- Open outdated drawings
- Ask local engineers to confirm correctness
- Rely on verbal assurance that “nothing has changed”
- Deploy a technician on-site when the issue remains unresolved
More often than not, those drawings are inaccurate. Devices were added. Ports were moved. A new machine was plugged in on the far side of the production line, with the network connectivity and network changes undocumented.
With the OT-SDN Controller, this uncertainty is eliminated. The topology:
- Shows the exact physical connections in nearly real time
- Highlights which devices are communicating, with whom, and over which protocols
- Provides audit trails showing network events such as new devices, new protocols, new conversations, plug and unplug events for network cables, etc.
- Enables rapid diagnosis without site travel
- Supports deeper troubleshooting using built-in diagnostic tools
These tools reduce downtime, improve incident response, and provide the clarity required to maintain a secure and reliable network.
Final Thoughts
Physical network mapping is not merely a documentation exercise; it is a foundational requirement for safe, secure, and reliable industrial operations. While most vendors provide partial views or focus exclusively on logical flows, DYNICS delivers verified, nearly real-time physical visibility and relevant logical context through the OT-SDN Controller.
By ensuring operators know exactly what is connected, how it is connected, and what is communicating across the network, the OT-SDN Controller helps organizations:
- Reduce troubleshooting time
- Minimize the need for on-site engineering visits
- Improve OT security posture
- Increase operational resilience
OT networks continue to grow in complexity, and the demands placed upon OT networks increase exponentially each year; clear visibility and trustworthy topology mapping is essential. DYNICS remains committed to simplifying OT networks, OT network security, and providing customers with a path compliant with emerging standards such as IEC/ISA 62443.
Sources:
- “Managing External Connections to Your Operational Technology (OT) Environment” – Dragos, Inc.
https://www.dragos.com/blog/managing-external-connections-to-operational-technology-environmenthttps://256today.com/auburns-mccrary-institute-summit-brings-together-cybersecurity-leaders-to-help-prevent-attacks-against-water-systems/ - “2020 SANS Network Visibility and Threat Detection Survey” – Ian Reynolds
https://assets.extrahop.com/pdfs/analyst-reports/SANS-Network-Visibility-and-Threat-Detection-Survey-2020.pdfhttps://www.huntsvillecommerce.com/alabama-water-cybersecurity-summit-tackles-escalating-threats-to-critical-water-infrastructure/
