Network topology exploration for industrial networks

Abstract

Large industrial networks (e.g., plants and grids) are usually characterized by numerous sectors of responsibility and multiple suppliers. Managing these networks is a challenge and requires concrete knowledge of the current network state in terms of device influence and network activities. Here, automated topology exploration is a valuable and very performant measure to provide a wide range of information about devices and their communication relations. Existing exploration methods mostly use active, intrusive methods which have no chance to be applied in sensitive or critical industrial networks. In this paper we present a completely passive approach. It is supplier-independent and provides information that has not been explored before using passive methods.