ICP DAS USA’s OPC UA IIoT Server Enables Secure, Cost-Effective Cross-Border Data Connectivity

ICP DAS USA’s OPC UA IIoT Server Enables Secure, Cost-Effective Cross-Border Data Connectivity

Introduction

A multinational technology company headquartered in Singapore needed to monitor PLC data from its Taiwan data center. Its existing system relied on a PC and an OPC DA server, which lacked built-in encryption. To securely access data across borders, this company had to deploy a VPN, increasing system complexity and costs for hardware, software, and network infrastructure.

This case study demonstrates how ICP DAS USA’s UA Series Communication Server uses OPC UA to provide secure, encrypted data transmission between Taiwan and Singapore. By eliminating the need for a VPN, the solution simplifies deployment while reducing overall system costs.

Solution

This customer deployed the ICP DAS USA’s UA-5231 IIoT Communication Server to collect PLC data in the Taiwan data center via Modbus TCP. The server then securely transmits the data to the SCADA system at the Singapore headquarters using the OPC UA protocol.

With built-in encryption and standardized communication, the solution enables secure cross-border data exchange, centralized monitoring, and efficient data analysis without the cost and complexity of a VPN.

Original Architecture

ICP DAS USA’s Solution Structure

Advantages of the ICP DAS USA’s OPC UA Communication Server

1. Reliable Operation with Low Power Consumption
   The UA-5231 IIoT Communication Server delivers stable, energy-efficient performance for long-term operation, helping reduce maintenance requirements and minimizing the need for routine site inspections.
2. Secure Communication Without a VPN
   Built-in OPC UA encryption enables secure data transmission across networks, eliminating the cost and complexity of deploying and maintaining a VPN.
3. Simplified Integration and Deployment
   Organizations can easily migrate from OPC DA to OPC UA, allowing existing SCADA systems to connect quickly with minimal configuration.

Benefits

The ICP DAS USA’s UA Series IIoT Communication Server seamlessly connects PLCs and other OT devices to enterprise and cloud applications, enabling faster integration between IT, OT, cloud platforms, and web applications.

Key Benefits include:

• Secure, encrypted data communication
• Reduced system and infrastructure costs
• Fast integration with existing PLC and SCADA systems
• Centralized monitoring and data management
• Improved operational visibility and efficiency
• Reliable, industrial-grade performance for long-term deployment

Key Product Features Include:
1. Support for OPC UA, MQTT, SNMP, RESTful API communication services

2. Direct OT Data Logging to Database and Data Recovery Function:UA Series communication servers can read data from I/O modules at scheduled intervals. Subsequently, the collected data can be logged to CSV files locally on a Micro SD card or remotely to a SQL database.

3. Data Recovery Function:

During normal operation, data is collected and stored in a database. If a network outage occurs, the UA Series automatically saves incoming data to a local SD card, preventing data loss. Once the connection is restored, the system automatically transfers the stored data to the database, ensuring complete and accurate historical records.

4.  Secure Data Exchange with Encryption and Certificates:
The UA Series helps protect IoT data with built-in cybersecurity features, including HTTPS, MQTT over SSL/TLS, and OPC UA encryption. These technologies secure real-time I/O data transmission and help ensure data confidentiality and integrity. With support for certificates and encrypted communications, the UA Series enables secure IT and OT connectivity for IoT applications. In addition, the UA-2841M supports SNMP v3 for enhanced network security and management.

5.  IoT Cloud Integration:
The UA Series enables real-time transmission of I/O data to cloud platforms for monitoring and analysis. It also supports customizable MQTT messages in JSON format, allowing users to efficiently distribute data to specific applications, services, or clients.

6.  IFTTT Logic Control and Mobile Alerts:
When abnormal I/O values are detected, the UA Series can trigger automated IFTTT actions and instantly send notifications through popular apps such as LINE, Gmail, X (formerly Twitter), and Weibo. This enables faster response times and helps keep personnel informed of critical events in real time.

Conclusion:

OPC UA plays a key role in modern industrial automation by enabling secure, reliable data exchange between OT systems, such as PLCs and production equipment, and IT applications, including MES, ERP, and cloud platforms. Its built-in security, interoperability, and scalability make it an ideal foundation for Industry 4.0 and IIoT initiatives while helping reduce deployment and maintenance costs.

ICP DAS USA continues to expand its portfolio of OPC UA and Industrial IoT solutions to meet the evolving needs of industrial automation. By partnering with ICP DAS USA, organizations can simplify system integration, strengthen cybersecurity, and achieve more efficient, connected operations.