RUGGEDCOM CROSSBOW is a scalable solution tailored to the ever increasing utility  asset owner's needs. It provides secure, local and remote user access, as well as management of  Intelligent Electronic Devices and their associated files. It is an enterprise class solution in  compliance with comprehensive cyber security standards including the ever-evolving US NERC CIP.

 

It is a proven secure access management solution designed to provide NERC CIP compliant access to Intelligent Electronic Devices. CROSSBOW solution focuses on delivering productivity gains for administrators and users while achieving full NERC compliance in managing, securing and reporting on remote access. The combination of the CROSSBOW Secure Access Management server and CROSSBOW Station Access Controller for local substation access form an integrated, comprehensive solution with a seamless configuration environment.

 

CROSSBOW addresses the need for utilities to interactively access remote field IEDs for maintenance, configuration, and data retrieval. CROSSBOW allows a native IED application to remotely communicate with its associated IEDs, as if the user were directly connected to the IED with a serial cable or network connection. User access is governed by the appropriate authentication model (e.g. RSA SecurID) and all user activity is logged and reported per the NERC CIP specification.

 

System Architecture

RUGGEDCOM CROSSBOW system consists of a central server, and a number of clients. The clients are typically the user's desktop or laptop computers. The server contains the system database, based on Microsoft SQL Server, and manages all connections from the clients to the remote IEDs. The central server supports a high availability cluster configuration for increased reliability. The alternative Application Server architecture also allows for the central management of all native IED applications by locating them on a central server, eliminating the need for client software on the user's desktop.

 

RUGGEDCOM CROSSBOW Station Access Controller

CROSSBOW Station Access Controller complements the product family by providing a solution at the substation for managing local IED access, while maintaining stringent security methodologies in line with NERC CIP compliance and industry best practices. This allows the software to further enhance productivity gains for administrators and users while achieving full NERC compliance in managing, securing and reporting on remote access.

 

Benefits

• Global Password Management of all applicable relays and gateway devices
• Configuration and Firmware Management of applicable relays and gateway devices
• Integrated File Management provides controlled access, version control, and history for all file types
• Support for third party security event management systems
• Blocking of specified IED command improves security and reduces errors
• Automatic, scheduled retrieval of important IED event files
• Preserves investment in legacy gateway devices and communication infrastructure
• Meets NERC standards for cybersecurity
• Individual user accounts and privileges
• Audit log of activity
• WAN or Dial-up access
• Administration interface allows management of thousands of IEDs and hundreds of users
• Integration with Active Directory, RSA SecurID and other enterprise authentication solutions
• Complete set of one click NERC CIP compliance reports
• Support for unattended or scheduled application dial out
• Comprehensive management of Siemens RUGGEDCOM routers and switches

 

Automation

 

Security

 

Supports wide range of remote gateways and servers

 

Ease of administration

 

Please contact your local RESCO or EUSCO representative for more information on the Ruggedcom CROSSBOW System or the Ruggedcom CROSSBOW Starter Edition that has been developed with the smaller utilities in mind. The CROSSBOW Starter Edition provides for up to 5 users and 200 remote devices. As your network grows, optional CROSSBOW modules can be added for additional features and scalability.