Configuring OT networks and keeping them running smoothly has never been more complicated. Is your team feeling the pressure?
If so, there’s good reason: OT networks are now deeply diverse. In other words, they:
- Span different technologies for WAN and LAN (wired and wireless systems) - each with their own specialized tools and configuration models
- Connect everything from legacy PLCs to modern IoT sensors
- Integrate cloud services and on-premises assets
- Reflect the convergence of both IT and OT domains, blending traditional plant systems with enterprise data, cybersecurity requirements and remote management
Adding to this complexity are outdated manual workflows that often rely on spreadsheets, Visio diagrams and siloed monitoring tools. These manual approaches simply don’t (and can’t) scale with the increasing number of devices, sophisticated network configurations and expanding security demands of today’s OT environments.
Fully autonomous operation with IBN is the long‑term vision for OT network management. But, as transfer of responsibility from human to system proceeds, human oversight will remain essential. During that time, systems will take on more heavy lifting when it comes to making sure networks meet operational goals.
How OT network management is evolving
Network management in OT environments isn’t changing overnight; it’s progressing step by step, moving away from manual processes and toward a more intelligent, adaptive approach to managing connected operations.
1. Manual and time-consuming management
Most OT networks still depend on decades-old configuration practices that involve command-line interfaces (CLIs), web-based tools and different software platforms. These approaches are slow, are error-prone, require deep networking expertise and rely heavily on humans.
As experienced staff retire, it’s becoming harder to find professionals who have the expertise (and patience) to manage this rise in complexity with traditional methods. When you do find workers with the right skills, the burden of this manual work can quickly become too much.
2. Assisted automation
In this stage, tools begin to relieve some manual burden. For example, Belden’s HiVision Network Management Software simplifies the process of configuring similar parameters across many devices at once.
Our TXCare Network Management System wizards go a step further by automatically computing network configurations end to end so engineers no longer have to create individual device setups manually.
3. Partial automation
This stage is where configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting become more closely integrated through highly automated configuration and intelligent monitoring.
Systems support AI-assisted recommendations that help engineers identify root causes and apply corrective actions faster, while humans stay in control.
4. Full automation and management
In the not-too-distant future, we’ll begin to see the opportunity to fully automate network configuration and management with human oversight.
In time, networks will begin to handle more changes autonomously as operators provide guidance and verify key decisions before they take effect.
5. Autonomous network management
Ultimately, networks will evolve to understand and execute user intent. You define the outcome you want, and the system does the rest. This is intent-based networking, which we mentioned earlier. It builds on the foundations established with earlier versions of automation tools, and it creates a more adaptive and reliable network infrastructure.
Think of IBN like heading out on a road trip with a self-driving car. Traditional network management requires engineers to manually “plan their routes” by configuring every connection and troubleshooting every turn, much like driving a traditional car. But the future will look different. Networks will “know” the destination, chart the best path and adjust automatically when conditions change … all while humans stay in the driver’s seat for oversight and control.
What is intent-based networking?
An intent-based network begins with a simple question: What do you want your network to achieve? Secure OT network segmentation, better uptime, easy device onboarding? Once the desired outcome (intent) is defined, those goals are translated into appropriate configuration steps and policies that are automatically implemented across the network.
To ensure compliance and performance, OT network monitoring runs continuously and automatically to track device status, traffic and security events in real-time. As policies and requirements evolve, the network adapts to ensure security, OT network segmentation and optimal performance without constant manual adjustment.
A smarter way to run your OT network
Intent-based networking introduces practical automation that evolves over time to support setup, monitoring and ongoing management, delivering real benefits for industrial teams. It makes networks easier to run and more resilient in the face of change.
Here are a few examples:
- Humans can take on higher-value work. IBN automates day-to-day configuration and ongoing management so teams spend less time on repetitive tasks and can focus on solving problems, improving processes and working on new projects.
- Mistakes are reduced. Automated systems handle changes consistently and correctly, eliminating human errors that often come with manual setup and updates.
- Network deployment happens faster. Configuration can be applied across every device and location automatically so teams can bring new systems online in minutes.
- Security improves dramatically. IBN automatically applies security policies across the entire network, closing configuration gaps and adapting to new threats as they appear.
- Troubleshooting is more effective. Instead of piecing together clues from disconnected monitoring tools, IBN compares network conditions to your goals so engineers can see where deviations need to be addressed before they turn into downtime.
- Network administrators are easier to hire. Because IBN provides intuitive, outcome-driven management, seasoned experts aren’t always required. Newer employees with less technical experience can achieve successful results.
Belden will make intent-based networking work in the real world
Belden is leading the industry’s shift toward intent-based networking for industrial environments. Our forward-looking approach will bridge the gap between application engineering and network management, showing how a more intelligent, adaptive network model will shape the future of industrial connectivity.
The shift to intent-based networking will happen in stages, with each step bringing more automation, insight and adaptability to industrial networks that were once entirely manual.
Belden’s complete connection solutions will lay the groundwork for intent-based networking, helping it take shape in real-world environments by translating high-level intent into the complex configurations needed across heterogeneous systems ... without you having to master every underlying detail.
When network performance optimizes itself over time, you can focus on production, problem-solving and innovation. And you can be confident that your infrastructure will always support your mission, no matter how complex operations become, how much production grows or how the workforce evolves.
Related links:
Build connections between IT and OT security to boost plant operations
Why IT-OT Convergence Is Critical for CPG Transformation
How to Bring Your Network Data and OT Data Together in One Place
Network Access Control Is an Essential Part of Your OT Security