The Netcon GW502-iM is a compactly packaged gateway and protocol converter built specifically for harsh substation environments. A standalone device without a rack, it can easily be duplicated to form a redundant, fault-tolerant pair.

Integrated cybersecurity based on embedded Linux OS

The Netcon GW502-iM avoids so-called man in the middle attacks because it does not rely on external security devices; it has integrated cybersecurity. It is powered by the reliable, resilient and secure Linux OS. This functions as the platform for our Netcon NFE application, which handles the realtime database functionality with protocol conversions.

The Linux kernel is a modern one, with recent security related libraries and with long time support. It features:

• Secure boot and signed patches: signature checked before boot/update
• Built-in firewall
• Tools against DDoS (distributed denial of service)
• Security event logging by syslog by default
• Support for multiple VPN tunnels using OpenVPN or IPSec
• Authentication
• IEC 60870-5-104/s support with security according to IEC 62351-3
• 256-bit AES encryption
• Protection against Remote access toolkit attacks.

Netcon NFE inside

Large dataset capability – Can support dozens of protection relays and up to 5,000 I/O points.

Multiple master & slave protocols – A large library of several dozen energy utility protocols. It supports connection to multiple masters, the simultaneous use of different protocols upstream and downstream towards different kinds of IEDs, with both serial and IP communications.

Integral protocol diagnostic & debugging tools – The integrated Netcon Serial Analyser enables the user to interrogate protocol messaging for troubleshooting purposes.

IEC 61850-8-1 support

The Netcon GW502-iM has full support for the emerging IEC 61850-8-1 standard, with proven multi-vendor interoperability and support for both ed.1 and ed.2.

IEC 61131-3 PLC Soft Logic – Enhanced logic functionality is provided by the industry standard ISaGRAF environment, with the run-time and developer applications included.

Local/remote management – Configuration is intuitive and easy to manage. Settings are stored on a memory card and easily copied between devices. Remote management software gives the user the ability to deploy, maintain and upgrade the GW502-iM securely as well as to download aggregated data such as disturbance records.