The advent of 5G technology has ushered in a new era in telecommunications, impacting the realms of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Despite its potential significance, a noticeable gap exists in scientific research focused on the integration of 5G into Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Control System (ICS) environments. Furthermore, limited empirical evidence sheds light on the performance and security implications of 5G within SCADA/ICS setups. Additionally, there’s a dearth of scalable and robust Testbeds that can facilitate comparative assessments of future mobile technologies against their predecessors. This thesis endeavours to bridge these gaps by conducting a comprehensive analysis encompassing 4G, 5G, and SCADA/ICS domains. It critically examines the introduction of mobile technologies within SCADA/ICS environments. A pivotal aspect of this research is the development of an innovative Testbed, simulating a critical infrastructure system mimicking SCADA/ICS operations. This Testbed serves as a controlled environment to explore how 5G and emerging connectivity technologies affect the system. A series of designed experiments are exe cuted within the Testbed, aimed at delving deeper into the security and performance implications of 5G technology in an OT environment. The findings derived from these experiments offer an intricate breakdown of the key areas in which 5G surpasses its predecessor, 4G. The most striking outcome from this analysis is the revelation that 5G is exceptionally well-positioned for seamless integration within Industry 4.0 and other OT systems. This insight has profound implications for the future of critical infrastructure and industrial control, signifying a pivotal shift toward enhanced connectivity and performance. In essence, this thesis contributes by addressing a critical research gap, providing empirical evidence, and offering a novel methodology through 13 the development of a robust Testbed. It not only advances the understanding of the interplay between 5G technology OT systems but also underscores the potential for transformative change in the IT and OT landscape.
5G SCADA Based Control System
Gelmini, A. (Author). 2024
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis