SOLUTION
A secure, global wireless data channel
For IHI, the Soracom Gate private networking service represented the ideal solution. Soracom Gate is a secure, on-demand cellular link that supports remote control of equipment parameters without sending data over the public internet. This prevents unauthorized access to IHI or customer systems.
Soracom Gate also offers compelling cost benefits. Unlike full-time connections required for real-time monitoring, the connection required for real-time adjustment is used relatively infrequently. This made Soracom’s pay-as-you-go fee structure a natural fit to minimize the cost of remote adjustments, and the ability to begin testing on a self-service basis with nearly zero upfront cost went a long way toward developing a proof-of-concept quickly for internal approval.
Because more than 50% of IHI’s gas turbine power plants are installed outside of their home market, Soracom’s global footprint made plant management simple from a business perspective as well. Rather than having to negotiate service locally in every market, IHI can use a Soracom SIM and count on the same level of service and fee structure at any of its facilities around the world.
IHI uses Soracom Air to connect a gateway at the power plant to their headquarters in Toyosu, Japan.
When the dedicated real-time diagnosis system determines that remote maintenance is required, IHI creates a secure channel between workstations on both ends using Soracom Gate to allow on-demand adjustments to the gas turbine and related systems.
Once maintenance is complete, the cellular connection is terminated while 24/7 monitoring continues.