Description

ABB IP QUADRAURE: Industrial-Grade Network Security Module for Critical Automation Systems

Description

The ABB IP QUADRAURE is a cutting-edge industrial network security module developed by ABB, a global leader in automation and cyber-physical system protection. As a core component of ABB’s Cyber Security Suite for industrial environments, it provides multi-layered defense mechanisms to safeguard critical automation systems—including DCS, SCADA, and IoT devices—from cyber threats such as unauthorized access, malware, and data breaches.

Engineered specifically for the unique demands of industrial operations (where downtime is costly and security cannot compromise availability), this module combines deep packet inspection, protocol filtering, and anomaly detection with industrial-specific threat intelligence. The ABB IP QUADRAURE ensures secure data transmission between field devices, control systems, and cloud platforms while maintaining real-time performance—critical for time-sensitive industrial processes.

Application Scenarios

A large petrochemical refinery in the Middle East faced growing cyber security concerns after a ransomware attack on a neighboring facility disrupted operations for 10 days. The refinery’s existing IT-focused firewalls were incompatible with industrial protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profinet), creating security gaps that exposed its Symphony Plus DCS to potential threats. Additionally, the refinery struggled to monitor and control network traffic between 2,000+ field devices and the central control room. After deploying the ABB IP QUADRAURE across 8 network segments, the refinery achieved full visibility into industrial network traffic, with the module blocking 127 unauthorized access attempts in the first month. The IP QUADRAURE’s ability to filter industrial protocols ensured only legitimate control commands reached critical systems, while its anomaly detection identified a suspicious firmware update attempt on a gas analyzer—preventing a potential malware injection. The refinery’s cyber security manager stated, “The IP QUADRAURE speaks the language of our industrial systems—something traditional IT security tools can’t do. It’s our first line of defense against cyber threats that could shut down our entire operation.”

Parameter

| Parameter | Value/Description | |———–|——————-| | Product Model | ABB IP QUADRAURE | | Manufacturer | ABB Group | | Product Category | Industrial Network Security Module | | Security Functions | Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), Protocol Filtering, Anomaly Detection, Access Control, Threat Intelligence Integration | | Supported Industrial Protocols | Modbus TCP, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, IEC 61850, DNP3, MQTT | | Throughput | Up to 1 Gbps (full-duplex) | | Latency | < 1ms (ensures real-time industrial performance) | | Concurrent Connections | Up to 10,000 | | Network Interfaces | 4×Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), 2×SFP (fiber optic) | | Operating Temperature | -40°C to 70°C (ambient) | | Physical Dimensions | 190mm × 250mm × 45mm (1U rack-mount) | | Power Supply | 100-240V AC ±10%, 24V DC ±15% (redundant inputs) | | Management Interface | Web-based GUI, CLI, ABB Cyber Security Manager | | Compatibility | ABB AC 800M, Symphony Plus, third-party DCS/SCADA (Siemens, Rockwell) | | Certification | IEC 62443-4-2 (SIL 2), ISO 27001, CE, UL, ATEX Zone 2 |

ABB INNIS21

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

• Innovation Point 1: Industrial Protocol-Aware Security – Unlike generic IT firewalls, the ABB IP QUADRAURE parses and validates industrial protocols at the application layer, identifying malicious modifications to control commands (e.g., altered setpoints in Modbus frames). A power plant used this feature to block an attack that attempted to manipulate turbine speed via forged Profinet messages, avoiding a potential equipment failure.
• Innovation Point 2: Zero-Trust Access Control for Industrial Devices – The module implements zero-trust principles tailored to industrial environments, requiring continuous authentication of field devices (via digital certificates) before allowing network access. A water treatment plant reduced its attack surface by 85% after deploying this feature, as only authorized PLCs and sensors could communicate with the SCADA system.
• Innovation Point 3: Low-Latency Threat Response – Designed for time-sensitive industrial processes, the IP QUADRAURE processes security policies with sub-millisecond latency, ensuring it does not disrupt real-time control loops. A automotive assembly line reported no impact on robotic arm synchronization (which requires 5ms response time) after integrating the module, unlike a previous IT firewall that caused 2-second delays.

Application Cases and Industry Value

A 600MW combined-cycle power plant in Europe deployed 4 ABB IP QUADRAURE modules to secure its network infrastructure, which connects 1,500 field devices (pumps, valves, turbines) to the central control system. The plant’s previous security solution—a legacy IT firewall—failed to detect a brute-force attack on the DCS, leading to a 2-hour unplanned shutdown. The IP QUADRAURE’s industrial-specific threat intelligence (updated daily with ICS-CERT advisories) identified and blocked a similar attack within 3 seconds of detection. Additionally, the module’s protocol filtering prevented unauthorized SCADA read/write requests from a compromised maintenance laptop, isolating the threat before it spread. Over 12 months, the plant avoided 3 potential cyber-related outages, saving an estimated $1.2 million in downtime costs. The plant’s IT/OT manager commented, “The IP QUADRAURE bridges the gap between IT security and OT reliability—we no longer have to choose between protecting our systems and keeping them running.”

In the renewable energy sector, a 100MW solar farm in Australia used the ABB IP QUADRAURE to secure its inverter network and cloud-based monitoring system. The farm faced risks from remote access attacks, as technicians often connected to inverters via mobile devices in the field. The IP QUADRAURE’s role-based access control (RBAC) restricted technician access to only the inverters they were assigned to, while its VPN integration ensured secure remote connections. When a phishing attempt compromised a technician’s credentials, the module’s anomaly detection flagged unusual login activity (attempting to access all inverters simultaneously) and blocked the request. The farm’s operations director noted, “Our solar inverters are the heart of our business—compromising them would mean losing revenue and grid compliance. The IP QUADRAURE gives us the confidence to embrace remote operations without sacrificing security.”

Related Product Combination Solutions

• ABB Cyber Security Manager : Centralized security management platform that aggregates alerts and configures policies for multiple ABB IP QUADRAURE modules, providing a single pane of glass for OT security.
• ABB AC800M PM864 : DCS CPU module that integrates with the IP QUADRAURE to enforce security policies at the control layer, ensuring only authorized commands reach the CPU.
• ABB IOR810 : Digital I/O module that works with the IP QUADRAURE to secure communication between field devices and the control system, with the security module validating I/O signals for integrity.
• ABB HMI800 : Human-machine interface that displays real-time security alerts from the IP QUADRAURE, enabling operators and security teams to respond quickly to threats.
• ABB Industrial VPN Gateway : Complements the IP QUADRAURE by providing secure remote access for maintenance teams, with the security module enforcing VPN authentication and access policies.
• ABB Threat Intelligence Feed : Subscription service that updates the IP QUADRAURE with real-time industrial cyber threat data (e.g., ICS malware signatures, exploit techniques) from ABB’s global security operations center.
• ABB Data Diode : One-way communication device that pairs with the IP QUADRAURE to ensure secure data transfer from OT to IT networks (e.g., SCADA to ERP), preventing reverse-direction attacks.
• ABB Security Hardening Kit : Provides pre-configured security policies for the IP QUADRAURE tailored to specific industries (oil & gas, power, manufacturing), reducing deployment time by 70%.
  

  ABB INNIS21

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installing the ABB IP QUADRAURE is designed for seamless integration into existing industrial networks. It mounts in standard 19-inch server racks (1U form factor), fitting easily into control rooms or network closets. The module’s “OT-First” setup wizard guides technicians through configuring industrial protocol policies, with pre-loaded templates for common DCS/SCADA systems (ABB Symphony Plus, Siemens S7). For redundant configurations (critical for power plants), the IP QUADRAURE supports active-passive failover with automatic configuration synchronization, ensuring no security gaps during failover. The module’s dual power inputs (AC/DC) provide additional reliability, and its fiber optic SFP ports enable secure communication over long distances (up to 10km) between network segments.

Maintenance of the ABB IP QUADRAURE is optimized for OT environments, with features that minimize operational disruption. Security updates (firmware, threat intelligence) can be deployed remotely via the ABB Cyber Security Manager without taking the module offline, ensuring continuous protection. The module’s self-diagnostic system monitors hardware health (ports, power supplies) and security policy compliance, sending alerts to the control system if anomalies are detected. Routine maintenance involves only quarterly log reviews and annual security audits—tasks that can be performed by OT teams with minimal IT support. ABB offers a 3-year global warranty, 24/7 industrial cyber security support, and local technical teams trained in OT-specific security. For regulated industries (e.g., nuclear, pharmaceutical), ABB provides compliance documentation to meet standards like NERC CIP and GMP.

The ABB IP QUADRAURE is more than a security module—it’s a critical enabler for secure, connected industrial operations. Its ability to understand industrial protocols, maintain real-time performance, and integrate with OT systems makes it indispensable for organizations navigating the shift to Industry 4.0. Whether you’re protecting a power plant’s DCS, a refinery’s process control system, or a renewable energy farm’s IoT network, the IP QUADRAURE delivers the security, reliability, and compatibility that industrial environments demand. Contact us today for a customized OT security solution that leverages the ABB IP QUADRAURE’s full potential to safeguard your critical operations.