For more than 20 years, IT networks in the energy sector have undergone rapid digital transformation. This shift has boosted operational efficiency, yet it has also created unprecedented cybersecurity risks. As IT and Operational Technology (OT) converge across remote extraction sites, vast transmission pipelines, and local electric substations, complexity and vulnerability continue to grow.

Lantronix Out-of-Band (OOB) Management provides a unified, secure platform designed specifically for these hybrid environments. Whether supporting a critical satellite link on a remote drilling platform or ensuring uptime at a local substation, Lantronix helps energy organizations maintain secure access, control, visibility, and automation—even when the primary network is unavailable.

Below are key examples of how Lantronix OOB solutions strengthen resilience across the energy ecosystem.

Extraction: Remote Access and Resilient Connectivity for Drilling Platforms

Offshore drilling platforms and other extraction sites face extreme logistical challenges. Sending a technician may require hours of 4×4 travel—or even a helicopter. In these environments, automated remote management is essential for safety, cost control, and uptime.

Lantronix OOB solutions provide:

• Secure out-of-band access via old-school dial-up, cellular, or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity anywhere on the planet using Iridium modems
• Continuous local monitoring of networking and communications gear
• Reliable automated responses even when the primary network is degraded or offline

This ensures administrators maintain connectivity and command, no matter how remote the equipment may be.

Transportation: Securing and Managing Large-Scale Pipeline Networks

Energy organizations using Lantronix operate some of the world’s largest liquids pipeline systems, requiring network management at sites spanning thousands of miles. The convergence of SCADA and IP networks increases both operational complexity, criticality, and the need for stronger security.

Lantronix LM-Series console servers deployed at pipeline aggregation stations deliver:

Continuous Local Monitoring

• Always-on serial monitoring of critical device stats
• No impact on low-bandwidth environments
• Automatic compression and encryption of monitoring data relayed to centralized systems

Secure Access and Compliance

• Enforcement of security policies
• User access control
• Full logging of device changes and outcomes

Heterogeneous Device Support

• Single interface for SCADA devices, IP networking gear, and communications equipment

This deployment strategy reduces expensive truck rolls, increases security, and simplifies oversight for distributed pipeline networks.

Distribution: Improving Uptime and Automating Substation Management

Electric substations are core to energy distribution and network availability is literally part of “keeping the lights on.” These geographically dispersed sites face rising cybersecurity challenges and require resilient, automated management.

Lantronix LM-Series enhances substation operations through:

AI-Driven Automation

• Expert-system automation that collects data that informs rule-based decisions
• Automatic diagnosis and resolution of common network issues within minutes
• Reduced IT workload and fewer manual interventions

Reliable Out-of-Band Access

• Secure technician access even when the main network is down
• Faster incident response and reduced OPEX from fewer truck rolls

By ensuring network independence and automating resolution, Lantronix helps utilities improve uptime and strengthen security at scale.

The Path to Compliance and Resilience

Cybersecurity requirements from regulatory bodies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the National Energy Reliability Council (NERC) are mission critical. Lantronix solutions are engineered to support these requirements.

One regional Independent System Operator (ISO) deploys the Lantronix LM-Series and Control Center at all of their distribution sites for resilience and compliance with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. The deployment enabled the ISO to control user access, audit infrastructure changes, and strengthen the security of its electronic power generation trading.

Lantronix OOB helps energy organizations align with key NERC CIP requirements:

• Access Control (CIP-004/005)
• Physical Security (CIP-006)
• System Security Management (CIP-007)
• Incident Response & Recovery (CIP-008/009)

By implementing Lantronix OOB management, organizations gain not only a safeguard against outages but a platform that improves network management, increases security, and ensures the availability of critical energy services.

The power of out-of-band

As energy networks become more distributed, interconnected, and exposed to cyber threats, Out-of-Band Management is a key component of network resilience. Lantronix provides the secure access, automation, resilience, and compliance capabilities needed to protect the energy ecosystem end-to-end.