HMS Networks’ Latest Tool Enables Intuitive Industrial Network Monitoring
HMS Networks has released the new and improved Anybus Atlas2 Plus network diagnostics analyzer tool for industrial network monitoring. The new tool features an easier-to-use interface than earlier models.
Based on customer feedback, HMS Networks recently released the Anybus Atlas2 Plus network diagnostics tool for diagnosing and troubleshooting network issues across large industrial networks. This tool, which is DIN-rail mountable and powered by 12-24 V DC, was designed with the industrial and manufacturing user in mind. It can monitor EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, PROFINET, and PROFIBUS.
“Our goal was to build the most intuitive user interface backed by the most powerful diagnostics engine. We’ve achieved that as the new interface just shows what the service technician needs, allowing them to focus on what’s important to help solve the problem,” said Bert Konings, HMS Networks’ Anybus Diagnostics Business Line Director, about the new product.
The HMS Anybus Atlas2 Plus permanent monitoring tool. Image used courtesy of HMS Networks
Improvements From Atlas
The Atlas has been a reliable network analyzer, providing relevant data to IT professionals tasked with maintaining industrial networks. The original Atlas system has been deployed in over 10,000 places across multiple industries and serves many diverse needs. Based on this large industry impact, HMS Networks has received feedback about how to improve this system to make it more intuitive, speed up troubleshooting, and decrease network downtime.
Enter the Atlas2 Plus. It has all of the same features as the original Atlas system but a much more user-friendly interface to meet the needs of the industry. One of the biggest upgrades has been the Osiris software package, which is much more intuitive and easy to use than previous software. Its ease of use gives new IT professionals a head-start in troubleshooting, as well as gives even the most experienced network engineer a way to quickly isolate network issues. Ultimately, it provides a way to visualize data transfer and problem areas across the network.
Screenshot of the Anybus Atlas2 Plus diagnostic screen, called Osiris. Image used courtesy of HMS Networks
Need for Network Diagnostics
Network diagnostics are used to troubleshoot problems across multiple systems. Plenty of end users will blame “slow internet” or “poor connection” for their problems. Is that really what is happening? Network diagnostics can detect and quantify these types of problems. However, this is not about rooting out employee excuses; it’s about troubleshooting where and why data transfer is not occurring.
Another use for network diagnostics is to help thwart cybersecurity attacks. Some systems simply need to send status messages back and forth, which may not require much bandwidth. Monitoring the network usage, controllers, components, or computers that are sending a lot of data could indicate that there has been a data breach and an unauthorized user is extracting data.
The Anybus Atlas2 Plus provides users with an intuitive interface to monitor industrial networks. Image used courtesy of HMS Networks
Monitoring Industrial Networks
The new Anybus Atlas2 Plus will likely be used in large industrial networks where data security is taken seriously and downtime is an unacceptable cost. For companies that wish to monitor their networks for the first time, the Anybus Atlas2 Plus is a good way to get started. For existing HMS Networks clients, the Anybus Atlas2 Plus makes for an easier-to-use system that will benefit new IT professionals.
