2026 Agenda
From IT to OT: Rethinking Critical Infrastructure Networks
Dr. Ryan Bradetich (Senior Vice President of Communications and Cybersecurity, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc)
Location: Critical Comms Spotlight Theater - Booth 2363
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 2:10 pm - 2:30 pm
Track:
First Responders,
Critical Infrastructure
Topics:
Broadband, Cybersecurity, Network Infrastructure, Regulation & Standards
Format:
Expo Theater
Vault Recording: TBD
For critical infrastructure, traditional IT networking approaches introduce unnecessary complexity, increase cybersecurity risks (and the costs to mitigate them), and make network management harder than it needs to be. This session explores why IT-based networking falls short for critical infrastructure and how SEL’s Operational Technology Software-Defined Networking (OTSDN) changes the game. SEL redesigned networking from the ground up to create a purpose-built solution for OT environments. The result is a secure, simple, and deterministic networking solution that eliminates common pain points while enhancing reliability and resilience for critical communications systems.
Takeaway
- Understand the difference between IT and OT networking requirements and why IT-based designs struggle in critical infrastructure environments.
- Identify the hidden risks and costs of applying IT networking principles to OT systems.
- Discover how SEL OTSDN simplifies management, enhances cybersecurity, and ensures reliable performance.
- See real-world applications of OTSDN improving cybersecurity, uptime, and resilience in critical infrastructure networks.