In view of the upcoming shutdown of the 2G mobile network in Germany, Panasonic Industry and INSYS icom are combining their expertise to support operators in the water and environmental sectors with the migration to future-proof communication solutions. Deutsche Telekom plans to shut down its 2G network by no later than June 30, 2028, in order to free up frequencies for more powerful technologies such as 4G (LTE) and 5G. However, numerous applications in the water industry as well as in M2M and IoT environments still rely on GSM technology and therefore face an urgent need for modernization.
Migrating Existing Infrastructure
The transition particularly affects long-life installations within critical infrastructures, where communication units often remain in operation unchanged for many years. Without timely migration, outages may occur, as devices that only support 2G will no longer be able to establish network connections after the shutdown. Existing systems must be migrated to future-ready technologies in good time to ensure long-term operational reliability.
Retrofit Instead of Complete Replacement
At the heart of the solution is Panasonic Industry’s FP-I4C communication controller, combined with industrial routers and gateways from INSYS icom. The concept is simple: continue using existing installations while integrating them into modern communication infrastructures. The FP-I4C enables existing serially connected controllers to be integrated into modern networks without requiring a complete system replacement. This retrofit strategy not only helps companies reduce costs but also supports sustainability by extending the life of existing hardware.
Added Value Through Modern Communication and Remote Services
The FP-I4C supports a wide range of industrial communication protocols and enables functions such as:
- Connecting existing installations to databases and cloud systems,
- Remote access and remote maintenance,
- Creation of web-based visualizations for improved usability,
- Integration into point-to-point and multi-point communication structures.
- Combined with INSYS icom’s industrial routers, this creates a scalable and secure end-to-end solution.
Secure Connectivity with Industrial LTE Routers
INSYS icom’s router and gateway solutions are specifically designed for industrial applications and provide:
- Secure data transmission via VPN connections,
- High connection stability and redundancy,
- Support for modern mobile communication standards such as LTE and 5G,
- Rugged design for operation in demanding environments,
- Integration with SCADA, IoT, and cloud platforms.
By migrating to modern mobile communication technologies, companies benefit not only from higher bandwidth and lower latency but also from enhanced security mechanisms. Modern industrial routers feature hardened operating systems, encryption technologies, and flexible VPN architectures, which are particularly essential for critical infrastructure applications.
