Westermo has released a new version of its WeConfig Network Configuration Manager. WeConfig 1.9 includes a new function to compile a complete Network Baseline Report which makes it easier to perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). It also includes a function that makes it easy to validate firmware file authenticity for increased cybersecurity.

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“Data communication networks, critical to manufacturing, utilities and transport infrastructure, are becoming increasingly complex and must meet greater security and reliability requirements. This is a driving force for providers of industrial networking technology to assure full availability and reliability in any new system component installation or upgrade,” says Anders Hanberg, Product Manager for Westermo Operating System (WeOS) and software tools.

“To meet this need, Westermo has improved the ability of WeConfig to document the network. Using the new Network Baseline Report function, WeConfig can now produce a report that helps to simplify factory and site acceptance testing. During the Factory Acceptance Test the network is set up and documented in a safe and secure environment and is tested and fine-tuned to the optimum configuration. When the network is installed on site, a Site Acceptance Test is performed and the performance of the network can be compared with the factory test to ensure that no fault or deviation has been created during installation. The baseline report can also be used throughout the service life of the network to ensure that the original performance is maintained over time. View Network Baseline Report example (PDF)

“With WeConfig 1.9 we have continued to enhance user friendliness. In a new tab called `Tools’ we have collected some useful items to further simplify configuration and security. In addition to the existing SHDSL reach calculator, that helps calculate noise-to-reach-ratio on copper cables, there is now a SHA256 file checksum calculator and subnet calculator.

“The checksum calculator helps the user to easily confirm whether a firmware image is an officially published version from Westermo. This creates a very secure process for firmware upgrades. The subnet calculator has been added to enable a network to be correctly divided into subnets by calculating the network address, subnet mask, broadcast address and host IP address range.

“Last but not least, WeConfig can now support different languages. Chinese and French are the first to be made available.”

Read Niklas Mörts' post on Retaining data integrity with cryptographic checksums

View a short video demo of how the checksum validation is performed using WeConfig

This is WeConfig
WeConfig is a tool that can be used with WeOS-powered networking devices to make network configuration and maintenance more efficient, simple and reliable. Many man-hours can be saved during the initial installation and maintaining the network throughout its life. Time-consuming tasks can be automated, and configuration updates can be deployed in bulk. WeConfig minimises the risk of configuration errors and makes it simple to optimise network security.  A properly configured and monitored network with simple and robust maintenance processes minimises the risk of network downtime. 

Read more about WeConfig Network Configuration Manager

Register to download WeConfig 1.9