Utthunga, a key player in industrial automation and smart manufacturing, has been granted a patent for an innovative communication framework that enables secure data exchange between isolated networks. Titled ‘A Method and a System to Enable Communication Between a Plurality of Guarded Networks’, the patented solution has already been deployed in more than 25 industrial projects and integrated across 10+ OEM ecosystems.
The technology tackles persistent integration issues between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) networks. Common challenges include inconsistent data models, communication disruptions between isolated systems, cross-domain security vulnerabilities, complicated manual configurations, and limitations in scalability.
This patented solution enables smooth, secure interaction between shop-floor systems and enterprise-level platforms, allowing for centralized, data-driven decision-making while preserving strict cybersecurity and network isolation standards.
Krishnan KM, Founder and CEO of Utthunga, remarked, “Ensuring reliable industrial connectivity has always been one of our core objectives. This patent validates our continued efforts in addressing deep-rooted challenges of digital transformation in the industrial sector. As convergence between IT and OT becomes the norm, our focus remains on building secure and scalable systems that can operate under demanding conditions. This achievement is a testament to our long-term R&D goals and the faith our customers place in us.”
Utthunga has established itself as a prominent contributor to the global industrial communication ecosystem. The company is actively involved with leading industry bodies such as the OPC Foundation, ODVA, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPAS, and PNO. It also operates India’s only certified FieldComm Group Test Lab and is home to the country’s first PROFIBUS and PROFINET Competence Centre.
Reflecting on the journey, Praveen Kumar Singh, Chief OPC Solutions Architect at Utthunga and the patent’s lead author, said, “This innovation was born out of real-world integration challenges we frequently encountered in high-risk industrial environments. Our aim was to create a practical solution that enables communication across secure, segmented networks without increasing operational complexity or compromising safety. The lessons learned through this process will continue to shape our future innovations.”
Utthunga is now working on expanding industry adoption of this framework. The roadmap includes developing advanced features such as edge-ready communication modules, self-configuring portable gateways, and embedded analytics tools—all tailored to operate within secure and segmented industrial environments.
The company also plans to enhance its R&D operations through specialized Centers of Excellence aligned with major technology shifts and the evolving requirements of industrial digital transformation.
Established in 2007, Utthunga provides comprehensive engineering R&D and digital solutions to some of the world’s leading OEMs, ISVs, MSPs, and manufacturers across sectors like energy, power, chemicals, mining, metals, utilities, and pharmaceuticals.
With a team of over 1,200 engineers, Utthunga delivers services that span the complete engineering value chain—from design and development to cloud-based solutions. Their offerings include software, firmware and hardware development, IIoT platforms, IT-OT convergence, industrial communications, device integration, cybersecurity, and testing. The company also provides pre-built sustainability tools to help manufacturers accelerate progress on key environmental and governance metrics.
