In many manufacturing environments, state-of-the-art IT systems operate side by side with machine fleets that have grown over decades. These brownfield structures are valuable, but often challenging—especially when older machines continue to deliver productive output yet only support outdated protocols like SMBv1. Modern IT infrastructures, however, rely on SMBv3 for good reasons: security, stability, and compliance.

To connect both worlds efficiently and securely, the symmedia Hub now offers a new solution: the SMB Converter App.

The SMB Converter App reliably translates between SMBv1 and SMBv3, enabling controlled data exchange without requiring any modifications to existing machines. This is particularly important for CNC- and DNC-controlled systems, which remain crucial to production but cannot update their data communication protocols.

With the app, older OT systems in the machine network can be safely linked to modern IT servers. The protocol conversion happens entirely on the symmedia Edge Device, keeping IT and OT cleanly separated while still ensuring a secure, consistent flow of data.

The Converter handles all file operations between the machine (SMBv1) and the server (SMBv3), including automated synchronization. Instead of monitoring individual processes manually, the app ensures consistent data across systems:

• Uploads: Files received on the SMBv3 server are automatically transferred to the machine’s upload directory.
• Downloads: Files from the machine’s download directory are reliably forwarded to the SMBv3 server.
• Synchronization: Files are not only transferred but also mirrored. If a file is deleted on one side, it is automatically removed on the other.

This approach prevents redundancies, maintains an up-to-date file state at all times, and reduces the burden on production IT teams.

Installation for All Connected Machines via the symmedia Hub Application Management

Thanks to the integrated application management in the symmedia EdgeDevices Portal, the SMB Converter App can be deployed quickly and consistently. All required parameters—ranging from SMBv1 credentials to hostnames, paths, and credentials, as well as polling and synchronization intervals—are configured and managed centrally.

The result: a fully operational application within minutes, easily adaptable to existing network and system environments.

Brownfield Connectivity – Secure, Simple, and Future-Proof

The new SMB Converter App significantly simplifies the secure integration of legacy machines into modern IT landscapes. It seamlessly connects OT systems that rely on SMBv1 with today’s SMBv3-based infrastructures—without requiring any changes to the machines themselves. This enables reliable and future-proof brownfield connectivity, strengthens IT security, and forms the foundation for stable digital production processes.

In this way, the symmedia Hub becomes a key enabler of sustainable machine connectivity—helping companies extend the lifecycle of their installed base while meeting the demands of contemporary manufacturing environments. Or to put it another way: symmedia helps you let your brownfield blossom.

Curious of what symmedia Hub can do for you?
Contact our sales team for more information.

sales@symmedia.de
+49 (0)521 9665 50