MetaDefender Optical Diode

Secure One-Way OT/IT Communication for Critical Infrastructure

MetaDefender Optical Diode is built for organizations that need to move data from OT to IT without opening a return path to critical systems. It uses a hardware-enforced, one-way optical link between source and destination servers, which helps protect production environments from network-borne threats while still enabling secure data and file transfers.

The solution also gives teams access to real-time OT data and supports multiple data types transferred concurrently. As a result, operators can maintain visibility across industrial environments while keeping sensitive OT networks isolated from external risk.

What Makes This Optical Diode Different

This platform is designed as a deterministic isolation device for secure OT/IT communication. Unlike conventional connectivity methods, it enforces one-way data flow through a unidirectional optical connection, which means there is no return path back to the OT network. That design helps strengthen segmentation and reduce the risk of remote intrusion into critical infrastructure.

In addition, the platform arrives preconfigured for fast deployment. Teams can bring it into operation quickly, without complex firewall audits or extensive configuration work. Because it supports high-fidelity data replication, users can also maintain existing workflows without major process changes.

Key Features and Benefits

MetaDefender Optical Diode combines strong isolation with practical deployment benefits for industrial environments.

• One-way optical communication with no return path
• Secure, segmented, unidirectional data paths
• True protocol break through a non-routable connection
• Redundant optical connection for strong reliability
• Easy deployment and simple operation
• Seamless integration with MetaDefender Kiosk, Core, and Managed File Transfer
• Support for real-time OT data access and secure file transfers
• High-availability support with active/standby configuration on the 1U model

The datasheet also highlights industrial cybersecurity compliance support across NEI 13-10, NERC CIP, NIST ICS/CSF/800-82/800-53, IEC 62443, NRC 5.71, CFATS, ISO 27001/27032/27103, ANSSI, and IIC SF. In addition, the solution helps defend against industrial attack techniques outlined by MITRE ATT&CK.

Protocol Support for OT and ICS Environments

MetaDefender Optical Diode supports a broad range of industrial, IT, monitoring, and file transfer protocols, which makes it suitable for many OT cybersecurity and integration use cases.

Industrial protocols

• Modbus
• OPC UA, OPC DA, OPC A&E
• MQTT
• IEC104
• DNP3
• AVEVA PI historian
• ICCP

IT protocols

• UDP
• TCP
• HTTP
• HTTPS
• SMTP
• Video and audio stream transfer
• Ethernet packet transfer

IT monitoring

• Log transfer
• SNMP traps
• SYSLOG
• SIEM integration via SYSLOG
• Screen view

File system support

• FTP, FTPS, SFTP
• Folder and file transfer/copy
• User-defined file polling interval
• Transfer priority based on date, time, and filename
• Windows File Share
• SMB, CIFS
• Antivirus updates
• WSUS patch updates

Because of this protocol coverage, the platform can support monitoring, file movement, secure updates, and OT-to-IT data visibility without weakening segmentation.

Deployment Flexibility and Hardware Options

MetaDefender Optical Diode is available in both 1U and DIN Rail models, which gives organizations flexibility across different operating environments. The product visuals on page 1 show both hardware types, while page 2 presents the deployment model and technical specifications.

1U model

• Redundant power supply: 250W
• Voltage: 100 to 240VAC, auto ranging
• Power consumption: 150W typical
• Dimensions: 2 x 19 x 1.75 x 15.75 inches
• Weight: 2 x 27 lb
• Operating temperature: 32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C)
• MTBF: more than 50,000 hours
• Mounting: 1U rack kit included

DIN Rail model

• Voltage: 12 to 36VDC
• Power consumption: 19.55W typical
• Dimensions: 2 x 2.5 x 7.32 x 6.3 inches
• Weight: 2 x 4.85 lb
• Operating temperature: -40 to 158°F (-40 to 70°C)
• Mounting: no additional hardware needed

Additional specifications

• Connectivity: 2 x USB for provided crypto keys
• Tested latency: 0.6 ms TCP, 0.7 ms UDP
• Certifications: Common Criteria EAL 4+, FCC, CE, UKCA, and C1D2 for the DIN Rail model

How MetaDefender Optical Diode Protects the OT Network

The deployment diagram on page 2 shows a trusted network and an untrusted network separated by the Optical Diode with an air gap concept between them. The diagram emphasizes that the platform assures no way back to the OT network, which is one of its core security advantages.

This architecture is especially valuable for critical infrastructure operators that need to transfer operational data outward while preventing inbound threats from reaching sensitive OT assets.

Ideal Use Cases

MetaDefender Optical Diode is well suited for:

• critical infrastructure environments
• OT and ICS networks
• manufacturing operations
• utilities and energy operators
• industrial systems that require strict segmentation
• organizations that need secure OT-to-IT visibility and file transfer

Why Organizations Choose This Solution

Organizations choose MetaDefender Optical Diode because it combines strong one-way isolation with practical deployment and broad protocol support. It helps teams move data securely, maintain real-time visibility, and protect critical systems from network-borne threats. At the same time, it supports industrial compliance requirements and flexible hardware options for different environments.

Conclusion

MetaDefender Optical Diode is a strong choice for organizations that need secure and reliable OT/IT communication without compromising critical infrastructure. With hardware-enforced one-way data transfer, no return path, flexible deployment models, and broad protocol support, it offers a practical way to strengthen industrial cybersecurity while keeping operations connected.

Learn more about OPSWAT solutions at: https://www.opswat.com/

Explore other cybersecurity solutions from EJD at: https://ejdinternational.com.sg/product/