A single Edge Node can create connections to multiple machines at once, even if each of them connects via a different protocol. We regularly connect 4 PLCs to the same Edge Node with dozens of data points each. Performance limitations of the infrastructure that you deploy the Edge Nodes to, network segmentation and logical grouping are considerations we will analyze together with you, when architecting your smart factory sprint.

We have benchmarked PREKIT on our standard Welotec EG500 Mk-2 Edge Devices to stream 89 data points each from 4 connected PLCs to a Unified Namespace. At a polling rate of 20 ms the data loss rate was under 1%.

How does PREKIT ensure security? Traditional Industry 3.0 architectures often rely on centralized systems and open network ports — creating broad attack surfaces and complex security gaps. Edge-driven Industry 4.0 architectures, by contrast, eliminate these exposures by keeping data and control at the source. There's no need to open inbound connections, which drastically reduces cybersecurity risk. Built on this secure-by-design foundation, PREKIT adds multiple layers of protection aligned with industry best practices: - Mutual TLS (mTLS) and full encryption of all external communications - Principle of least privilege for access control - Built-in local certificate server for automated, secure certificate management - Integrated authentication with federated identities via Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) - Fine-grained access policies down to specific branches of the Unified Namespace - Air-gapped operation capability to further minimize exposure to threats Together, these measures give IT teams full control and deep protection across their digital production infrastructure.