Episode 18 — Operate OT Wireless Reliably: VHF, AIS, VSAT, M-Bus, 802.15.4, and 802.11

This episode teaches the practical realities of wireless in OT, where reliability, coverage, and interference management can be as important as classic confidentiality concerns. You’ll review why different wireless technologies exist, what they are commonly used for, and how constraints like bandwidth, latency, terrain, and licensing shape operational expectations for VHF, AIS, and VSAT links. We also cover M-Bus and short-range technologies such as 802.15.4 and 802.11, focusing on how device density, power constraints, channel planning, and roaming behavior affect stability and troubleshooting outcomes. Security is framed as an extension of operational discipline: unmanaged wireless expands the threat surface through weak authentication, shared keys, misconfigured access points, and the reality that radio signals do not respect fence lines. You’ll learn exam-relevant troubleshooting and response steps like validating signal environment, checking antenna placement and cabling, reviewing encryption and authentication settings, and implementing monitoring that can detect rogue devices or unexpected retransmission patterns without disrupting production. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.