Primer: What does “network blind spots” mean?
This is likely a term you’ve heard before, especially if you’re working alongside IT professionals. “Network blind spots” refer to areas where OT network visibility is limited or nonexistent. These blind spots can occur due to outdated infrastructure, misconfigured or duplicate devices, or a lack of proper monitoring tools.
Many system failures start as small, unnoticed problems that get worse over time. These hidden issues can lead to:
- Unplanned Downtime: Minor glitches that go unnoticed can snowball into major outages to critical systems that can bring operations to a halt.
- Security Breaches: Undetected vulnerabilities provide an entry point for cyberattacks, jeopardizing sensitive data and operational integrity.
- Compliance Failures: Industries with strict regulations risk fines and penalties if undetected issues result in non-compliance.
The longer a problem goes unnoticed, the worse it gets. A security weakness could be used for months without anyone knowing, or a whole section of a building could be wasting energy because of incorrect information.
Finding and fixing these blind spots is crucial for keeping things running smoothly and avoiding expensive disruptions. Whether it’s an office building, a hospital, or a university, downtime can disrupt operations, hurt reputations, and cost a lot of money.
In this article, let’s break down the potential consequences of OT network outages in three common OT network environments and explore the true cost of being offline.
1. Corporate Headquarters and Multi-Tenant Buildings
In large corporate headquarters or multi-tenant buildings, OT networks manage everything from HVAC systems and security access controls to lighting and elevators to provide efficiency, reliability, and ease of management. A network outage in this environment can bring operations to a standstill, affecting not only the building’s owner but also the businesses’ leasing space.
For example, consider an outage during business hours at a 50-story skyscraper:
- Disruption: Employees may be locked out of the building or stranded on certain floors due to non-functioning elevators. Meeting rooms might go dark, and climate control systems could fail. For tenants, the inability to access their offices can mean halted operations and lost revenue.
- Cost Impact: If a tenant’s business is unable to operate, they may look to the facility management for rent refunds or negotiate reduced rates, leading to financial losses for the building owner. In the IT industry, for example, downtime averages $5,600 per minute, these costs quickly add up. For multi-tenant spaces, the cumulative impact on all affected businesses can escalate into the millions, alongside emergency repair costs and potential reputational damage for the property management company.
2. Hospitals
In healthcare, downtime has the potential to be life-threatening. OT networks in hospitals support critical systems such as patient monitoring devices, surgical equipment, and temperature/humidity controls for medication storage.
Consider the implications of a network failure in a mid-sized hospital:
- Disruption: Operating rooms may need to halt surgeries, patients in intensive care units could face interruptions in monitoring, and pharmaceutical refrigerators could lose power.
- Cost Impact: Research estimates the average cost of downtime for a hospital at $10,600 per minute. In a two-hour outage, the total cost could exceed $1.27 million—not to mention the potential loss of life harm to patients, or related legal exposure.

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3. University Campuses
University campuses rely on OT networks for a variety of systems, including dormitory access, classroom technology, and energy management across sprawling facilities. A network failure during the academic year can cause widespread chaos.
For instance, an outage at a university might lead to costs exceeding $300,000 an hour:
- Disruption: Students locked out of dorms, classes canceled due to non-functioning AV equipment and other occupancy systems, and cafeteria operations stalled due to malfunctioning appliances.
- Cost Impact: If the outage leads to canceled classes, refunding tuition for lost instructional time could cost the university tens of thousands of dollars. Disruptions in research facilities might delay grant-funded projects, risking millions in funding. Emergency downtime can also lead to costly overtime for facility technicians and expensive call-outs from vendors and Systems Integrators.
Addressing Network Visibility and Reducing Downtime Risks
Reducing OT network downtime begins with improving visibility and implementing strategies to mitigate risks proactively. Organizations must prioritize robust tools and operational practices to monitor and maintain their networks effectively. Real-time network monitoring is the cornerstone of downtime prevention. With continuous visibility into network health, you’re alerting technical teams to potential issues before they escalate into full-blown outages. These systems can detect misconfigured devices, failing hardware, or rogue devices, ensuring that minor problems are addressed promptly.
Diagnostic tools that offer granular insights into network performance and device connectivity are equally important. These tools help identify weak points in the network, such as intermittent connections or overloaded devices, enabling teams to take corrective action before disruptions occur. Regular audits further reinforce these efforts, ensuring that network configurations, hardware, and security protocols remain up-to-date and aligned with best practices.
And let’s not overlook how training and collaboration play a pivotal role in reducing downtime risks. Internal teams need regular training to stay informed about evolving technologies and threats. Collaborative efforts with external systems integrators or vendors can further strengthen an organization’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to potential issues, minimizing the duration and impact of downtime events.
By combining these tools and strategies, organizations can mitigate the risks of OT network downtime, safeguarding their operations, reputations, and bottom lines.
Remove Network Blind Spots with OptigoVN
OT network downtime isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business, safety, and reputational risk. From skyscrapers to hospitals to campuses, the costs can quickly spiral into the millions. By understanding these risks, addressing undetected issues, and investing in preventive measures, organizations can protect their operations, their stakeholders, and their bottom lines.
OptigoVN enhances visibility through its powerful suite of diagnostic tools designed to remove blind spots for OT networks. Here’s how:
- Comprehensive monitoring: OptigoVN provides real-time insights into network health, allowing facilities managers and systems integrators to detect and address issues quickly. The system offers detailed diagnostic tools, including Network Health Scores, to highlight performance metrics and identify problem areas.
- Site Scope+ Add-On: The Site Scope+ feature provides granular, device-level insights and is portable across multiple network segments. This allows users to optimize networks one at a time or simultaneously, depending on their needs. Site Scopes also facilitate proactive monitoring and root cause analysis, reducing downtime and enhancing system reliability.
- Scalability and accessibility: As a cloud-based platform, OptigoVN adapts to networks of any size, from small buildings to large campuses. It supports collaboration among multiple users in different locations, enabling shared access to critical network data.
- Ease of Use and Cost-Effectiveness: OptigoVN is free to start, with affordable paid add-ons such as Site Scopes. These tools are designed to simplify network troubleshooting and eliminate unnecessary costs associated with traditional diagnostic methods, such as multiple site visits.
By combining real-time diagnostics, collaborative tools, and scalability, OptigoVN empowers users to maintain optimal network health and reduce operational disruptions. Ready to see what OptigoVN can do for you? Contact us to schedule a demo or sign up for a free account to explore on your own today.
FAQ: The True Cost of OT Network Blind Spots
1. What are OT network blind spots?
Network blind spots refer to areas within an Operational Technology (OT) network where visibility is limited or nonexistent. These blind spots can be caused by outdated infrastructure, misconfigured or duplicate devices, or a lack of proper monitoring tools.
2. Why are network blind spots a problem?
Blind spots can lead to unplanned downtime, security vulnerabilities, and compliance failures. These issues can disrupt operations, hurt reputations, and result in significant financial losses.
3. How much does network downtime cost?
The costs vary by industry but can escalate quickly:
- Corporate offices: $5,600 per minute on average.
- Hospitals: $10,600 per minute, potentially exceeding $1.27 million for a two-hour outage.
- Universities: Costs can reach $300,000 per hour, with additional impacts on tuition refunds and grant-funded research.
4. How can organizations reduce the risk of downtime?
Reducing downtime starts with improving network visibility. Strategies include:
- Real-time monitoring to detect issues before they escalate.
- Diagnostic tools to identify weak points in the network.
- Regular audits to ensure configurations and hardware are up-to-date.
- Training internal teams and collaborating with external vendors or systems integrators.
5. What tools can help eliminate OT network blind spots?
OptigoVN offers powerful diagnostic tools to enhance OT network visibility:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Provides continuous insights into network health.
- Site Scope+ Add-On: Offers granular, device-level insights and facilitates root cause analysis.
- Scalability: Supports networks of any size, from small buildings to campuses.
- Accessibility: Allows multiple users to collaborate on network monitoring across locations.
6. What are the benefits of using OptigoVN?
OptigoVN helps organizations:
- Reduce downtime with real-time diagnostics and proactive monitoring.
- Save money with cost-effective tools, avoiding multiple site visits.
- Collaborate efficiently with shared access to network data across teams.
*Article FAQs are created with the help of AI